Síle Denvir & Barry Kerr
2023-05-13 20:00 - 21:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Square @ The Irish Institute of Music & Song, Church Street, Balbriggan, Dublin, K32 YV56, Ireland
As part of the Dublin Fleadh, TG4 Amhránaí na Bliana 2023, Síle Denvir and current UCC Traditional Artist in Residence 2023, Barry Kerr will perform at the Irish Institute of Music and Song in Balbriggan on May 13th.
Making a compelling duet and creating music that communicates the beauty of a living tradition, Síle and Barry are celebrated as two of Ireland finest traditional musicians/singers. Their repertoire is a sympathetic merging of both traditional and original material, ranging from Síle’s ancient sean-nós songs to Barry’s self-composed modern folk tales. Their instrumental music on uilleann pipes, flute and harp is underpinned by subtle and inventive motif based arrangements. Originally from the sou
thern shores of Lough Neagh, multi-instrumentalist, composer, songwriter, and visual artist Barry is one of Ireland’s most accomplished artists. A master on both uilleann pipes and flute, his recent work has explored the concept of relating musical performance and composition with visual art. Barry was the recipient of the prestigious Liam O’ Flynn Award in 2020 and is currently the tradition musician in residence at UCC. Síle is a harpist and sean-nós singer who is deeply influenced by her upbringing in the Connemara Gaeltacht where she was surrounded by music and song from an early age. Síle was recently named Amhránaí na Bliana (singer of the year) in the prestigious TG4 Gradam Ceoil and her most recent album Anamnesis, a recording of sean-nós songs in collaboration with producer John Reynolds and cellist Caroline Dale, has just been released.

Trad @ Lunch - Elsa and Jos Kelly
2023-05-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Hawk’s Well Theatre, Temple Street, Sligo, F91 CFYZ, Ireland
Siblings from Sligo, Elsa and Jos come from an exceptionally musical family. Their music is influenced by a number of genres of music, but very important among them is the traditional music of county Sligo.
Elsa Kelly started playing traditional Irish music at the age of six and quickly progressed, winning numerous all-Ireland medals for harp, flute and group playing. She was a member of Spraoi which won the Siansa Gael Linn competition in 2009 and was also a member of Ceol na nÓg Sligeach. She has taught as senior harp teacher with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann Fred Finn Sligeach and teaches and performs regularly at festivals and concerts throughout Ireland and beyond.
Jos Kelly has often been descried as being at the cutting edge of new Irish traditional music. He plays the button accordion and keyboard and has developed an excellent reputation on the Irish music scene and would be known, in particular, as a founding member of Moxie with whom he has achieved many accolades and travelled the world.

Music For Wexford in association with Harp Ireland present The Emperor Trio
2023-05-28 15:30 - 17:00 | St. Iberius Church, Ferrybank South, Wexford
The Emperor Trio | St Iberius Church, Wexford
Sunday 28 May, 3.30pm
Join Music for Wexford in St Iberius Church to hear three of Ireland’s most respected harpists: Richard Allen, Aisling Ennis and Dianne Marshall who will perform together in a concert celebrating this stunning instrument. They will be joined by the Wexford Harp Ensemble | Cruitirí Loch Garman, with director Aileen Kennedy, as part of Music for Wexford’s side by side initiative, giving amateur musicians the opportunity to perform alongside professionals.

There will be the World Premiere of a Music for Wexford commissioned work for 3 harps by Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell.
The concert will also include:
Debussy Claire de Lune
Ravel Mother Goose Suite
Brahms Intermezzo in A
Chertok Around the Clock
Salzedo Chanson dans la nuit
Tickets at www.eventbrite.ie

HARPS PLUS at St Nicholas Collegiate Church, Galway
2023-06-02 19:30 - 21:30 | St Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lombard St, Galway, Galway, H91 PY20, Ireland
HARPS PLUS | Siamsaíocht Clainne

