Harp Ireland

Lunchtime Concert: Megan O’Neill & Teresa O’Donnell
2024-02-15 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Dublin) | O’Donoghue Theatre, University of Galway, Cappa Villa, University Road, Galway, Galway, H91 T8WR, Ireland
In association with Arts in Action, University of Galway
Megan O’Neill, soprano
Teresa O’Donnell, harp
Songs by Schumann, Ravel and Britten performed by the winner of the 2022 RDS Music Bursary alongside concert harpist Teresa O’Donnell
THE LUNCHTIME SERIES IS SUPPORTED BY SAP
TICKETS
Although these concerts are free, it is advisable to register to avoid disappointment.
Please note that registration for this event will open approximately 7 days before the concert date.
More information here.

Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend
2024-02-23 - 2024-02-25 | Belfast
Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend: 23-25th February 2024

Belfast will come alive to the sounds of traditional music once again with concerts, workshops, sessions, and talks during the Belfast TradFest 3rd annual Winter Weekend, throughout Belfast UNESCO City of Music. Taking place 23rd – 25th February and supported by Belfast City Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster University and Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, the festival programme is filled with internationally renowned talent in traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and dance.
For the opening concert, Donegal songstress Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh brings her fantastic band Altan back to Belfast to play the stunning Empire Music Hall on Friday 23rd February. Also on the bill that evening, Monaghan Harp maestro Michael Rooney plays a rare solo set in the city famed for its Harp Festival of 1792.
Longtime Tyrone resident, fiddler Bríd Harper is being celebrated with a family friendly concert on Saturday 24th February in the Mandela Hall, featuring the cream of traditional musicians and singers such as Australian guitarist Steve Cooney, Donegal accordion wizard Dermot Byrne, Breton flute player Sylvain Barou, singer Rita Gallagher and many more.
The Songs of Shane MacGowan will be celebrated and performed by a selection of some of our finest singers featuring Andrew Hendy & Finnian O’Connor (of The Mary Wallopers), Monaghan songstress Dani Larkin, Lough Neagh singer Niall Hanna, Belfast’s own Duke Special, Crossmaglen rising star Piaras Ó Lorcáin, County Derry’s Jack Warnock and Castlewellan native Múlú. Connecting the sound and spirit of punk with his traditional Irish roots, MacGowan created one of the most distinctive sounds of the past 40 years and Belfast TradFest are delighted to present these songs with some of Ulster and Ireland’s finest traditional, folk and contemporary singers.
Other highlights feature concerts with Ciarán & Caitlín, Mick O’Brien and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and a full programme of Festival Club events with acts such as Sligo’s Niamh Farrell, Jos Kelly and Cillian Doheny.
Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend is delighted to host its annual Highland Piping Solo Competition at The Deer’s Head, Sunday 25th February. A selection of Ireland’s top pipers will compete for a place in the renowned MacCrimmon Trophy Competition 2024 that takes place annually at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany.
The fantastic new Ulster University building on York Street will host workshops covering all instruments from bodhrán to banjo and smallpipes to singing. Delivered by some of the best traditional musicians from Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Beginners can also join in the fun with classes in Traditional Singing, Sean Nós Singing (unaccompanied singing in Irish) with Róisín Chambers & Gráinne Holland, whistle and sing (Ages 5 plus), Sean Nós Dancing with legendary Conamara dancer Seosamh Ó Neachtáin and set dancing with Ulster’s own Mary Fox.
The festival’s afternoon events will include album launches and a talk by Rev. Gary Hastings – ‘Lambeg Drum and Fife. Traditional Music of Ulster.’ Recently retired as a Rector in the Church of Ireland, Gary’s musical background takes in the traditions of Fermanagh, Donegal and Antrim, and he has written and lectured widely on the  Lambeg and fifing traditions associated with Orangeism.
Join the lively Dunville’s Irish Whiskey Session Trail which will take you across the city to some of Belfast’s oldest and best-loved pubs including Madden’s Bar, The Garrick, The John Hewitt, The Sunflower, The Duke of York and Hatfield House. Sessions are free, and times are staggered so that traditional music fans can fit in as much ‘ceol agus craic’ (music and fun) as possible.
The most influential Irish trad band of all time The Bothy Band are reforming and playing their first Irish concert since 1979, in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall ( sold out) on Sunday 25th February 2024. This concert will be one of the most anticipated in living memory, featuring a who’s who of Irish music; Matt Molloy (The Chieftains), Donal Lunny (Planxty, Moving Hearts), Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (Skara Brae), Kevin Burke (Patrick Street), Paddy Glackin (Ushers Island) and uilleann pipe supremo Paddy Keenan.

