Formation 1951 Region served Worldwide | Type Music organisation | |
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Purpose Primarily the managing and promotion of Irish music and dance, also the promotion of Irish culture in general and the language. Headquarters Cultúrlann na hÉireann, Monkstown, County Dublin | ||
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ([kɔwal̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ coːl̪ˠt̪ˠoːɾʲiː ˈeːrʲən̪ˠ], meaning "Society of the Musicians of Ireland") is the primary Irish organisation dedicated to the promotion of the music, song, dance and the language of Ireland. The organisation was founded in 1951 and has promoted Irish music and culture among the Irish people and the Irish diaspora.
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Its current Director General is Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú. Today it has more than 400 branches worldwide, in Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
History
Comhaltas was founded in 1951 in Mullingar, County Westmeath by a group of traditional pipers who felt that the Irish musical tradition was in decline; it was initially named Cumann Ceoltóirí na hÉireann, changing to its present name in 1952. I
Activities
Comhaltas is responsible for organising the annual national Irish music festival and competition called the Fleadh Cheoil.