Friday 2nd June
Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Galway at 7.30pm
Featuring Kathleen Loughnane, Catríona Cannon, Cormac Cannon, Breda Keville, Síle Denvir, Barry Kerr, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta
Join Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland in celebrating harping at the heart of family music making. Listen to our rich harp music tradition, passed from generation to generation with Kathleen Loughnane, Catriona Cannon, piper Cormac Cannon and fiddle Player Breda Keville, alongside the magic of brother and sister duo, harper Séamus Ó Flatharta and his sister Caoimhe Ní Fhlatharta. In addition, we are delighted to welcome this year’s TG4 Amhránaí na Bliana, renowned seannós singer Sile Denvir in collaboration with her husband, Barry Kerr. Undoubtedly a unique celebration of the diversity of our harping tradition on Friday, 2nd June at 7.30pm in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway – Bígí Linn!
Bígí le Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland chun céiliúradh a dhéanamh ar cheol na cruite mar chroí na clainne. Éist le ceol á sheachadadh ó ghlúin go glúin le Kathleen Loughnane, Catriona Cannon, Cormac Cannon agus Breda Keville. Ina dteannta, beidh draíocht an cheoil ón chlann le Séamus agus Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, agus cuirfear fáilte roimh buaiteoir Ghradam TG4, Amhránaí na Bliana, Síle Denvir i mbun ceoil lena fear chéile Barry Kerr. Oíche ar leith a bheas ann ar an 2ú Meitheamh, 7.30i.n in Eaglais Naomh Nioclás, Gaillimh – Bígí Linn!
Tickets €20 at www.eventbrite.ie

Irish-American Music Cultures Symposium
2023-06-08 | TU DUBLIN, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 H6K8, Ireland
TU Dublin Conservatoire in association with the ITMA, and the Princess Grace Irish Library are honoured to host the Irish-American Music Cultures Symposium on June 8th, 2023 at the TU Dublin Conservatoire.

Inspired by the Princess Grace Irish-American Song Sheet Collection, this symposium seeks to explore the dynamic interaction of Irish-American music making. It takes an expansive view of transatlantic music making, with a focus on song and instrumental music. The symposium is convened by Dr Helen Lawlor (TU Dublin Conservatoire). It is funded by an IRC New Foundations Award and supported by the ITMA, the SMI and TU Dublin.

The keynote address ‘Irish Traditional Music in America and the Legacy of Mick Moloney’ will be delivered by Don Meade & Dan Neely.

The symposium will also feature two concerts:

Fintan Vallely, Maighread & Tríona Ní Dhomnaill; Dubh Linn (Lunch time concert)
Una Hunt and Heather Sammon (evening concert).

Registration is free, however we ask all attendees to register in advance to facilitate catering arrangements: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-american-music-cultures-symposium-tickets-633530866877

Irish-American Music Cultures Symposium
Timetable:
9.00-9.30
Registration
9.30-10.00
Scott Spencer (University of Southern California): Collections, Archives and Digital Humanities: Making Irish-American Heritage Accessible
10.00-10.30
Colin Harte (City University of New York): Teaching the Tunes: Understanding the Role of Irish Traditional Music in Higher Education in North America
10.45-11.30
Welcome SMI and PGIL: Helen Lawlor (TU Dublin) & Liam O’Connor (ITMA), Paula Farquharson, (PGIL) John O’Flynn (SMI) and Paul McNulty (TU Dublin)
11.30-12.00 Tea & Coffee
Session 1: 12.00-1.30 Session 1a
Axel Klein (Independent Scholar): Ireland on Broadway
Maria McHale (TU Dublin Conservatoire): ‘Two famous operas’: Irish opera and America
Liam O’Connor (Irish Traditional Music Archive): TBC
LUNCH
2.15-3.00
Concert: Fintan Vallely, Tríona Ní Domhnaill, Maighread Ní Domhnaill, Dubh Linn
3.00-4.00
Keynote Address | Don Meade & Dan Neely: Irish Traditional Music in America and the Legacy of Mick Moloney
4.00-4.30 Tea & Coffee
Session 2: 4.30-6.00 Session 2a:
Fintan Vallely (Independent Scholar): Interpreting the Princess Grace Song-Sheet Collection
Helen Lawlor (TU Dublin Conservatoire): Harp Imagery and Symbolism in the Princess Grace Song-Sheet Collection
Aileen Dillane (University of Limerick): Irish American Musical Imaginaries
Closing comments
6.30-7.15
Concert: Una Hunt & Heather Sammon: The Irish American
7.15- Reception

Galway Folk Festival - BRÍDÍN
2023-06-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Monroe’s Live, Galway, 14 Dominick Street, Upper, Galway, Ireland
Returning for it’s second edition, the festival
will take place from Tuesday June 13th to Sunday June 18th, showcasing the best of folk, roots, and
traditional music, from Ireland and beyond.
On Friday 16th June, The Whileaways, Niamh Regan and Irish harper BRÍDÍN will perform at Monroe’s Live.
Book tickets here: http://galwayfolkfestival.com/

