Harp Ireland

Harps Alive | Citizens’ Manifestation
2024-06-15 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Assembly Rooms, Belfast, Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX, Ireland
The Assembly Rooms at the junction of North Street and Waring Street is the oldest public building in Belfast, dating back to 1769. It lay at the centre of eighteenth century social life. It was here that the celebrated Assembly of Harpers took place in 1792. It was here that the Belfast Harbour Commissioners were established, and here that Belfast’s citizens rejected a proposal to set up a slave trading company. United Irish leader Henry Joy McCracken was court-martialled here, prior to his execution in 1798.
Join us from 2.30-3.30pm on Saturday 15th June in the Assembly Rooms.
Tuckets available here.

Harps Alive | Irish Harp Workshop with Gráinne Hambly
2024-06-15 15:00 - 16:00 | St. Joseph’s Church, Sailortown, 9 Princes Dock Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 3AA, Ireland
Internationally acclaimed harper Gráinne Hambly invites you to a workshop at St Joseph’s Church in Belfast on Saturday 15th June at 3.00pm. Hear and learn the best of harpers’ music from one of our most renowned harpers. Come along and take part – there will be something in it for everybody. Fáilte roimh chách!
This event is brought to you by Reclaim the Enlightenment and Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland as part of the Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin festival 2024.
Tickets available here.

Beara Album Launch - Tara Viscardi
2024-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 | City Assembly House, 58 William St S, Dublin, Dublin, D02 X751, Ireland
Harpist Tara Viscardi and flautist Robert Harvey continue their Beara album launch UK and Irish tour. The project pairs contemporary, original compositions inspired by the Beara Peninsula in the South West of Ireland, with tunes collected and written on the peninsula since the 18th century. It also draws inspiration from Princess Beara, the Spanish Princess who it is said married Owen Mór, King of Ireland, around 120 AD and who gave the area its name.
The project has been showcased at the London Irish Centre 2024, Return to London Town Festival 2023, the 2023 Wales International Harp Festival and the 2022 World Harp Congress, Cardiff, generously supported by Culture Ireland. The album was recorded on location in Dawros Church, Co. Kerry by producer Laoise O’ Brien and engineer Ben Rawlins and is funded by Kerry County Council Arts, Small Investments Ltd. and the Wales International Harp Festival.
Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:00 – 20:00
City Assembly House, William Street South Dublin

Irish Harp workshop with Deirdre Granville
2024-06-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Ceolan Music Studio, Gortgowan, Ballynally, Co. Donegal, F93 X6W8
Intermediate – Advanced Irish harp workshop with Deirdre Granville.
Ceolan Music Studio, Moville, Co. Donegal.
Saturday 22nd June, 4.00-6.00pm
Hailing from Dingle, Co. Kerry; a multi-instrumentalist and singer, Deirdre studied both traditional and classical music from a young age. She has toured and performed extensively worldwide and has featured on Radio, commercial recordings and TV performances both solo and with other celebrated musicians. She has won numerous solo and group performance medals, including the first ever All-Ireland Senior Harp Slow Airs title at Fleadh na hÉireann. She is co-ordinator and founder of Dingle Tradfest music festival.
There is no charge for our workshops. However, we would welcome donations to help us cover our costs to support the next generation of harpers in Ireland. Your help goes a long way as we work to develop and promote harping nationally and internationally. Thank you.
Tickets available here.

Irish Harp Workshop with Kathleen Loughnane
2024-06-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Ceolan Music Studio, Gortgowan, Ballynally, Co. Donegal, F93 X6W8
Intermediate – Advanced Irish harp workshop with Kathleen Loughnane – learn some of our ancient harpers’ tunes.
Ceolan Music Studio, Moville, Co. Donegal. Sunday 23rd June, 1.30-3.30pm.
Irish music Meteor Award (2010) nominee Kathleen Loughnane is highly regarded for her work in arranging traditional Irish dance tunes and airs for the harp and also for researching the music of Irish harp composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1990, she co-founded Dordán, whose mix of Irish and Baroque music has received widespread acclaim. Dordán received the National Entertainment award for traditional music in 1993. Kathleen has 4 CDs and accompanying books to her credit, Affairs of the Harp, Harping On, Harp to Heart and her most recent release The Harpers Connellan. She has taught in Ireland and at major festivals in the US, Japan and throughout Europe. Her arrangements have appeared in various publications and feature on the Harp Syllabus of The Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kathleen is currently researching the manuscripts of Patrick O Neill of Owning, Carrick- on- Suir and making a selection from the manuscript to arrange for Irish harp.
There is no charge for our workshops. However, we would welcome donations to help us cover our costs to support the next generation of harpers in Ireland. Your help goes a long way as we work to develop and promote harping nationally and internationally. Thank you.
Tickets are available here.

