Lá a Cruite | Harp Day at Tallaght Library
2024-10-21 18:30 - 19:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Tallaght Library, Library Square, Tallaght, Co. Dublin, D24 A3EX, Ireland
21st October, 6.30pm
Tallaght Library
Celebrate Lá na Cruite | Harp Day 2024 with Sophie Ní Riain at
Tallaght Library. Sit back, relax and hear the sounds of our almost 1000- year-old Irish harping tradition.
Book here.

Harps Plus featuring ALFÍ, Macdara Ó’Faoláin, Jill Devlin and the young harpers from Music Generation Waterford Harp Ensembles
2024-10-31 08:00 - 17:00 | Garter Lane Arts Centre, Trinity Without, Waterford, Waterford, X91 DX57, Ireland
Harps Plus featuring ALFI, Macdara Ó’Faoláin, Jill Devlin and the young harpers from Music Generation Waterford Harp Ensembles
Saturday 9th November, 7:30pm
Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford
Tickets €15 (Concessions €12) (+Booking Fee) at
Harps Plus concert, presented by Harp Ireland in collaboration with Music Generation Waterford. The evening concert is a celebration of harp music with guests Alannah Thornburgh (harp) and Fiachra Meek (uillean pipes) also known as the band ALFI, Waterford native and renowned musician Macdara Ó’Faoláin, well known Tramore based harper Jill Devlin and the young harpers from Music Generation Waterford Harp Ensembles and programme.

Tickets available here.

Where the Light Is - Ruth Corry Album Launch
2024-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Orange Tree House, 1 Portaferry Road, Greyabbey, Co. Down, BT22 2RU, Ireland
Ruth Corry is an Irish harpist from Belfast and has been playing the harp for over 20 years. She graduated from Durham University with a BA (Hons) in Music where she was awarded a first class for her final recital, and where she also completed a PGCE in Primary Teaching, graded outstanding.
Ruth will launch her new album, ‘Where The Light Is’ in the Orange Tree House, Greyabbey on Sunday 3rd November 2024 at 3pm.
Tickets are available at https://www.ruthcorryharpist.co.uk/shop and include tea/coffee/juice and Orange Tree House shortbread 🙂

The Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain
2024-11-21 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions run throughout 2024 and feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from a variety of players, pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our fifth concert on Thursday 21st November 2024 features Welsh harper Catrin Finch and Dublin born violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain. These two virtuosic performers have played on stages across the world, and performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras.
Catrin Finch, who served as Royal Harpist to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, has played with New York Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the English Chamber Orchestra, and has achieved widespread success as a solo and collaborative recording artist.
Multi-award winning violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain has performed with musicians from all genres including Oscar winner Tim Robbins and his Band of Rogues, Declan O’Rourke, Kris Drever, Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill,as well as RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Korean Chamber Orchestra, l’Orchestre de Chambre Ariege, MuKo Orchester Leipzig.
Their début album as a duo, Double You, has received widespread acclaim.
‘…a sumptuous instrumental melange of virtuosic stringed magic’
Nigel Williamson, UNCUT MAGAZINE
‘spellbinding dexterity’
David Kidman, Folk London
Don’t miss your chance to experience this formidable duo, book tickets now!
Doors 8.00pm, show starts 8.30pm.
Book tickets here.

Róise Ní Laoire | TU Dublin Lunchtime Recital Series
2024-11-28 13:10 - 13:50 | TU DUBLIN, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 H6K8, Ireland
Join TU Dublin in the East Quad, Concert Hall at 13:10 on Thursday 28th November for recital presented by Róise Ní Laoire, as she showcases the versatility of both the concert and Irish harp!
When: Thursday, 28th November
Times: 13:10 – 13:50
Where: TU Dublin Concert Hall, East Quad, Grangegorman D07 XFF2
Programme
Au Matin – Marcel Tournier
Dance – Fiona Clifton Welker
Sonatina – Sergiu Natra
Impromptu-Caprice – Pierne
Plus a selection of Trad pieces!
Tickets available here.

