'Piper's Choice - Understand the art of uilleann piping'

An insight into the art of uilleann piping by three great masters of Irish music - Liam O'Flynn, Ronan Browne and Tommy Keane.

Mr Cathal Goan, Director General of RTÉ, launches the Piper's Choice, a unique DVD recording of three of the greatest living exponents of the uilleann pipes at the headquarters of Na Píobairí Uilleann at 15, Henrietta St

On this recording, the first volume in a new series by NPU, the three master pipers will perform their favourite pieces and explain in depth their individual approach to each selection and to the instrument in general.

This will give viewers - students of the pipes and lovers of Irish music alike - a unique and up-front insight into the extraordinary craft of piping. The three wonderful individual performances can be enjoyed on many levels but none more so than for pure listening entertainment.

Skilfully presented by piper and RTÉ radio broadcaster Peter Browne, Piper's Choice gives the viewer a chance to share in the artistic process employed by the great uilleann pipers and to understand what makes the pipes the iconic instrument in Irish music today.

The Musicians

Liam O'Flynn: Liam's extraordinary international reputation as one of the great Irish musicians was first established in the 1970s with the legendary band Planxty who recently re-formed with resounding success. He has pursued a remarkable professional solo career for over two decades collaborating with a host of leading international musicians. However, his dedication to the pipes and passion for classic uilleann piping has contributed enormously to the popularity of the instrument worldwide.

Tommy Keane: Waterford native Tommy Keane was a central figure in the Irish traditional music scene in London during the 1980s where he regularly performed with legendary players like Tommy McCarthy, Bobby Casey and Roger Sherlock. During his period in London, Tommy also worked with The Pogues, Clannad and Ralph McTell. Influenced by the great piping masters of the last century, Seamus Ennis and Willie Clancy, and indeed a student of Liam O'Flynn at the Willie Clancy Summer School, Tommy released his first solo album The Piper's Apron in 1991. Tommy lives in Galway where he teaches traditional music.

Ronan Browne: Ronan has been one of the leading exponents of uilleann piping for over 30 years since first emerging as a talented student of the instrument in the early 1970s. The discerning quality of Ronan's approach to Irish music is renowned and his rich repertoire is a testament to his many heroes and influences. As a professional musician, Ronan has performed extensively internationally and his recording portfolio is both prolific and eclectic. Ronan's 2001 solo work The Wynd You Know was released to great acclaim while the two albums produced with legendary Clare musician Peadar O'Loughlin are considered among the finest traditional recordings of our time.


Na Píobairí Uilleann

Piper's Choice is the latest production by Na Píobairí Uilleann, the association of uilleann pipers. Since unveiling its newly renovated Georgian premises in Dublin's Henrietta St 12 months ago, NPU has launched a number of significant publications including The Dance Music of Seamus Ennis, compiled by Pat Mitchell. Two solo piping recordings by Eliot Grasso and Emmet Gill were also recently released while NPU also ran a highly successful inter-active nationwide tour of uilleann piping entitled Piperlink last autumn. This venture was funding by the Arts Council's touring experiment. A dedicated course in pipe-making is currently being planned in conjunction with FÁS while NPU's commitment to tuition, both on a weekly basis at its premises and internationally, continues to grow. To facilitate international students on-line piping lessons will be available from next month.

NPU will celebrate its 40th year in existence at its annual convention in Dublin in May 23-35.

Info - www.pipers.ie info@pipers.ie tel 01-8730093, fax 01-8730537. NPU 15 Henrietta St, Dublín 1.