Michael Rooney & Altan at Belfast TradFest
2024-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1JQ, Ireland
Michael Rooney & Altan at Belfast TradFest
Friday 23rd February, 7pm
Empire Music Hall
Altan, a leading force in traditional Irish music for nearly 40 years, was founded by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie Kennedy in the early 1980s to be later joined by Daíthí Sproule (guitar), Ciaran Curran (bouzouki), Mark Kelly (guitar), Martin Tourish (accordion). Their music, ranging from energetic dance tunes to soulful songs, reflects the depth and richness of Irish heritage. Altan’s global popularity, having toured the world over, has earned them an Irish postal stamp and recognition from Donegal County Council.
With award-winning recordings and new member Clare Friel (fiddle), they continue to thrive and share their culture worldwide. Their traditional approach and integrity have earned praise from renowned sources, solidifying their status as Celtic music pioneers.
TG4 Composer of the Year 2017, Michael Rooney grew up in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now lives in Sligo where he has become part of the musical and cultural bedrock of the region. He is recognised as one of the most influential and innovative stylists on the harp, and his virtuosic technique as well as his approach to rhythm and harmony have helped to reposition it as a popular and integral part of the living tradition.
He is also established as a significant composer of music for small and large-scale ensembles & orchestras and has composed 17 suites of music in the past 20 years, including ‘The Ulster Suite’ (2022), ‘Clairseoireacht’ (2022), Constance (2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The Macalla Suite (2016), Boróimhe Suite (2014), The Second Coming (2014), De Cuellar Suite (2011) and Battle of the Books Suite (2007).

Harp Workshops with Michael Rooney at Belfast TradFest
2024-02-24 - 2024-02-25 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th February 2024 | 2p – 4:30pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED
Michael Rooney is a prolific composer and is widely regarded as one of the foremost players of the traditional Irish harp.

Michael was awarded the TG4 Composer of the Year in 2017. Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now a long time resident of County Sligo, Michael has composed 17 suites of music in the past 20 years, including ‘
The Ulster Suite’ (2022), ‘Clairseoireacht’ (2022), Constance (2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The Macalla Suite (2016), Boróimhe Suite (2014), The Second Coming (2014), De Cuellar Suite (2011) and Battle of the Books Suite (2007).

All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age, with the exception of Traditional Singing, Set Dancing, Sean Nós Dancing & Whistle & Sing, which are pitched at beginner level while also facilitating the more experienced.

Book your place here.

RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards
2024-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Vicar Street, Dublin, 55-59 Thomas Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8, Dublin, Ireland
Congratulations to the harpers nominated for this year’s RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards!
RTÉ has today announced the shortlist for the 6th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards which will celebrate the very best in Irish folk music from the past year in Vicar Street, Dublin on Tuesday 27th February at 7.45pm and live on RTÉ Radio 1 from 8pm.
RTÉ moved the Awards from November 2023 to February 2024 to better reflect the full calendar year of folk music and performances and to continue to honour our wonderful folk artists and musicians.
Here is the shortlist for the 6th RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards:
BEST ORIGINAL FOLK TRACK

Abigail (Tomhas Ghobnatan) – Emma Langford
Anáil na hOíche – Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
Glory Days – Steo Wall
Níl Aon Easpa Orm – Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly
Not Your Fight – The Henry Girls and Ríoghnach Connolly
Old Note – Lisa O’Neill

(2022 winner: Now You See It – Susan O’Neill)
BEST TRADITIONAL FOLK TRACK

Amhrán Pheadar Breathnach – Diane Cannon
Eileanóir a Rún – Síle Denvir
Eileanór na Rún – Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Go Dig My Grave – Lankum
Seán Gabha – Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Bláth na hÓige