Sult & Irla O'Muirthile | The Vintage Dublin
2024-11-29 21:00 - 22:00 | The Vintage, 74 Irishtown Road, Dublin 4, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Sult, a multi-award winning Irish trad group and Irla O’Muirthile, playing trad airs, tunes and songs, and timeless melodies of traditional Irish Music.

Sarah McVeigh Music at Ulster Folk Museum
2024-11-30 11:00 - 2024-12-01 14:00 | Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, Holywood, Co. Down, BT180EU
Join Sarah McVeigh for two mornings of harp music at Ulster Folk Museum.

Saturday 30th November 11am-2pm
Sunday 1st December 11am-2pm

Ceol Cruite na Nollagh at Killarney Library
2024-12-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Killarney Library, Rock Road, Kilcoolaght, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Join Deirdre Granville, Reidun Schlesinger, Marina de Blythe, Sr. Colette, Margaret Looney, Connie Dawson, Nina Wagner McManus, Aisling Urwin and Máire Begley on 5th December. 6.30 pm for an evening of seasonal music at Killarney Library.

Tuamgraney Harp Festival Fundraiser
2024-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Nuala’s Bar and Restuarant, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, Ireland
Tea, coffee and Cake accompanied by seasonal harp music at the Tuamgraney Harp Festival Coffee Morning fundraiser – proceeds in aid of Tuamgraney Harp Festival and Tuam graney Development Association

Cairde na Cruite Christmas Concert
2024-12-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
Join Cairde na Cruite for their annual Christmas Concert at 3pm on Sunday 8th December in Cornstown House, Ashbourne Co.Meath.
Seasonal refreshments will be served at this unique venue.
Student harpers are welcome to contact us if they would like to perform some of their Seasonal favourites.

Harp & Song: A Christmas Concert
2024-12-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, W91 W284, Ireland
Experience the magic of Christmas in Russborough’s magnificent Entrance Hall with an enchanting evening of music performed by two of Ireland’s finest musicians – harpist Ruth O’Hara and soprano Megan O’Neill.
Let their masterful blend of Christmas classics, traditional Irish melodies, and beloved film scores fill this historic space with festive warmth. From timeless carols to Celtic favorites, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of musical celebration.
Date:
Saturday 14th December – 6pm
Featured Artists:
Ruth O’Hara – Harp
Megan O’Neill – Soprano
Make it Special:
Enhance your evening with a pre-concert charcuterie board at our café. Book Here.
Book your tickets now for an evening of musical enchantment in one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic settings.

Tradfest 2025: Harping Now with Lauren Ní Néill & The Martin Family
2025-01-22 12:30 - 14:00 | Castle Hall at Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Tradfest 2025: Harping Now with Lauren Ní Néill & The Martin Family

Irish harping has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past 50 years. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s CEO, harper Lauren Ní Néill, chats about its 1000 year old heritage, the efforts to safeguard it, its UNESCO recognition and how harping has integrated with mainstream Irish traditional music. Lauren will be joined by some of our finest young harpers – Jaymee, Ryan and Kayla Martin – who will share their favourite harp tunes and more.
Book here.

Harpissima 2025 at RIAM Dublin | 22-23 February
2025-02-22 - 2025-02-23
Harpissima 2025
22-23 February 2025
RIAM – Royal Irish Academy of Music
Westland Row, Dublin
The event is open to all harpists and students from across Ireland.
All activities and harp exhibition are FREE OF CHARGE by application online.
Saturday 22 February
1.00pm – Harp Marathon
2.00pm – Workshop with Aisling Ennis (An introduction to arranging and improvising for LEVER HARP
Sunday 23 February
10.00am – Masterclass with Joel Von Lerber
Harp Marathon
4.00pm – Harp Recital, Joel Von Lerber
Including pieces by Renié, Smetana, Connesson, Chertok, and Tchaikovsky.
Harp Exhibition open all weekend
Register at https://www.salvimusic.com/harpissima-europe/
Promoted by Salvi Harps and Lyon & Healy

The Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Harpanno
2025-02-22 20:30 - 22:30 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions continue throughout 2025 and feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from a variety of players, pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our opening concert on Saturday 22nd February features Harpanno, with Irish harper Aisling Lyons joined by Dale McKay and Conor Broderick in a new-age genre of music combining traditional Irish harp and piano with the meditative sound of the handpan. Harpanno’s music is calming, tranquil but yet energetic, and takes you on a journey through newly composed handpan melodies, layered percussion sections, blissful harp riffs and vibrant piano passages.
Harpanno’s début album “Finding Calm” was released in March 2024 and they have since performed at Doolin Folk Fest, The Dunamaise Arts Centre and Cornstown House. Book now for their performance at The Sugar Club, Dublin on Saturday 22nd February 2025.
Support Act: Lily O’Connor
Lily O’Connor is a multi instrumentalist from Ballygriffey Co.Clare. She comes from a rich musical family steeped in tradition and plays regularly with her mother Frances Custy, founder of Custy’s music shop, and sisters Eve and Maisie. She learned to play the concertina from Mary McNamara and Liam O’Brien, and the harp from Fionnuala Rooney. Lily was drawn to the music of east Clare where she was encouraged greatly by the likes of Seamus Bugler and Pat Mullins.
Tickets available here.

Folk on the Moor with Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh
2025-02-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Wotter, Plymouth, PL7 5HP, United Kingdom
Both musical supremos, Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh, combine effortlessly and will wow you with their dexterity and sublime musicianship. Chris’s playing on guitar has variously been described as “utterly breathtaking” (Folk Wales) and “life affirming” (RnR magazine) and Maire as “the doyenne of Irish harp players” (Scotland on Sunday) and “an absolute legend” (The Irish Echo – USA)
“Folk on the Moor” is based at the Moorland Hotel at Wotter, United Kingdom. Event starts at 7.45pm. Find out more.

Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman. The University of St. Thomas, Texas
2025-03-06 19:00 | Cullen Hall, Texas, 4001 Mt. Vernon St. Houston, TX, TX 77006, United States
Concert sponsored by the University of St. Thomas William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies
Free admission and open to the public. Attendance is on a first come, first served basis.
For parties of six or more, or guests with mobility issues, please email to make arrangements

Celebrating Traditions of Music: ICTMD Ireland 20th Anniversary Concert
2025-03-07 18:00 - 19:30 | DCU, DCU St Patrick's Campus, Dublin, Dublin, D09 YT18, Ireland
ICTMD Ireland 20th Anniversary Concert: Celebrating Traditions of Music
Join us for a special concert celebrating intersections of music traditions from Ireland, Ghana, Peru and India with performances from DCU Faculty, the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) Ensemble, the Rodrigo Almonte Andean Jazz Ensemble, and Indian Classical musician Sruthi Ravali.
Performers include Francis Ward (piano), Síle Denvir (vocals/harp), Marie-Louise Bowe (violin/viola), Robert Harvey (flute), Róisín Nic Athlaoich (viola), Mary Barnecutt (cello), Martin O’Connell (button accordion), Ruadhan Redmond (uilleann pipes); John Nutekpor (percussion), Nial Preston (bodhrán), Ciara Dunbar (violin); and Rodrigo Almonte (guitar), Matthew Jacobson (drums), and Aidan Gray (acoustic double bass).
Tickets are free but limited.
Available on EventBrite. – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/celebrating-traditions-of-music-ictmd-ireland-20th-anniversary-concert-tickets-1252546713939?aff=oddtdtcreator