Summer Harps Concert
2024-06-23 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Pius X Church, Ballynally, Moville, Co. Donegal, F93 HY98, Ireland
Sunday 23rd June, 7.30-9.00pm
St. Pius X Church, Moville, Co, Donegal.
Celebrate our harping heritage with a special concert featuring harp and flute duo Deirdre and Aoife Granville, as well as esteemed Irish traditional music trio, Dordán.
Co-founded by harper Kathleen Loughnane, whistle player Mary Bergin and fiddler Dearbhaill Standún in 1990, Dordán’s unique mix of Irish and Baroque music has received widespread acclaim. Dordán have toured extensively in Ireland as well as the United States, UK and European countries and in 1993, Dordán received the National Entertainment award for traditional music. They will perform a range of Irish traditional music, including ancient music of the Irish harpers.
Hailing from Dingle, Co. Kerry; a multi-instrumentalist and singer, Deirdre studied both traditional and classical music from a young age. She has toured and performed extensively worldwide and has featured on Radio, commercial recordings and TV performances both solo and with other celebrated musicians. She has won numerous solo and group performance medals, including the first ever All-Ireland Senior Harp Slow Airs title at Fleadh na hÉireann. She is co-ordinator and founder of Dingle Tradfest music festival.
Aoife is a flute/fiddle player and singer from Dingle who holds a PhD in Folklore/Ethnomusicology (Dingle Wren & European Carnival Cultures). She lectures in Folklore/Béaloideas at the Folklore Department, UCC. A regular contributor to radio and television, Aoife works and publishes in both Irish and English and was appointed to the Board of the Arts Council of Ireland by Minister Martin in February 2022.
Tickets are available here.

Give Me Your Hand: Music of the 1600s for a Gaelic Castle
2024-06-25 08:00 - 17:00 | The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
Described as ‘the single most important living source of Gaelic musical culture’, acclaimed Scottish piper, and singer, Allan MacDonald, makes a rare Kilkenny appearance this July. He will be joined by historical harpist, Tamzin Elliott – in their Irish debut – playing the ravishing, ancient Irish harp, with its rare brass-wire strings. Also performing at this one-off Kilkenny date is rising British star of the Renaissance lute, Toby Carr, and historical-music soprano, Róisín O’Grady, in a programme of intimate music from Scotland, Ireland, England and France in the evocative surroundings of the 1000-year-old Parade Tower at Kilkenny Castle.
Concerts take place live in Kilkenny. A video of the concert will also be available to ticket holders after the festival, until 29 December, 2024. N.B. Evening concerts will not be live-streamed online.
Location:
The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle
Artists:
Tamzin Elliott, early Irish harp; Róisín O’Grady, voice; Toby Carr, Renaissance lute; Allan MacDonald, voice and Scottish smallpipes
Tickets:
Full price: €18
Student / Unwaged concert tickets: €12 — save €6 on a full-price concert ticket
Festival concert bundle: Enjoy both festival evening concerts for €28 — save €4 on each full-price concert ticket
N.B. Admission to festival concerts is included with All-Access tickets

Aisling Urwin with Ajeet and Aware at The Grian Store, Kilruddery House
2024-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 | The Grain Store, Southern Cross Rd,, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 W9F2, Ireland
Saturday 29TH June

Irish harper Aisling Urwin will join AWARË and special guest Ajeet for a stunning summer’s evening in The Kilruddery Grain Store, in partnership with The Trailblazery.
Tickets available here

