Workshop on popular 18th-century
Irish and Scottish music
In the footsteps of the bards*
The Curious Bards
15 - 18 August 2026
This year, for the first time, L’Académie Bach offers a unique opportunity to plunge into the world of popular 18th-century Irish and Scottish music with the artists of The Curious Bards. Participants will explore repertoire drawn from historical sources, learn through oral transmission, develop their ensemble playing, and work on techniques that are specific to these repertoires (ornamentation, articulation, stresses….). Open to musicians with several years of experience, the workshop will bring together musical research, creative energy, and a lively approach to Gaelic traditions. A public concert given by all the participants will cap off the workshop.
« Bard » : a person responsible for perpetuating oral tradition, particularly through music and son, in ancient Celtic societies
Goals
- to explore a new musical aesthetic
- to develop ensemble playing
- to acquire repertoire through oral transmission
- to build baseline knowledge (treatises, scores, historical sources)
- to interpret music eloquently and expressively
- to participate in a public presentation
- to improve instrumental technique
- to work with the festival’s professional artists