A Celebration of Women in Uilleann Piping 1800s-1900s – Louise Mulcahy
As part of Aistear 2030, a programme of events promoting the Comhaltas Prospectus up to 2030, Clasac is hosting a series of lectures.
The uilleann pipes is an instrument long associated with male players and throughout history women have been in the minority within this tradition. Historical records and publications have featured many male performers but little documentation is available on the women who played the uilleann pipes during the 19th and 20th century. Louise Mulcahy has engaged in extensive research in this unique area of Irish traditional music. An internationally renowned piper and flute player, Louise has unearthed valuable historical material, photographs and documentation on these important women. This pioneering project is of cultural, musical and historical significance and is a unique part of Irish music history. Louise presented her research work on women in uilleann piping in a landmark documentary for TG4 titled Mná na bPíob in 2021. She was also named as one of the Stars of 2018 in the Irish Times culture review. Louise is bridging the gender divide “aided in no small measure by her ground breaking musicianship” – The Irish Times
Session and refreshments to follow.