Holly Geraghty - Musical Musings from Mayo Album Launch
2024-06-26 20:00 | Matt Molloy’s Pub, Bridge St, Cahernamart,, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Harper Holly Geraghty releases her solo debut Harp album at Matt Molloy’s Pub in Westport on Wednesday, June 26, at 8pm.
Get a copy of Musical Musings from Mayo here

Triona Marshall at St. Ann's Church
2024-06-27 13:20 | St. Ann’s Church, Dawson St, 18 Dawson St, Dublin, Leinster, D02 YV57, Ireland
As part of St. Ann’s Lunchtime Recital Series, Tríona Marshall will perform a concert of harp music on 27th June at 13.20.
27th June 2024
13.20pm
Tickets €1o.00, available here

Janet Harbison's 2024 Donegal Harp Summer Schools
2024-06-30 - 2024-07-07 | Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Janet Harbison will host her Donegal Harp Summer Schools in the village of Dungloe and will present a range of courses in the first two weeks of July 2024.

The first (June 30 – July 6) is a regular summer-school for adult players:
This first week is a regular summer-school for players over the age of 18 featuring all you would expect in the format of previous years: daily tuition in large and small groups, workshops, lectures, concerts, sessions and local trips out – a superb week of positive harping, significant progress and confidence building – all while making great social connections!
Arrive Sunday June 30th and join us for dinner at 7pm. The course proper starts at 9.30am on Monday July 1st. Depart Saturday 6th after breakfast. (Accommodation on Saturday evening 6th is also available on arrangement.)

The second (July 7 – 13) is a week specifically designed for students and teachers:
The course starts at 3pm on Sunday 7th. Arrive Saturday or Sunday (no extra cost for Saturday 6th accommodation).
Week 2 is specially designed for TEACHERS in traditional (oral) teaching with a wide range of volunteer harp students to practise on!! Whichever background you come from, and whether you are already professional, improving your skills or just starting out – this is a week that will hone your leadership skills, equip you with relevant repertoire, build confidence and competence in delivering, and enhance your creative arrangement skills for tune accompaniment or ensemble playing.

This second (July 7 – 13) week for all ages of players:
The course starts at 10am on Monday 8th with accommodation from Sunday 7th. But for those staying over from Week 1, in-between-courses-day (Saturday 6th) accommodation is free.
This is also a great week for the STUDENTS who will have morning classes (from 10am-1pm) with lots of teacher-attention – often with one-on-one training – all supervised by Janet. This allows for exploring the local area: walking, hiking, swimming, shopping, practising or just relaxing in the afternoons! Students may also consider to ‘observe’ on the teachers’ course (but there’s a fee for this!). Everyone is invited to join in the evening time activities – including the ‘teachers’ concert’ on Wednesday, the ‘big quiz’ on Thursday evening and the ‘finale night’ on Friday with the big session at Húdí Beag’s into the small hours (and a bus home)… Whichever you are: student or teacher, we guarantee that everyone will get a great week’s training, a wild Donegal experience and a whole new community of for-ever harpy friends. Another bonus for adult students staying over from Week 1, is a free night’s accommodation on the Saturday night in-between the courses (8th).
Find out more about Janet Harbison’s Donegal Harp Summer Schools here

Somerset Harp Festival
2024-06-30 08:00 - 2024-07-28 17:00
This two weekend conference celebrates the diversity of music, talent and experience of the folk harp world. Whether you are new to the harp, want to focus on one style or type of music, solidify some specific skills, or try out something new, Somerset’s workshop offerings are sure to expand your musical horizon.
For full information and booking, see here.
Schedule-2024-Somerset-as-of-April-21

An Chúirt Chruitireachta 2024
2024-06-30 15:00 - 2024-07-05 11:30 | An Grianán, Termonfechin, Louth
Established in 1985, An Chúirt Chruitireachta ranks among the top international harp festivals for Irish harp. Cairde na Cruite warmly welcome harpers of every standard from all over the world to the 2024 festival.
This year’s festival will run from Sunday 30th June – Friday 5th July at An Grianán, Termonfeckin.
Full information on this year’s festival and booking can be found here.
This year’s Festival Tutors include top Irish harpers Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Cormac de Barra, Deirdre Granville, Kim Fleming, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla and Úna Ní Fhlannagáin.

