Na Píobairí Uilleann | |
Native Name: | Pipers Club |
Abbreviation: | NPU |
Predecessor: | Dublin Pipers Club |
Formation: | 1968 |
Founder: | Breandán Breathnach and other pipers |
Type: | Irish Music |
Purpose: | Promotion of the Uilleann pipes and Irish music |
Headquarters: | 15 Henrietta Street |
Coords: | 53.3525°N -6.27°W |
Language: | Irish, English |
Leader Title: | Chairman |
Leader Name: | Caoimhín Mac Aoidh |
Leader Title2: | Secretary |
Leader Name2: | Mikie Smyth |
Board Of Directors: | Pamela Schweblin, Peter Browne, Rick Lines, Patricia Logan, Barra McGrory, Rita Farrell, Mickey Dunne |
Staff: | Gay Mc Keon (CEO) |
Na Píobairí Uilleann (in Irish n̪ˠə ˈpʲiːbˠəɾʲiː ˈɪl̠ʲən̪ˠ/; meaning "The Uilleann Pipers") is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the Irish Uilleann pipes and its music.[1]
NPU was founded in 1968 under the impetus of researcher and collector Breandán Breathnach and pipers such as Seamus Ennis, Leo Rowsome and Paddy Moloney (of the Chieftains), in order to promote the uilleann pipes and its music.[2] A Tionól (meeting) of pipers in Bettystown Co Meath in April 1968 had been organised by Breathnach, Seán Reid and Séamus Mac Mathúna, who wrote to some 100 pipers in Ireland and abroad for a gathering to revive piping.[3] Its headquarters are located at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin, in a restored Georgian building with facilities for many activities. Membership of the organisation is now spread throughout Ireland, England, Scotland, Continental Europe, North America and Australia.[4] Among the notable musicians associated with NPU are:
The goals and activities of the organization are numerous. Regular classes on piping technique, pipe making, and reed making are taught to students of all ages and abilities. NPU is also making a major effort to re-master and re-release recordings of deceased masters of the instrument as well as record living masters. The organization offers a wide range of tutorial materials including DVDs, CDs, and books.[6]