Little Rock Folk Club presents Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
2025-03-08 19:30 | Hibernia Irish Tavern Little Rock, AR, 9700 N Rodney Parham Rd K, Little Rock, AR, AR 72227, United States
The pioneering partnership of one of the UKs finest and most influential acoustic guitarists (fROOTS) with the doyenne of Irish harpers (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY) and an absolute legend (THE IRISH ECHO) has presented its unique musical vision in twenty-two countries on five continents to venues ranging from the tiniest of village halls to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, Londons Barbican, Sydney Town Hall and the Philharmonie in Cologne
Máire is the 2001 recipient of Irish musics most prestigious Award, Gradam Ceoil TG4 Musician of the Year for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp in Ireland and for the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers.
Chris Newman is a brilliant English master of the acoustic guitar (THE DAILY TELEGRAPH) and the UKs premier flat-picking guitarist. A dazzling player (ACOUSTIC GUITAR, USA), whose work is nothing short of brilliant (DIRTY LINEN, USA), he is one of the very few guitarists who excel in Celtic, European swing jazz and American bluegrass styles. He was Live Irelands Male Musician of the Year 2009 and 2019.
Need a little more convincing?… trust your own ears here—> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGAD4iZJJow

"The Singing Harps" with Claire Roche
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | National Concert Hall Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
“The Singing Harps”
The John Field Room National Concert Hall Dublin .
The programme will include favourite Irish songs with harp accompaniment, such as ‘Eileen Óg’, ‘The Galway Girl’, etc.
Included will be Claire’s original songs, sung with Irish ,Concert, and Electric harp.
Tickets 15 euro, concessions available.
Hear Claire on clairerochemusic.com.

New Music Dublin 2025 Lunchtime Concert: Berginald presents Bombast!
2025-04-03 13:30 | National Concert Hall Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
Chelsea Sharpe, violin
Giammaria Tesei, viola
TBC, cello
Fiona Gryson, harp
Berginald Rash, clarinet
Greg Crowley, bassoon
Hannah Miller, horn
Patrick Nolan, percussion
John Doyle, conductor
Ishmael Claxton, visual artist
Violist Clifton Harrison has had to pull out due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. His replacement is Giammaria Tesei.
Oy Guidry Just because I have a dick doesn’t mean I’m a Man (Irish Premiere)
Carlos Simon Loop for string trio (Irish Premiere)
Nkeiru Okoye Breaking Bread for solo viola (Irish Premiere)
Ivan Enrique Rodríguez The Broken Contract for harp and recording (Irish Premiere)
Quinn Mason In Memory for solo horn (Irish Premiere)
Jessie Montgomery Peace for clarinet and harp (Irish Premiere)
Allison Loggins-Hull Stolen for solo cello (Irish Premiere)
Gabriela Ortiz Atlas-Pumas for violin and marimba (Irish Premiere)
Shawn Okpebholo There is Always Light for clarinet, bassoon and marimba (Irish Premiere)
Jeff Scott The Idle Mind for solo horn (Irish Premiere)
Joseph Hallman Concerto for B-flat/E-flat clarinet, violin, viola, cello, bassoon, horn, harp & percussion (World Premiere)
Bombast! showcases works both by Black composers—many of whom form the US-based composer collective Blacknificent 7—and Latiné composers. Bombast! features the world premiere of Joseph Hallman’s Clarinet Chamber Concerto; interpolation and extemporisation around an arresting Joy Guidry original; plus powerful and poignant works by such provocative composers as GRAMMY®-nominated Gabriela Ortiz, GRAMMY®-nominated Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, and Imani Winds founding member Jeff Scott. Listeners will also encounter introspective works by the celebrated Nkeiru Okoye, internationally lauded Quinn Mason, GRAMMY®-winning composer and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, and GRAMMY®-nominated Shawn Okpebholo.
Bombast! brings together some of today’s most celebrated musicians from around the world, including violinist Chelsea Sharpe of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, and versatile viola player Clifton Harrison, formerly of the Kreutzer Quartet. They collaborate with some of Ireland’s finest musicians, including critically acclaimed clarinettist Berginald Rash; brilliant horn-player Hannah Miller of the Irish Chamber Orchestra; Bangers & Crash percussionist Paddy Nolan; internationally lauded cellist-composer Ailbhe McDonagh of the Ficino Ensemble; harpist Fiona Gryson; and the National Symphony Orchestra’s principal bassoon, Greg Crowley. In addition to bombastic aural experiences, Bombast! features visual art by New York-born visual media artist Ishmael Claxton, whose poignant and pertinent work is exhibited all over the world.
Grouped in couplets of solo and chamber pieces, reflecting the chasm between rugged individualism and the human ache for connection, Bombast! represents the audacity to live out loud, boldly and unapologetically; the assertion of one’s right to exist, and the unwavering expression of and commitment to one’s identity despite the risk of violence and retribution.
Presented by New Music Dublin
Sponsored by RTE/NCH/Arts Council Ireland