Sunday June 30th

3pm
Pop-Up Concert with Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble and Harp-Makers Exhibition

8pm
Concert: Fáilte Isteach with Aisling Urwin and Niamh O’Brien and festival artist-in-residence, Gráinne Meyer

Monday July 1st

2:30pm
‘Rose & Catherine: Tunes performed by Rose Mooney and Catherine Martin’ workshop with Eilís Lavelle (open to the public, booking required)

3:30pm
‘Guth na nGael: Harping with words’ workshop with Lauren Ní Néíll and Blaithín Mhic Cana (open to the public, booking required)

4:30pm
Céilí with esteemed local set dancer, Pádraig McEneany (festival participants only)

8pm
Concert: Sounds of Oriel with Eilís Lavelle and Robert Harvey and Zoё Conway and John McIntyre

Tuesday July 2nd

2:30pm
‘The traditional wire-strung Irish harp’ presentation and demonstration with Simon Chadwick (open to the public, booking required)

3:30pm
Workshop with Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta (open to the public, booking required)

8pm
Concert: Roots and Resonance with Méabh McKenna, Gerry Cullen and the Drogheda Singers and Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

Wednesday July 3rd

2:30pm
Ensemble Day Workshop with Gráinne Meyer (festival participants and invited ensembles only)

3:45pm
Ensemble Day Workshop with Gráinne Meyer (festival participants and invited ensembles only)

8pm
Concert: Emerging Voices: Ensemble Day Gala Concert with IIMS, Music Generation (MG) Meath, MG Laois, MG Clare, MG Cavan/Monaghan (Junior and Senior), MG Mayo, (Youth and Senior), Inishowen, Sonas, Bray CCÉ, Fingal and TU Dublin Harp Ensembles

Thursday July 4th

2:30pm
Voice and Harp Workshop with Cormac de Barra and Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaíoch (open to the public, booking required)

3:30pm
Workshop with renowned kora player, Suntou Susso (open to the public, booking required)

8pm
Concert: Hup! Finale Concert with Cormac de Barra agus Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaíoch and Suntou Susso

First Fridays: Sister Sounds: A Celebration of Tradition
2024-07-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
Join Glór Ennis for an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish music as three sets of sisters grace the stage with their exceptional talent and deep-rooted musical heritage. Liz and Yvonne Kane, hailing from Letterfrack, Co. Galway, are renowned for their mastery of the fiddle, captivating audiences with spirited performances steeped in tradition. Multi-instrumentalists, Michelle and Louise Mulcahy, from Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, born into a family deeply rooted in Irish music tradition, have emerged as leading figures in the contemporary Irish music scene. Carmel and Teresa O’Dea, from Ballynacally, Co. Clare complete the line up for this celebration of sisterhood, on fiddle and concertina, showcasing their exceptional traditional musical talents.
Get your tickets here.

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy - Harp Recital
2024-07-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Mill Marquee, GAA grounds, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland
The Willie Clancy Summer School, a major traditional Irish music, song and dance event is held annually in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland with instrument and dance classes, lectures, workshops, recitals and céilithe all through the week.
The 52nd Willie Clancy Summer School, will run from Saturday 6th July to Sunday 14th July, 2024, with a harp recital taking place on Monday 8th July at the Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds, from 5.00-7.00pm.
See here for tickets and more information.

Leinster Fleadh | Try an Instrument & Harp Ensemble performance
2024-07-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Wicklow Library, The Mall, Corporation Lands, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Leinster Fleadh presents a ‘Try-An-Instrument’ session with a harp ensemble performance at Wicklow Library from 11.00-12.00pm on 10th July.
This event is free of charge, all ages welcome.
Contat Wicklow Library for bookings on (0404)67025 – drop-ins are also welcome!