Trad @ Lunch: Michael Rooney & June McCormack
2023-06-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Hawk’s Well Theatre, Temple Street, Sligo, F91 CFYZ, Ireland
This husband and wife duo, also known as ‘Draíocht’, have substantial musical credentials. They have already achieved great things individually, including major awards and two acclaimed recordings. They have toured extensively as Draíocht, having performed throughout the States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Together as Draíocht, Michael Rooney and June McCormack have recorded two CDs: ‘Draíocht’ and ‘Land’s End’. They have just finished recording their third studio album ‘Tobar an Cheoil’, June 2022.
June Mc Cormack comes from Ballintogher, Co Sligo and was recipient of the TG4 Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award in 1998. A primary school teacher by profession, June has published two Irish flute tutorials ‘Fliuit’, ‘Fliuit 2’ and most recently, ‘The Book of Sligo Tunes’.
Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now resident in Sligo, Michael’s output as a composer is impressive and includes four publications of recent suites, as well as thirteen major suites for harp and ensemble or orchestra. Among the highlights of his recent orchestral and ensemble compositions are ‘The Ulster Suite (2022), Clairseoireacht (2022), ‘Constance’ (Feb 2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The De Cuellar Suite (2011), The Reconciliation Suite (2015) and The Macalla Suite (2016).

An Chúirt Chruitireachta | International Festival for Irish Harp
2023-06-25 08:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00 | An Grianán, Termonfechin, Louth
International Festival for Irish Harp 2023 | An Chúirt Chruitireachta
Sunday 25th June – Friday 30th June 2023
An Grianán, Termonfechin, Co. Louth
This year’s festival tutors will include Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Gráinne Hambly, Rachel Hair and Úna Ní Fhlannagáin.
Full programme details on https://www.cairdenacruite.com

World Premiére of “For Three Lever Harps” by Sam Perkin at West Cork Chamber Music Festival
2023-06-25 14:00 - 17:00 | St Brendan’s Hall, Bantry, St Brendan's School, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland
New Work for Irish Harp Ensemble at West Cork Chamber Music Festival
A new work for three harps by Sam Perkin will be premiered at the 2023 West Cork Chamber Music Festival on Sunday, June 25th .
For Three Lever Harps was commissioned by the Cork ETB School of Music in 2019. However, the
COVID 19 pandemic intervened, and it is only now that the work is receiving its first performance.
Writing about the Commission Sam Perkin says: –
“For Three Lever Harps is about the beauty that spontaneously comes into being when we step back,
embracing the waiting, and watch the wonder of life unfold. The exploration of awe has now become
a central aspect of my artistic output. As an artist I seek to explore the purity of childlike wonder.
This is something we often lose contact with as we age, and which gets replaced by apathy and void.
It can be scary to fully accept being alive, though if we manage to get out of our own way and let life
emerge, we can authentically participate in its gift with humility”.
Composed especially for the CETB’s harp teacher Damhnait Nic Suibhne and her students, this work
is scored for three lever harps but allows for individual parts to be doubled freely at the discretion
of, and relative to the availability of, the performers.

In his performance notes Sam Perkin says “In the piece we hear waves of staccato chords which
overlap and echo between the three parts. The regular silences enhance the atmosphere, which is
intended to sound as neutral as possible. Gradually a new pattern emerges, leading us to hear what
we first heard in a new way. The three harps finally synchronise for the first time near the end of the
work, leading to a delicate fading out of the music”.
Carol Daly, Principal of Cork ETB School of Music is very pleased that this creative piece will be
played for the first time as part of the ETB School of Music’s ‘Young Ensembles’ concert at the West
Cork Chamber Music Festival. “We are really looking forward to hearing Sam Perkin’s wonderful
composition which we commissioned to demonstrate our commitment to and pride in harping in our
school and we are delighted that these fine harpers, will perform at the World Premiere. We are also
very grateful to West Cork Music for the opportunity”.

To a Child Dancing in the Wind
2023-06-30 20:00 - 21:00 | An Táin Arts Centre, Crowne St, Townparks, Dundalk, Ireland
Trio Táin presents an intimate classical music performance featuring the song cycle To a Child Dancing In the Wind by John Tavener for flute, viola, harp, and soprano, and Good Night by Henryk Górecki arranged for flute, harp, and soprano.