Harp Recital with Ruth O'Hara
2025-04-04 19:00 | Newpark Academy of Music, Newtown Park Ave, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland
Hear well know pieces such as
Clair de Lune – Debussy, Red is the Rose – Trad Irish, Eleanor Plunkett – O’Carolan,
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter &
City of Stars – La La Land – Justin Hurwitz
Tickets €20/ €15 Students

Harp and Flute Concert with Ruth O'Hara and Martina Rosaria O'Connell
2025-04-24 13:00
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 1.20pm
St Ann’s Church Dawson Street

Programme
Gabriel Fauré
Sicilienne
Berceuse
Claude Debussy
Arabesque
La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin
Clair de Lune
Syrinx
En Bateau
Saint Saëns
Romance

RUTH O’HARA is an award winning freelance pedal harpist, Irish harpist and teacher based in Ireland. Having studying as a scholarship student in The Royal Irish Academy of Music under Áine Ní Dhubhghaill, Ruth holds a Licentiate Diploma in Music Performance of the RIAM (LRIAM) and an Associate Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance of the RIAM (ARIAM). Ruth also holds a bachelor in Physiotherapy from Trinity College. Ruth often participates in international masterclasses & academies to further her artistic inspiration; the Ibacus harp course, MusicAlp, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival & Harpissima.
From an early age, Ruth’s passion & dedication to harp was evident receiving first place in both pedal harp & Irish harp competitions in Feis Ceoil. Some performances include; with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RIAM Gala High Achiever Awards ceremonies and the 1916 Rising commemoration ceremony. Recent performances include; the ‘Changing Times’ podcast launch and The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. These performances being held in renowned Irish venues; The National Concert Hall, Farmleigh House, Dublin Castle, The Mansion House and The Guinness Storehouse.
With an interest in chamber music as well as solo performance, Ruth has collaborated with traditional Irish musicians & classical musicians. Recent sold out harp and voice recitals with soprano Megan O’Neill have spanned traditional Irish music, classical, film & pop music. Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.
MARTINA ROSARIA O’CONNELL is a highly accomplished Irish-Italian flautist and music educator. She recently completed her Master’s in Flute Performance with Distinction, graduating top of her class at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Martina also holds a First-Class Honours degree in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin. At just 12 years old, Martina was awarded a six-year music scholarship to Wesley College, Dublin. Her exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trench Award, Liam Swords Award, Arts Council of Ireland’s Agility Award, and Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme.
In 2023, Martina made her concerto debut with the Trinity College Orchestra, performing Mozart’s *Concerto for Flute and Harp*. In February 2024, she was a finalist in the Maura Dowdall Concerto Competition. That same year, Martina premiered her flute transcription of Mel Bonis’s *Violin Sonata in F-Sharp Minor* in April at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris and subsequently gave its Irish premiere in June at the Fête de la Musique, attended by the French Ambassador to Ireland, HE Vincent Guérend. In May 2024, she performed her transcription as part of a live concert for Europe Day, which was broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM.
In November 2024, Martina performed as part of Sir James Galway’s 85th Birthday Celebration at the KKL Luzern, marking another milestone in her flourishing career. She has been a scholarship student at the Galway Flute Academy under Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway since 2020 and has participated in prestigious international programs such as Camerata Ireland, the Saline Royale Academy, the Scottish International Flute Summer School, and the Grolloo Flute Sessions in the Netherlands.
Martina’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Dublin Symphony Orchestra, RIAM Philharmonia, and Esker Festival Orchestra. In addition to her performance career, she teaches Musicianship in the Junior and Adult Divisions of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She is also the Head of Education at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival, Assistant Orchestra Manager of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Dublin Youth Orchestra. Martina is deeply passionate about sharing her love of music through her performances and her work as an educator. Her dedication, artistry, and versatility reflect her commitment to inspiring others and establishing herself as a prominent voice among Ireland’s emerging musicians.