Leinster Fleadh | Irish Harp Lecture & Recital with Rachel Duffy
2024-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Wicklow Library, The Mall, Corporation Lands, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Join the fantastic Wicklow harpist Rachel Duffy for an afternoon of music and Irish harp history in Wicklow Library on Wednesday 10th July as part of Leinster Fleadh’s Fleadh an Phobail!
Rachel Duffy is a harper from Bray, Co. Wicklow. She has a keen interest in the harp’s history and is currently completing a PhD at Technological University Dublin on the 20th century development of Irish harping. As a performer, she has appeared at festivals in China, Spain, Germany, Scotland and Wales and plays regularly with groups including Na Cauci, Triad Trio and the National Folk Orchestra. She enjoys teaching the harp in Wicklow and Dublin and working with harp ensembles at Bray CCÉ and TU Dublin. She is co-director of An Chúirt Chruitireachta, Cairde na Cruite’s International Harp Festival.

Ballina Salmon Festival | Léda
2024-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Bandstand, Bandstand, Ballina Salmon Festival, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Celebrate National Heritage Day with LÉDA and Ballina Salmon Festival on 10th July at 2.00pm.
LÉDA hail from Balla, Co Mayo & the Shetland Isles respectively and are now based in Glasgow. The duo features both Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, a multi-award winning harper and multi-instrumentalist who holds a staggering amount of world titles and Amy Laurenson, who was recently named BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023.
Tickets and full festival information available here.

Causeway Harp School Adult Beginners Harp Workshop
2024-07-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Portballintrae Village Hall, Portballintrae Village Hall, Beach Road, Portballintrae, Co. Antrim, BT57 8US, Ireland
Causeway Harp School’s next Beginner Harp Workshop for adults will take place Saturday 13th July 10am – 12pm in Portballintrae Village Hall.

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. No music reading skills are required, and harps will be provided.

Places are limited.

Contact Katy to book by Facebook or Instagram

South Sligo Summer School | Summer Harp School with Holly Geraghty and Fiachra Guihen
2024-07-15 10:00 - 2024-07-20 12:00 | Tubercurry, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, Ireland
The South Sligo Harp Summer School will run from Monday 15 July 2024 10:00 – Saturday 20 July 2024 12:00
South Sligo Summer School, Circular Road, Tubbercurry, SO F91 E277 Ireland
Book your place here.

Tutors:

Holly Geraghty hails from Ballindine, a small town in County Mayo. Surrounded by a rich storehouse of music in both her home and locality, Holly quickly developed a distinct musical style on the harp and concertina. Holly holds a Bachelor degree in Music accompanied by a Graduate Diploma in Music Education and a Master of Arts degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance. Holly’s current album is entitled Ceolmhar.

Fiachra Guihen is a young musician from Keadue, Co. Roscommon. He plays mainly traditional music and has played with many different groups locally and nationally, most notably the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland. He began playing the tin whistle at the age of 7. He then moved on to the flute and as a teenager took up the harp. He has received a number all-Ireland medals for the harp and also as part of a Grupa Cheoil. He has played in various different venues including the National Concert Hall, Dublin and the Barbican Theatre, London. He is currently studying Technology Education at the University of Limerick.

An Evening of Poetry and Music with Kiêu Conroy
2024-07-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Portlaoise Libary, 23 Main Street, MAryborough, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 N7EP, Ireland
17th July @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Portlaoise Library
FREE. Refreshments provided.
Music Generation harpist Kiêu Conroy will play a recital, while the celebrated Laois poet Pat Boran will be delivering a series of poetry readings. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided on the night. Places are limited so booking early for this event is advised.

Forest Fest | Music Generation Laois Harpers
2024-07-20 | Emo, Emo, Co. Laois, Ireland
Join Music Generation Laois Harpers at the Forest Fleadh stage at Forest Fest 3 in Emo village on 20th July.

Full details and festival programme available here.