To a Child Dancing In the Wind represents a rare departure from John Tavener’s choral, liturgical works which formed the bulk of his prolific output. In Tavener’s own words; “The frailty, tenderness, and spiritual transparency of Yeats’ poetry inspired him to compose it”.
In Gorecki’s raw sounds, there is a life that slowly fades away with each subsequent step and each subsequent breath. The title Goodnight touches us with its fragility, but it does not deprive us of hope.
Trio Táin is a new trio consisting of harpist Aisling Ennis with flautist Vourneen Ryan and violist Robin Panter. They are proud to collaborate with soprano, Catherine Redding to realise this exquisite programme.

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2023
2023-07-01 08:00 - 2023-07-09 17:00 | Miltown Malbay, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, Ireland
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2023 takes place in Miltown Malbay from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th July.
Download the brochure here: SSWC 2023 Brochure
All students must pre-register online for this year’s summer school. Online registration is now open at https://www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com/online-registration. Registration fee for the week: €150. Registered students have free access to lectures, recitals, afternoon events at Mill Marquee, Irish and Scottish Gaelic language classes, and reduced admission to all céilithe.
HARP CLASSES will be held at the GAA Clubhouse, Bog Road, and private houses, Flag Road. Assembly at Monday 9am at the Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds.
This year SSWC includes a new CPD course for Irish Traditional musicians and teachers, KNOW THE SCORE – READ & WRITE IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC, conducted by Dr. Liz Doherty and certified by the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Location: St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point 10am – 1pm. For more information and to register go to https://bit.ly/WCSS-KnowtheScore

HHSI Scoil na gCláirseach | Festival of Early Irish Harp
2023-07-07 - 2023-07-13 | Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
The Historical Harp Society of Ireland | Scoil na gCláirseach | Festival of Early Irish Harp
Fri 7th – Thur 13th | July 2023
50 events: workshops, talks, concerts, social occasions ONSITE in Kilkenny & LIVE Online
The HHSI’ annual Festival of Early Irish Harp takes place in Kilkenny, Ireland and live online from Friday 7th July to Thursday 13th July 2023. Rediscover and immerse yourself in the music and traditions of Gaeldom’s exquisite, ancient harp, guided by expert performers and researchers. Share in the ‘real deal’ of the music of the old harpers, exploring as much of their world as is now possible two centuries after the tradition died out, using everything from 18th-century manuscripts to cutting-edge 21st-century science. Players of ALL kinds of harps are warmly welcomed.
See more at https://festival.irishharp.org/

Belfast TradFest
2023-07-23 - 2023-07-30 | Belfast
Belfast TradFest & Summer School of Traditional Music

• 5 days of masterclasses – Harp tutors include Laoise Kelly, Aisling Lyons and Lauren Ní Néill
• Concerts, including Féile Cruitirí Bhéal Feirste – Belfast Harp Festival
• Afternoon talks, lectures, discussions, taster sessions, film screenings
• Over 40 sessions
Cost £129

Accomodation – 7 nights
• Self Catering
• 200 yards from masterclasses
• Free wifi
• Ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin
• Onsite laundry facilities
Cost £299

For more information visit;

http:///www.belfasttradfest.com

CÉHI JOB OPPORTUNITY (PART-TIME) Deadline
2023-07-28 17:30 - 2023-08-11 17:30
Deadline for applicants to Marketing & Communications Assistant Job
Friday 28 July 2023
Job specs at https://www.harpireland.ie/part-time-job-opportunity-with-cruit-eireann-harp-ireland/

Cruitirí ar Chnoic
2023-08-02 - 2023-08-04 | Inishowen, Co Donegal
More information to come…

Harps for Heritage 2023 | Muckross Schoolhouse
2023-08-20 15:30 - 17:00 | Muckross Schoolhouse, Muckross Schoolhouse, The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Harp Ireland presents HARPS FOR HERITAGE 2023 at The Schoolhouse, Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms, Killarney on Sunday 20th August, at 3:30pm.
Featuring Paul Dooley (Early Irish Harp), Kseniya Rusnak (Bandura) • Aisling Urwin & Niamh O’Brien (Irish Harps). Special guests Siamsa Tíre National Folk Theatre.
Admission FREE. Bígí Linn!
Register at eventbrite.ie