(2022 winner: Róisín Dubh – Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and the Irish Chamber Orchestra)
BEST FOLK SINGER

Anna Mieke
Daoirí Farrell
Diane Cannon
Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin
Lisa O’Neill
Síle Denvir

(2022 winner: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh)
BEST FOLK INSTRUMENTALIST

Aoife Ní Bhriain
Diarmuid Ó Meachair
Michael McGoldrick
Michelle Mulcahy
Sorcha Costello

(2022 winner – Cormac Begley)
BEST FOLK GROUP

Bláth na hÓige
Garadice
Lankum
Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble
The Mary Wallopers
ØXN

(2022 winner: the olllam)
BEST FOLK ALBUM

All Of This Is Chance – Lisa O’Neill
Bláth na hÓige – Bláth na hÓige
Double You – Aoife Ní Bhriain and Catrin Finch
False Lankum – Lankum
Look Over The Wall, See The Sky – John Francis Flynn

(2022 winner – Nine Waves – Ye Vagabonds (Pictured))
BEST EMERGING ARTIST

Cinder Well
Diarmuid Ó Meachair
Niamh Bury
Piaras Ó Lorcáin
Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Sorcha Costello

(2022 winner – Cathal Ó Curráin)
Tickets available here.

Bolero and Babies
2024-02-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Royal Irish Academy of Music, 36-38 Westland Row, Dublin 2,, Dublin 2, D02 WY89, Ireland
Bolero and Babies
Wednesday 28th February, 11am
Royal Irish Academy of Music
Bolero for Babies provides a space for parents/guardians with babies and/or small children to enjoy a concert of well-known classical music repertoire at a time that fits the new life schedule that accompanies new arrivals, when attending an evening concert clashes with bedtime routines and involves arranging babysitters. Babies and young children are free to make noise or even crawl around to explore this new environment to some extent!
€15 tickets include access for one adult and up to 2 children under 3 years.
Fanfare for St. Edmundsbury by Britten
Germans Almaine for 3 trumpets
Dutch Dance for 3 trumpets
Canon K328 Mozart
Apres un Reve Faure arr violin and harp
Entr’acte Ibert violin and harp
Une chatelaine in sa tour Faure
Sibelius Duo for Violin and viola
CPE Bach 3 trumpets and timpani
Bolero Ravel….. and more!
Performers:
Jack O’Reilly, trumpet
Aoife Garry, trumpet
Grace Taite, trumpet
Giulio Bryant, harp
Jasmin Gallagher, violin
Katie Ni Mhaolain, viola
Derek Fu, percussion

Marja Gaynor, Aoife Nic Athlaoich and Siobhán Armstrong @ Ortús Chamber Music Festival 2024
2024-03-03 11:00 - 13:00 | St. Peter’s Cork, Church Hill, Carrigrohane, Cork, T12 TX89, Ireland
Marja Gaynor, Aoife Nic Athlaoich and Siobhán Armstrong @ Ortús Chamber Music Festival 2024
Sunday 3rd March, 11am
St. Peter’s Cork
Siobhán Armstrong (baroque harp), Marja Gaynor (baroque violin) and Aoife Nic Athlaoich (baroque cello and 5 string piccolo cello)will perform a selection of 17th and 18th century works including:
William Byrd (c. 1540–1623) Callino Casturame
George Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) Fantasia No. 2 in D Major
Giovanni Battista Draghi (c. 1640–1708) Scocca pur
Sylvius Leopold Weiss (1687–1750) Chaconne in g minor
Dario Castello (1602 – 1631) Sonata Seconda
Francesco Rognoni Taeggio Divisions on “Susanne un jour’ (1620)
Thomas Tollett (c. 1630-1696) Tollett’s Ground (From Division-Flute)
Turlough Carolan (1670–1738) Pléaráca na Ruarcach with divisions by Lorenzo Bocchi (J & W Neal, A Collection of the Most Celebrated Irish Tunes, 1724)
Georg Friederich Händel (1685–1759) Let me wander not unseen
Tickets available here and are also available at Pro Musica, 20 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 AW84.