Moods - Aisling Ennis, Peter Power & Robyn Byrne
2024-07-21 16:00 - 17:00 | National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 N527
Aisling Ennis, harp
Peter Power, dance
Robyn Byrne, choreography
This very special Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland and MusicTown event is a collaboration between harpist Aisling Ennis, visual and sound artist Peter Power and dancer & choreographer Robyn Byrne. Join these three artists in a series of original composition, interpretations of existing material and improvisations centred around embodied performance.
Aisling Ennis is highly regarded as a harpist and creative thinker who enjoys a successful, self-directed portfolio career. A former student of the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, Royal Irish Academy of Music and holds a first class Master’s degree in Arts Management and Cultural Policy from UCD as well as a PGCE in Primary Education. Aisling is known for her evocative playing across a broad spectrum of genres, her ongoing, multifaceted collaborations and innovative approaches to programming.
Presented by MusicTown and Harp Ireland
Sunday 21 July 2024, 4:00pm at Kevin Barry Recital Room, National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Tickets available here.

MOYA BRENNAN | ZOË CONWAY & JOHN MCINTYRE
2024-07-21 19:00 - 22:30 | Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1JQ, Ireland
Celtic Goddess Moya Brennan has a voice that continues to provide a constant reminder of how the heart can be touched by the purity and thrill of music. Despite the enforced restrictions placed on her and all other artists in the past couple of years she has been active, especially, with the Farewell Tour of her family band, Clannad. Their sell out concert at Dublin’s 3 Arena in February 2023 was an emotional part of the final tour climax after 50 years together.
Her live solo shows, having all the musicality and power of Clannad – but with added, heart-warming intimacy – are always a rich and moving experience. Her unique, effortless vocals and timeless music pay homage not only to her vibrant traditional Irish heritage but also her grasp of contemporary forms. The evening will be a visual (as well as a sound) spectacle with rhythm, atmosphere and vibrant harmony. Her fantastic 5 piece band features her daughter, Aisling, and son, Paul, along with the remarkable traditional harper Cormac De Barra and traditional fiddler Clare Friel from Glasgow/Donegal.

With an exciting blend of eclectic fiddle and guitar music, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music, compositions and songs, old and new. The husband-and-wife folk duo possess a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from other genres such as classical, jazz and world music and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments.
They have released two recordings to date. their debut duo album, entitled Go Mairir I Bhfad (Long Life To You), received a glorious 5 stars from The Irish Times; the newest release is a superb collection of live European performances, Live in Concert, released in spring 2017. The album showcases their mesmerising musical interaction on-stage and reveals some of their more virtuosic repertoire outside of the Irish traditional genre. Relaxed and atmospheric, the respect and understanding that they have of traditional Irish music and song also shines through.

Tickets available here

Belfast TradFest: Harp Masterclass with Aisling Lyons and Eilís Lavelle
2024-07-22 10:00 - 2024-07-26 13:00 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
From Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July 2024, Belfast TradFest will welcome Eilís Lavelle and Aisling Lyons to Ulster University to host a harp masterclass as part of the Traditional Music Summer School.

Multi-award-winning musician and composer from county Clare, Aisling Lyons is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles, has performed internationally and collaborated with distinguished artists and musicians in various projects. With over 10 years teaching experience, she is the current harp tutor at the University of Limerick and has taught extensively at Irish and international summer schools; an acclaimed performer and teacher. Hot Press Magazine described her as ‘one of traditional music’s finest musicians.
Hailing from Monaghan, Eilís Lavelle began learning music at a young age and completed her B.Mus degree at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama where she received the Leo Rowsome award for the highest achievement in Irish traditional music. Eilís has gained much experience collaborating and performing with musicians from a wide range of genres and has performed and taught across the world. Broadcasts include performances on Tg4’s Sé mo Laoch and Geantraí, RTÉ Television, BBC Television and Radio, RTÉ Lyric Fm and Radio na Gaeltachta. Eilís is currently undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast focusing on the Edward Bunting collection of music.

Further information and tickets can be found here.