Smithfield Fleadh
2023-08-26 - 2023-08-27 | Smithfield Square, Smithfield Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland
Get to Smithfield, Dublin 7, this Saturday to hear the Harp Ireland recital in An Puball Éigse, Smithfield Square at 2pm. Hear performances by Méabh McKenna, Colm McGonigle and Rachel Duffy with the Bray Harp Ensemble. At 3pm you can take part in the TRY THE HARP WORKSHOP. Bígí linn!
See the full programme of Smithfield Fleadh events, from Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th August (from 12pm to 6pm) at https://cdn.dublin.ie/wp-content/uploads/Smithfield-Fleadh-2023.pdf

Clifden Arts Festival 2023 | 20 Sept 2023
2023-09-20 | Christ Church Clifden, Church Hill, Clifden, Ireland
Clifden Arts Festival and Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland present an afternoon of Irish harping featuring renowned harpers Lisa Canny, Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín and Séamus Ó Flatharta at Christ Church, Clifden
Wednesday 20 September 2023, 4pm
Ticket €15 at www.clifdenartsfestival.ie
Lisa Canny, a seven-time All-Ireland champion on harp and banjo, brings a unique blend of RnB, pop, hip-hop, and traditional Irish music to her performances. She has toured extensively and is known for her high-energy and entertaining shows.
Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, a multi-award-winning, multi-instrumentalist, achieved success with her bands EADAOIN and LÉDA, with a No. 1 in the iTunes world genre charts in Ireland. She has performed at prestigious venues and appeared on various radio and television stations.
Séamus Ó Flatharta, a talented sean-nós singer and multi-instrumentalist from Connemara, showcases his musical skills and keeps the Irish language and heritage at the forefront of his work. This afternoon of Irish harping promises to be a captivating and culturally rich experience.
Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Primary School Harp Recital Series
2023-09-25 09:00 - 2023-09-29 17:00 | Gaelscoil na bhFál, Belfast, Belfast
Harps Alive Belfast
Primary School Harp Recital Series
25th-29th September
Gaelscoil na bhFál, Braniel Primary School, Botanic Primary School and Hazelwood Integrated Primary School, Belfast

Harpers visit local primary schools to perform and tell them a little more about the harp, what it’s made from, how many strings it has and its history in ancient Ireland.

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin
2023-09-30 | Belfast
Harps Alive Festival 2023
An all-island celebration of Irish harping

Some 231 years on, harp music resounds…..Harpers and historians join forces in Belfast and Dublin to celebrate the Irish harping tradition.
Now in its second year Harps Alive (Harps Alive│An Chruit Bheo│Harps Leevin) is a cross border collaborative festival, which brings together the finest harpers from across the island to celebrate the significance of the landmark event of the Belfast Harp Festival 1792. An event, that through the work of Armagh-born Edward Bunting, resulted in the collection of the music and techniques of the Irish harping tradition; a collection which is central to the continuity of the Irish harping tradition today.
Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland, working in partnership with Reclaim the Enlightenment, present the Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin festival in Belfast, on September 30th and in Dublin on October 21st – 22nd, 2023.
The festival will bring together harpers from all over Ireland to assess Edward Bunting’s legacy, showcase the harpers’ music, and bring a contemporary spotlight to bear on current developments to safeguard harping as a living tradition in Ireland.
A dynamic series of cross-community and cross-border events featuring two major concerts, a series of recitals, talks and workshops remembering the contribution of Edward Bunting 180 years after his death, is planned in the two cities.
Chair of Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland Aibhlín McCrann, stated, ‘It is very satisfying to see our collaboration with our northern colleagues coming to fruition, and to gain such understanding of the important role that the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly played in the safeguarding of the harpers’ music. Our work together has been a true partnership, epitomised by collegiality, enthusiasm and positivity”.
John Gray, Chair of Reclaim the Enlightenment, considers this event to be “a major musical festival rooted in history. A celebration of the heritage of the harp and the contemporary revival of harp playing”. He considers that it will continue to “create more awareness of the harp tradition with the public and leave a lasting legacy”.
The success of last year’s Harps Alive festival has inspired harpers to further explore the music of the Irish harp. This year the festival commissioned County Antrim harper Gráinne Meyer, to arrange music for the newly established Harps Alive Ensemble. The commission will be premièred at a concert on 30 September in Rosemary Street Church, Belfast at 5.30pm which also features early Irish harper, Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin, the Northern Stars Trio, and harp and pipes duo, Laoise Kelly and Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn.
“We are looking forward to celebrating this work and to welcoming audiences across the cities of Belfast and Dublin this autumn”, said Lauren Ní Néill, Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s CEO. “Our exciting line-up of harpers shows that the harping tradition in Ireland is vibrant, dynamic and constantly evolving. It is part of our living cultural heritage, and we are intent on celebrating Edward Bunting’s achievement and safeguarding it for future generations of harpers”.
Festival Events
Saturday 30th September

