As part of Irish Wings Festival 2026, a programme of six two-hour workshops will run alongside the main concert, providing a meaningful educational strand and deepening the festival’s cross-cultural impact. Delivered by the visiting Irish and Greek artists, the workshops offer participants hands-on engagement with Irish and Greek traditional music through rhythm, melody, instrumental style and song.
Sessions include bodhrán (instruments supplied) with Liam Ó Maonlaí, tin whistle (whistles supplied) with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Irish fiddle with Dónal O’Connor, Greek traditional song with Chrysoula Kechagioglou, Greek traditional instrumental music (all instruments welcome) with Maria Ploumi, and Greek bouzouki with Elias Dendias.
The workshop programme supports learning, access and cultural exchange, offering an opportunity for musicians and singers of all levels to explore tradition in a shared creative space.
Liam Ó Maonlaí — Bodhrán Workshop (2 hours)
A rare opportunity to explore the bodhrán with Liam Ó Maonlaí — a musician renowned for his rhythm, energy and deep connection to traditional music. This two-hour session will focus on groove, pulse and feel, and how rhythm supports song and melody in Irish music. Bodhráns will be provided, so all you need to bring is your curiosity and a willingness to play.
Suitable for all levels.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh — Tin Whistle Workshop (2 hours) (Tin whistles supplied)
Join Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh for a lively and accessible tin whistle workshop rooted in Irish traditional music. In this two-hour session, Muireann will explore phrasing, ornamentation and rhythm through a selection of tunes and exercises, with a special focus on musicality and expression. Tin whistles will be supplied.
Suitable for beginners through to intermediate players.
Dónal O’Connor — Irish Fiddle Workshop (2 hours)
A dynamic two-hour fiddle workshop with acclaimed Irish fiddler Dónal O’Connor. Exploring repertoire, style and variation, this session will look at how to deepen your playing through bowing, rhythm and ornamentation — with an emphasis on making tunes sing.
Suitable for intermediate and advanced players, with plenty of practical ideas for all fiddlers.
Chrysoula Kechagioglou — Greek Traditional Song Workshop (2 hours)
Discover the beauty and power of Greek traditional song with the celebrated vocalist Chrysoula Kechagioglou. This two-hour workshop explores Greek vocal style, ornamentation, rhythm, and storytelling — with songs drawn from island and mainland traditions. A welcoming and immersive session for singers of all backgrounds.
No Greek language experience required — just a love of song.
Maria Ploumi — Greek Instrumental Music Workshop (2 hours) (All instruments welcome)
A vibrant, inclusive workshop exploring Greek traditional instrumental music with laouto player Maria Ploumi. Open to all instruments, this two-hour session will focus on Greek rhythm and melody, dance forms, and the distinctive phrasing that gives Greek tunes their lift and character. Whether you play Irish music, Greek music, or anything in between, you’ll come away with new tools and musical inspiration.
Elias Dendias — Greek Bouzouki Workshop (2 hours)
Join virtuoso bouzouki player Elias Dendias for a special two-hour workshop rooted in Greek traditional music and the expressive world of rebetiko. This session will explore accompaniment, groove, ornamentation, and melody, with practical focus on technique and style.
While designed for bouzouki and fretted instruments, the workshop will also offer valuable insights for anyone interested in Greek rhythm and phrasing.
Workshops Schedule
Friday 3rd July
9.00am -10.30pm – Chrysoula – Greek Traditional Song
11.00am – 12.30pm –Muireann – Tin Whistle (instruments supplied)
1.00pm – 2.30pm -Alexandros – Greek instrumental music
Saturday 4th July
9.00am – 10.30am – Dónal – Irish traditional fiddle
11.00am – 12.30pm –Elias – Greek bouzouki
1.00pm – 2.30pm – Liam – Bodhrán – Irish hand-held drum (instruments supplied)