First ever Smithfield Sessions held over the weekend

Dublin City Council presented The Smithfield Sessions on Smithfield Square for people of all ages last weekend.

The Smithfield Sessions were curated by First Music Contact, in partnership with Improvised Music Company, The Contemporary Music Centre and Music Network and offered an opportunity to enjoy the sounds of Dublin and to support emerging artists.

Music workshops ran at event from 12pm to 2pm each day and were free to attend on a first come first served basis.

On Saturday, events commenced at 12.00 with a children’s ‘Create and Compose’ workshop with CMC Composer Áine Mallon followed by a drumming workshop with Micháel Quinn (Dermot Kennedy’s drummer).

Sunday’s workshops included an Introduction to Improvisation with Lina Andonovoska and Izumi Kimura followed by Group Music-Making with fiddle player Zoë Conway and bouzouki player Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland’s greatest ever composers, arrangers, and producers.

Showcase performances ran from 2.30pm to 6pm each day and were free to attend at the marquee.

Saturday performances featured ‘Sound Out’ – new music with CMC Emerging Composer 2022 Aoife Kavanagh followed by CMC Emerging Composer 2022 Paul Scully in collaboration with The Contemporary Music Centre.

Music Network then presented ‘Síomha’ followed by a traditional ensemble led by TG4 Young Musician of the Year Diarmuid Ó Meachair, accordion player and sean nós singer.

He was joined by fiddle player James Carty and Paddy McEvoy on piano.

On Sunday afternoon visitors enjoyed showcase performances from Aleka and The Matthew Halpin Group in collaboration with Improvised Music Company followed by Aoife Wolf and Bricknasty in collaboration with First Music Contact.