Launch of Harp Studies II: World Harp Traditions
2024-03-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 NCF8, Ireland
Irish World Academy Special Event: Launch of Harp Studies II: World Harp Traditions
Monday 4th March, 5pm
Irish World Academy, Theatre 2
Helen Lawlor and Sandra Joyce, co-editors, are launching the 2nd
volume in the Harp Studies series, World Harp Traditions, on March
4th, 5pm, Tower Theatre, Irish World Academy building. The launch
will feature performances by a number of the contributors to both
volumes of Harp Studies, including Helen and Sandra, Paul Dooley,
Cormac De Barra, Niall Keegan, the Cuisle Harp Ensemble directed
by Fiana Ní Chonaill, and a host of other performers.
Published by Four Courts Press, Dublin, this book situates harping
activity as a vital aspect of music making in traditions around the
world. Contributors include Helen Lawlor (TU Dublin); Sandra
Joyce (UL); Niall Keegan (UL); Deirdre Nic Chárthaigh (MU); Helen
Davies (ind.); Lia Lonnert (Linnaeus U.); Mary Louise O’Donnell
(ind.); Cormac De Barra (DkIT); Catriona Cannon (NUIG); Tristan
Le Govic (Rennes 2 U.); Joshua Dickson (Royal Conservatoire
of Scotland); Paulla Ebron (Stanford U.); Rémy Jadinon (Royal
Museum for Central Africa); Sylvie Le Bomin (Sorbonne University) and Salomé Strauch
(Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle); Lucie Rault (Muséum national d’Histoire
naturelle); Haley Hodson (ind.); Benjamin Fairfield (University of
Hawai‘i at Manoa); Suwichan Phattanaphraiwan (Bodhivijjalaya
College); Susanne Fürniss (CNRS. The National Center for Scientific
Research); Lisbeth Ahlgren Jensen (ind.).
Helen Lawlor is a Lecturer in Music at TU Dublin. Sandra Joyce is
Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,
UL.
Admission is free and all are welcome.

Finding a Voice presents: Amerghin – Wind on Sea
2024-03-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Main Guard, Clonmel, Sarsfield Street, Burgagery-Lands West, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Finding a Voice presents: Amerghin – Wind on Sea
Sunday 10th March, 1pm
Main Guard, Clonmel
€8/€5

Amerghin: Wind on Sea
Anne Marie O Farrell (harp)
Aingeala De Búrca (violin)
Tim Doyle (whistles, pipes)
Brian Fleming (bodhrán, bones, percussion)
Between them they have played with artists from Led Zeppelin to the Chieftains, Elvis Costello, In Tua Nua, Riverdance, and Mamady Keita, and in concert, chamber and baroque orchestras around the world, on more than 150 albums, in more than 50 countries. They have played every style of venue and festival in Ireland from music bars to concert halls and stadia, and from fleadhs and baroque festivals to Electric Picnics. Their combined experience as professional musicians spans 150 years.
BOOK NOW
The four members of Amerghin combine that experience to create stunning new compositions and improvisations, which co-exist on their set list with music that is older than most nations. Whether it is music from the seventeenth century or new music being improvised into existence in front of your ears, Amerghin breathe new life into everything they play.
For Finding a Voice 2024, Amerghin perform music by Máire Breatnach, Irish American fiddler Liz Carroll, Italian baroque composer Isabella Leonarda, French baroque composer Elizabeth Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, West African kora player and composer Sona Jobarte, and composer and harpist Anne-Marie O’Farrell.
Song of Amergin (Irish mythology; date unknown)
“Am gáeth I mmuir ar domni
Am tond trethan i tír
Am fúaim na mara”
“I am the wind on the sea
I am the wave on the land
I am the sound of the sea”

The Singing Harps
2024-03-10 15:00 - 17:30 | LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre, Queen's Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
The Singing Harps
Sunday 10th March 2024, 3pm
Dún Laoghaire Lexicon Library
Claire Roche will sing accompanied by harp, a compilation of well loved Irish songs, including ‘The Spinning Wheel’, ‘ Danny Boy’ etc.
Included in her programme will be a selection of W.B Yeats’s poems set to music .
She will also present some of her original songs with harp accompaniment: these were inspired by her childhood home, once a miniature farm .
Concert length 90 minutes with interval .Tea/ Coffee and biscuits served after performance .
Tickets available here.
