ATLANTA STUDENTS BRING HOME TOP AWARDS FROM IRISH MUSIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Patrick Finley, student at the Atlanta International School and Hollie Greenwood student at Roswell High School, named top Fiddlers in World Music Competition held in Ennis, Ireland
Atlanta – August 22, 2017- Patrick Finley was awarded a first-place trophy in the under 18 Irish Fiddle Slow Airs competition and Hollie Greenwood won third place for overall Fiddle under 18 and another third place for Fiddle Slow Airs. The World Championships, referred to in the Irish language as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, is held annually in Ireland and is open to musicians, singers and dancers who have placed in regional or national competitions throughout the world. The event took place August 18 – 20, 2017 in Ennis, Ireland.
Patrick Finley, a senior at the Atlanta International School, embraced the culture of his Irish Grandparents at an early age and chose the violin as his instrument as did many in his family before him. Patrick comes from a family rich in Irish musical talent. His Uncles were early inspiration, and his family roots stretch to some of the great players like Seamus Connolly a 10-time All-Ireland fiddle player. Patrick is developing a unique style of playing but with strong influences from Sligo, Ireland where his Grandmother grew up. This is the second first place award for Patrick as he won the under 18 overall Fiddle competition in 2016.
Hollie Greenwood, is a senior at Roswell High School and has also played music at a very early age and eventually developed an interest in world music. She is a member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and studies bass with Gloria Jones of the ASO. This past summer Hollie studied classical bass at Interlochen Arts Camp. Hollie’s first exposure to traditional Irish music was at the age of twelve when she attended a local Irish music workshop. She developed an instant passion for the music and has been playing ever since. Her Irish roots date back multiple generations to Donegal, Ireland from her Mother’s family. This was Hollie’s second trip to Ireland to compete in the World Championships.
Hollie and Patrick’s immersion into the Irish music originated from different inspirations, but they both found their way to some of the great teachers of Irish music via skype lessons. Hollie is a student of Rose Conway Flanagan out of New York and Patrick takes lessons with Oisίn Mac Diarmada from Sligo, Ireland.
“Winning another trophy was a great honor as the competition is of a very high standard,” Patrick Finley said. “I am also thrilled to meet up with friends from Ireland and the U.S. just to play music together and learn new tunes.”
“My second trip to the World Competition was an amazing experience,” Hollie Greenwood said. “Placing in both my fiddle competitions in the same year while experiencing more of the Irish culture was a wonderful opportunity.”
Ten students from Atlanta competed in Ennis, Ireland this year in solo, duets, trios and band competitions. These musicians along with many internationally renowned artists will be performing at IrishFest Atlanta November 3 – 4, 2017 (www.irishfestatlanta.org).