IBO YOUNG ARTIST RECITAL: TARA VISCARDI
2025-05-18 17:00
IBO Associate Artist Tara Viscardi performs a programme of music from early Ireland and Europe, on the Baroque triple harp. Music includes pieces by Monteverdi, Carolan, Strozzi and Purcell, as well as arrangements of Bach’s Prelude in C Major BWV 846 and Handel’s Keyboard Suite in D minor HWV 437.
”…atmospheric, and exquisitely performed, was Viscardi’s Midnight Over Glanmore Lake, steeped in ancestral Celtic modality and written for herself to play on the Irish harp”, Richard Morrison, The Times, 7th May 2024.
The Irish Baroque Orchestra’s residency at Killruddery House celebrates a shared resonance with culture and heritage. The Baroque splendour of the house and gardens form the perfect setting for the Irish Baroque Orchestra’s performances of music from the period, performed by some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists. Join us during this special weekend for a unique and memorable audience experience!
Recital duration: Approx. 1 hour
ABOUT THE IBO:
https://www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com/

Harp Sessions at The Sugar Club | Gemma Doherty and Alannah Thornburg
2025-05-24 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
The Sugar Club Harp Sessions features the most exciting, cool harpers – some with friends – who are pushing the boundaries of Irish harping.
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from players who are pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our Sugar Club Harp Sessions concert on Saturday 24th May features Alannah Thornburgh and Gemma Doherty.
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning harper and composer. Her music explores her family’s musical heritage, reimagining ancient airs and tunes from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique, carries through her original compositions, creating an innovative style described as ‘unforced, fluid & utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah released her debut album ‘Shapeshifter’ in February.
Alannah is a founding member of the band Alfi, a trio who combine music & song sourced from the folk traditions of Ireland & America to produce a unique sound described as “beautiful, tear-jerking musicianship” (Bristol in Stereo).
Gemma Doherty is a composer, harper and singer from Derry City. Currently working on her first solo album, she combines contemporary with experimental Irish folk/traditional, centering around the harp with electronics and effects. As one half of electronic-folk duo Saint Sister, she has released two critically acclaimed albums – receiving Best Album in N.I. Music Prize and nominations for Album of the Year in Choice Music Prize and RTÉ Folk Awards. Recent screen work includes additional composition on Kneecap (Feature), Ogham, Fadó Fadó (Shorts), Camera Tripod Bicycle (TV Doc). She performed with Bono on his 23-date Stories of Surrender tour, and has worked with artists such as Lisa Hannigan, SOAK, Crash Ensemble, Villagers, Denise Chaila and Rachael Lavelle.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Connecting Harps Concert
2025-06-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St. George’s Church, 105 High St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 2AG, Ireland
Join us for a spellbinding evening of music and poetry in the atmospheric setting of St George’s Church. Connecting Harps brings together some of Ireland’s most celebrated harpers and musicians in a unique celebration of tradition, creativity and connection.
Experience the lyrical beauty of poetry and harp with Aisling Lyons and Moya Cannon, the masterful harping of Michael Rooney, and compelling performances from Gráinne Hambly, Aisling Lyons, Gráinne Meyer and Cormac de Barra. Rounding out the programme are the much-loved duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, known for their dynamic fusion of traditional fiddle, voice, and guitar.
Connecting Harps offers a rich tapestry of sound, tradition, and creative dialogue – celebrating the harp as a living symbol of creative connection.
Venue: St George’s Belfast
Date: Saturday 14th June 7:30pm
Tickets £15/€18 (cons. £10/€12) at eventbrite.ie