Belfast Trad Fest | Harp Summer School with Eilís Lavelle and Aisling Lyons
2024-07-22 10:00 - 2024-07-26 13:00 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2024 | 10am – 1pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED

Multi-award-winning musician and composer from county Clare, Aisling Lyons is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles, has performed internationally and collaborated with distinguished artists and musicians in various projects. With over 10 years teaching experience, she is the current harp tutor at the University of Limerick and has taught extensively at Irish and international summer schools; an acclaimed performer and teacher. Hot Press Magazine described her as ‘one of traditional music’s finest musicians.
Hailing from Monaghan, Eilís Lavelle began learning music at a young age and completed her B.Mus degree at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama where she received the Leo Rowsome award for the highest achievement in Irish traditional music. Eilís has gained much experience collaborating and performing with musicians from a wide range of genres and has performed and taught across the world. Broadcasts include performances on Tg4’s Sé mo Laoch and Geantraí, RTÉ Television, BBC Television and Radio, RTÉ Lyric Fm and Radio na Gaeltachta. Eilís is currently undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast focusing on the Edward Bunting collection of music.

The Summer School’s team of tutors is made up of internationally renowned performers with proven track records as teachers and educationalists. The primary means of teaching and learning will be ‘by ear’ with an emphasis in the less experienced classes of assisting pupils to develop oral/aural skills in addition to instrumental competency and developing core repertoire. All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age except beginner instrument classes, whistle and sing, set dancing, sean nós dancing, traditional singing & sean nós singing which are suitable for all levels including beginners.
Tickets and further information available here.

Joe Mooney Summer School - Fiachra Guihen and Mossie Martin
2024-07-24 15:00 - 16:00 | St. John’s Church, Drumshanbo, convent Avenue, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
Join Fiachra Guihen (Harp, Flute, Guitar) and Mossie Martin (Fiddle, Whistle) for a gentle introduction to the music and story of one of Ireland’s best and internationally renowned composers, Turlough Carolan (1670 – 1738).
Wednesday 24th July
3.00pm
St. John’s Church, Drumshanbo.

For ticketing information, see here.

BELFAST HARP FESTIVAL / FÉILE CRUITIRÍ BHÉAL FEIRSTE
2024-07-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT7 1NH, Ireland
Featuring Eilís Lavelle, Aisling Lyons, Mary Bergin, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Bean an Tí), Gráinne Meyer, Mary McGuiggan & Pádraic Keane.
The Belfast Harp Festival, called by contemporary writers “The Belfast Harpers Assembly”, 11–14 July 1792, was a four-day event organised by merchant class Presbyterians Dr. James McDonnell, Robert Bradshaw and Henry Joy, (proprietor of the Belfast News-Letter and uncle to Henry Joy McCracken). Its purpose was to revive an interest in harp music and to collect the music of the harpers and note their style of playing for future generations. What was hoped to be a revival, proved to be a farewell to the old tradition. Eleven harpers attended. Seven were blind. The eldest, Denis Hempson (1695 -1807) from Derry, was 97. He was the only one to use the ancient way of playing with the fingernails.
By far the most important thing that happened at the festival was that a young man from Armagh named Edward Bunting (1773-1843), was employed to write down the music of the harpers, and to make notes on their instrumental techniques. He dedicated the rest of his life to collecting and preserving Irish music. He published three volumes of music, collectively known as the Ancient Music of Ireland.
We pay tribute to that event and the Bunting Collection.
Eilís Lavelle hails from County Monaghan. She has collaborated with a wide range of genres and featured on various broadcasts. Eilís is currently undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast focusing on the Edward Bunting collection of music.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is a multi-award-winning traditional singer and musician and was the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk singer of the year 2022. Her upbringing in Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry saw her immersed in a rich cultural environment influencing the foundation of her distinctive vocal and instrumental sound.
Gráinne Meyer is a County Antrim based composer, harpist and pianist. Gráinne most recent winner of the World Music Competition following performances at Wales International Harp Festival 2023. She will perform with a ensemble of her local students.
Aisling Lyons is a multi-award-winning musician and composer from county Clare. She is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles, has performed internationally and collaborated with distinguished artists and musicians in various projects.
Mary Bergin is considered the worlds greatest tin whistle player and was born into a very musical family. She began playing at an early age winning many awards in Oireachtas and Fleadh Ceoil competitions, including the All-Ireland Championships at Junior and Senior level.
Pádraic Keane was awarded TG4 Young Musician of the Year (2011). He has collaborated with various artists including Ragús, The Irish Chamber Orchestra, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, RTE Concert and Symphony Orchestras and many more.
Mary McGuiggan hails from County Derry and has been dancing since she was four years old, learning her dance steps from May Allen. Mary has had success in competition at local, Ulster and All-Ireland levels.

