About
The "Festival of Flutes" takes place from 30th June - 5th July 2025.
Individual events can be booked on their website. The schedule is as follows:
Monday 30th June
- Lunchtime Recital: Marcas Ó Murchú - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 1:00pm | Free
Marcas Ó Murchú is a renowned Irish traditional flautist originally from Belfast, and is celebrated for his warm tone, rhythmic flair, and deep connection to flute repertoire and heritage. Audiences can expect a seamless blend of the lyrical and the lively—each tune reflecting generations of Irish musical tradition, delivered with his characteristic elegance and musical integrity. Marcas has been a leading teacher of the flute for a number of years, including playing a leading role in the Willie Clancy Summer Schools. His highly-recommended first album shows him to be an outstanding and creative interpreter of traditional music.
- Workshop with Marcas Ó Murchú - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 3:00pm | Free
Join master flautist Marcas Ó Murchú for an inspiring and informal session exploring the shared musical threads of Irish, Scottish and marching traditions. In this interactive masterclass, Marcas will teach a selection of tunes that bridge these style, while offering insights into their origins, phrasing and ornamntation. A relaxed Q&A will follow, giving participants the chance to tap into Marcas's deep knowledge and unique persepective as both performer and cultural ambassador. Suitable for intermediate to advanced players. Bring your flute and curiosity!
Tuesday 1th July
- Lunchtime Recital: Mila Maia - St Augustine's Church | 1:00pm | Free
Brazilian born Mila Maia (flute) and Kevin Shortall (7-string guitar) present a vibrant selection of Choro pieces. Choro, which means 'Lament', is an instrumental genre from Brazil that emerged in the late 19th century and remains an active tradition today. Often described as the first characteristically Brazilian popular music, Choro blends African rhythms with European dance forms and draws heavily from classical music in its structure and technique. It is known for its expressive phrasing, intricate variations, making it both virtuosic and deeply personal. The program includes works by iconic composers such as Jacob do Bandolim, and Chiquinha Gonzaga, as well as legendary flautist's Pixinguinha and Altamiro Carrilho, along with original works by the duo.
- Workshop with Mila Maia - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 3:00pm | Free
Wednesday 2nd July
- Lunchtime Recital: Flute Trio - Simon McGonigle, Time Cairns & Leanne Peacocke - Christ Church | 1:00pm | Free
Enjoy a lunchtime recital featuring a talented Flute Trio: Simon McGonigle, Tim Cairns, and Leanne Peacocke, with accompaniment by Ben McGonigle. All members of the esteemed Hamilton Flute Band, they promise a captivating performance.
- 'Come & Try the Flute Workshop - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 3:00pm | Free
Discover the joy of playing the flute! The Londonderry Bands Forum invites you to 'Come and Try the Flute' Workshop. This is a fantatsic opportunity to get hands on experience with the instrument in a friendly and supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary!
Thursday 3rd July
- Lunchtime Recital: Gary Hastings (Rev Rtd) - All Saints Clooney Church of Ireland | 1:00pm | Free
Gary Hastings, originally from Belfast, is Church of Ireland rector who learnt traditional music from Fermanagh greats such as Eddie Duffy and the McConnell family. Born and raised in Loyalist East Belfast, he is a highly respected Irish trad musician and explores the links of traditional music between the two main traditions.
- Workshop with Gary Hastings - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 3:00pm | Free
Gary Hastings is one of the few traditional musicians to also be a Church of Ireland clergyman. Hear his fascinating stories about the folk music revival, how he learned Irish flute and his research which led to the publication of his book 'With Fife and Drum: Music Memories and Customs of an Irish Tradition', and maybe learn a tune!
- 'A Tribute to Kenny' - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 7:30pm | Free (registration required)
Join us for an evening dedicated to the memory of Kenny McFarland, a pivitol figure in the flute band community who founded the Londonderry Bands Forum and the North West Cultural Partnership. Enjoy performances of Kenny's beloved tunes by The Pride of The Orange & Blue Flute Band, a group he established. We'll also share stories and relfect on Kenny's profound impact on our community.
Friday 4th July
- Lunchtime Recital: Richard Douglas MBE - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 1:00pm | Free
Richard Douglas MBE is a flautist who has over 25years experience both as a soloist and orchestral musician. He has played in many countries around the world including Japan, Hong Kong, America and Australia. He has appeared with various ensembles as a soloist, performing concertos by Mozart, Vivaldi, Mercadante and J S Bach. Richard plays on a 14K gold flute made for him by the Miyazawa flute company of Japan.
Saturday 5th July
- Workshop by Sarah Allen & Brian Finnegan (Flook) - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 2:00pm | £5
Learn from the masters! Join Sarah Allen and Brian Finnegan from the renowned band Flook for a special flute workshop as part of the Festival of Flutes. This is a unique opportunity to gain insignts and techniques from these celebrated musicians with over 30years of professional touring experience.
- Flook - Festival Headline Performance - New Gate Arts & Culture Centre | 8:00pm | £17.50
On their 30th Anniversary, Flook headline New Gate Arts 'Festival of Flutes 2025.' Taking inspiration from their roots in the Irish and English traditions, Flook have an enviable trademark sound, weaving and spinning traditionally rooted tunes over precise acoustic grooves. What a way to end the festival, a night not to be missed!