Cornelius Lyons Harp Summer School
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-22 | Teach Siamsa Finuge, Co. Kerry, V92WE22, Ireland
Join us at Teach Siamsa Finuge (V92 WE22) for a weekend of inspiring harp classes, talks, informal sessions and concerts. This weekend, led by renowned harpist Janet Harbison, is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Irish harp tradition, refine their technical and interpretative skills, and engage with the story of a North Kerry harper whose legacy is being brought home.
Limited places are available – book now!
For more info & bookings contact teachsiamsafinuge@gmail.com
Cornelius Lyons, a native of Rattoo, County Kerry, was a household harper to the Earl of Antrim at the turn of the 18th century. His most famous composition is Miss Hamilton.

Live at Rathfarnham Castle
2025-06-29 15:00 | Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, D14 K3T6
Live at Rathfarnham Castle
Ruth O’Hara (harp) and Martina Rosaria O’Connell (flute)
29 June 2025
Enjoy an afternoon of exquisite French music including renowned works by Fauré, Debussy and Saint-Saëns.
Book on eventbrite, Free admission, booking essential.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1399305232619

Programme:

Sicilienne Op. 78 – Fauré
Berceuse – ‘Dolly Suite’ – Fauré
Arabesque No. 1 – Debussy
La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin – Debussy
Clair de Lune, (solo harp) – ‘Suite Bergamasque’- Debussy
Syrinx, (solo flute) – Debussy
En Bateau – ‘Petite Suite’ – Debussy
Romance Op. 37 – Saint-Saëns

Music on the Farm Concerts - Harp Ensemble Extravaganza
2025-07-06 15:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
Harp Ensemble Extravaganza
Join us for a fun afternoon of harp ensemble music performing a variety of Irish traditional, folk and classical repertoire!
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the ‘Music on the Farm’ series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.

Harps Together
2025-08-01 21:00 - 22:30 | St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadew West, County Roscommon, Keadue, Co. Roscommon, F52 N928, Ireland
Harps Together Concert at the O’Carolan Harp Festival, Keadue
Cormac de Barra & Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Laoise Kelly, and local Roscommon harpers.
Friday 1 August, 9pm
St Ronan’s Hall, Keadue
Tickets at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ocarolanharpfestival/1688825

Music on the Farm Concerts Scott Flanigan (piano) & Gráinne Meyer (harp)
2025-08-03 15:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
What happens when two different musical worlds collide? Jazz pianist Scott Flanigan and traditional harpist Gráinne Meyer come together to explore what happens when jazz meets trad!
Harpist and Pianist Gráinne Meyer has recently completed a postgraduate diploma in classical and Irish traditional music at the TU Dublin conservatoire of music, receiving tuition from Clíona Doris, Denise Kelly and Gráinne Hambly. She previously received an honours music degree from the University of York, where she was awarded the Thomas Beecham scholarship.
Scott Flanigan is one of the foremost keyboard players in Ireland. He performs regularly across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany, and has recently performed with Van Morrison, the Ulster Orchestra, Larry Coryell, Jean Toussaint, Jim Mullen and Linley Hamilton. As a leader, Scott successfully tours his own contemporary piano trio, as well as a hard-swinging organ quartet. He also runs the successful Scott’s Jazz Club in East Belfast, a weekly jazz club bringing the best in Irish jazz to local audiences.
Be prepared to be transported on a journey through time and culture, where Irish melodies meld with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. Join us for an afternoon of unparalleled harmony as these two remarkable instruments intertwine, creating a unique and mesmerizing musical experience!
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the ‘Music on the Farm’ series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.