Venue & Event Information:

This venue is fully wheelchair accessible (https://crescentarts.org/about/plan-visit/accessible-facilities)

Fully Seated

All ages (u16 accompanied by an adult)

Tickets available here

Belfast Trad Fest | Learn some tunes from the Bunting collection with Eilís Lavelle
2024-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Thursday 25 July
2pm – 3pm
Ulster University, York Street

Eilís Lavelle will teach a couple of dance tunes from the Bunting Collection for all instruments.
Eilís Lavelle a harpist from Monaghan, began learning music at a young age and was fortunate the Armagh Pipers Club offered the opportunity of learning the harp. Eilís continued developing her musical skills with many tutors over the years. Having completed her B.Mus degree at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, she was awarded the Leo Rowsome award for the highest achievement in traditional music 2013. At present, Eilís is undertaking a PhD in music, focusing on Edward Bunting’s collection of music. In recent years she has gained extensive experience as a performer and teacher of the harp having travelled throughout USA, Canada and Europe. Eilís is also fortunate to have been supported by Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme, funded by The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Music Network is funded by The Arts Council.

The Bunting Collection, housed at Queen’s University Belfast, is a significant archive dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Irish traditional music. Named after Edward Bunting, a pioneering figure in the collection and transcription of Irish music, the collection is a testament to his life’s work in documenting the rich heritage of Irish folk tunes. Bunting, an organist and collector, began his efforts in the late 18th century, notably at the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792, where he transcribed numerous ancient harp melodies that were at risk of being forgotten.
The collection includes manuscripts, printed music, and various personal papers that provide invaluable insights into the musical landscape of Ireland during Bunting’s time. It also features correspondence and other documents that shed light on Bunting’s methodologies and the broader cultural context in which he worked. Researchers and music enthusiasts alike find the Bunting Collection an indispensable resource for understanding the evolution of Irish music and its preservation.
Queen’s University Belfast has taken great strides to digitize parts of the collection, ensuring wider accessibility and ongoing preservation. The Bunting Collection not only honors Edward Bunting’s legacy but also serves as a cultural treasure that continues to inspire and inform the study of Irish traditional music.

Tickets available here.

Belfast Trad Fest | Composing Workshop with Aisling Lyons
2024-07-25 16:30 - 17:30 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Thursday 25 July
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Ulster University, York Street

Join multi-award winning musician & composer Aisling Lyons, from County Clare in this composition workshop for all instruments.
Aisling has been described as ‘one of traditional music’s finest musicians’ by Hot Press Magazine & ‘the finest Irish harper at work today’ by Songlines Magazine after the release of her debut album ‘Aistear’. She is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles & has performed all around the world, from Europe to The U.S, Australia & China. Aisling graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Irish Music from The University of Limerick in 2018 & with First Class Honours as a Professional Master of Education in 2021. She holds a Grade 8 award with Distinction from the London College of Music & currently tutors harp at The Irish World Academy, Limerick & at University College Cork. Aisling is currently involved in a collaborative music residency with glór & Creative Ireland (2022) while touring and recording with bands ‘3 on the Bund’ and ‘Harpanno’. She has been described as ‘one of the rising stars and budding composers of the Irish harp world – rooted in tradition and beautifully inventive’. In 2021, Aisling collaborated with artist Aideen Barry, on ‘Oblivion’ commissioned by Music Network and the Irish Traditional Music Archives & also performed with Tolu Makay on RTÉ’s ‘Ireland in Music’ & for Michael D. Higgins’ 80th Birthday Celebrations on TG4. Aisling’s debut album ‘Aistear’, supported by Clare County Council, was released in 2021 and has been described as ‘an exceptional CD’ (The Living Tradition), ‘a standout record, flawless’ (Hot Press) & ‘excellent’ (Folk Radio UK).

Tickets available here.
