irish harp – Causeway Harp School

Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022

Each year on the 15th October, Ireland’s national body, Cruit Éireann/Harp Ireland heralds a national and worldwide celebration of Ireland’s harp, its music, players and makers. Part of the celebrations include a ‘Harpers’ Call’, inviting harp players to contribute a video performance on a particular theme. This year’s theme was Harping Together. You can watchContinue reading “Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022”

Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022

230 years ago, the last of the great harpers in Ireland gathered in Belfast for the Belfast Harp Assembly; a bid to preserve and revive the dying aural tradition of Irish harping. Only eleven harpers turned up. Seven were blind. The eldest was Denis Hempson, 97, from County Derry. A young Edward Bunting, aged justContinue reading “Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022”

Cambrian Harp Festival

What a treat for me to travel to beautiful Wales to teach an Irish Harp Workshop as part of the very first Cambrian Harp Festival, in association with the wonderful Derwent Harp School. Participants of all ages and abilities leaned to play Planxty Irwin, by 17th century composer and harper, Turlough O’Carolan, followed by aContinue reading “Cambrian Harp Festival”

Group Lessons at North Coast Trad

I am delighted to be teaching the harp classes at North Coast Trad on a Tuesday evening during term time in Portrush. We currently have a kids’ class and an adults’ class running. This is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to enjoy the social aspect of learning music. Traditional music is inherently social, so learningContinue reading “Group Lessons at North Coast Trad”

Colmcille 1500, ‘Strings of Heaven’

I was delighted to take part in this wonderful project by Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh of Scoil Ruaidhrí Dall which celebrates 1500 years since the birth of Colmcille. Comcille, also known as St Columba, is linked with the Causeway Coast and Glens area. Nodlaig’s original piece of music for harp and voice is entitled ‘Strings ofContinue reading “Colmcille 1500, ‘Strings of Heaven’”