Time
Event
Venue

25-29th September
Primary School Harp Series
Various

11.00-13.00
Hands on Harps Workshop Series
Workshop 1: Try your hand at the early Irish harp with Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin
Workshop 2: Irish Harp Workshop with Gráinne Hambly
Workshop 3: A Masterclass with Richard Allen

First Prebyterian Church

Shankill Road Library

St. Joseph’s, Sailortown

11.45-12.45

Film Screening – Beart Bunting

Linenhall Library

13:00 – 14:00
Ceol agus Cruitireacht le hÚna Ní Fhlannagáin | Harping Fun with Sharon Carroll
Harp, storytelling, drama and singing workshops for children in English and Irish with Sharon Carroll and Úna Ní Fhlannagáin

An Cultúrlann | Turas

13:00 – 14:00

Illustrated Lecture with Mary Louise O’Donnell & Teresa O’Donnell: Edward Bunting: Illuminating his Legacy
Linenhall Library

14:30 – 15:30

Citizen’s Manifestation

Assembly Rooms

17:30

Harps Together
Featuring the Harps Alive Ensemble’s specially commissioned work, Northern Stars Trio, Early Irish Harper Eibhlis Ní Riordáin, Harper Laoise Kelly & Piper, Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn

Followed by:
Harping Late: Harp session and get together.

Rosemary Street Church

The Deer’s Head

Harps Alive│An Chruit Bheo│Harps Leevin continues in Dublin on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October with a Gala Concert in the Pepper Canister Church, Dublin 2. This event features a newly commissioned poem remembering Edward Bunting by Aosdána poet Moya Cannon and harper Aisling Lyons, the Harps Alive Ensemble, Maria McNamee(pedal harp), early Irish harper Siobhán Armstrong, Triona Marshall (harp) and Martin Tourish (Accordion).

Date / Time
Event
Venue

16-20th October

Primary School Harp Series
Various

Saturday 21st October
13:00 – 14:00
Harping Fun with Aisling Ennis
A fairy-themed harp and storytelling workshop for children with Aisling Ennis

12.30-13.30

14:30 – 15:30

Film Screening: Beart Bunting

Lecture with Mark Doherty: Edward Bunting: Illuminating his Legacy

Sunday 22 October
11:00 – 12:00 noon
Remembering Edward Bunting
Aisling Lyons & Moya Cannon

Mount Jerome Cemetery, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 8

Sunday 22nd October

10:00 – 14:00

11: 00 – 13:00

13:30 -15:30

Hands on Harps Workshop Series in collaboration with the Royal Irish Academy of Music

Workshop 1:
Learn, Listen, Have a Go!
Try your hand at the early Irish harp with the Historical Harp Society of Ireland

Workshop 2: A Masterclass with Richard Allen

Workshop 3: Irish Harp Workshop with Aisling Lyons

The Royal Irish Academy of Music

Sunday 22nd October
6.30pm
Harps Together: Siobhán Armstrong, Moya Cannon & Aisling Lyons, Maria McNamee, the Harps Alive Ensemble, Martin Tourish & Tríona Marshall
Pepper Canister Church

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Masterclass with Richard Allen
2023-09-30 11:00 | St Joseph’s Church Sailortown, 9 Princes Dock Street, Belfast, BT1 3AA, United Kingdom
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Masterclass with Richard Allen
Saturday 30 September, 11am
St Joseph’s Sailortown, Belfast
Free Admission | Donations welcome
Level: Intermediate
Join one of Ireland’s leading exponents of pedal harp practice, Richard Allen, as he guides you through its repertoire. Why not perform a solo piece, and spend time with him working through the music? Or sit back, relax and have a listen? Everyone welcome!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-masterclass-with-richard-allen-tickets-722182466197?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Irish Harp Workshop with Gráinne Hambly
2023-09-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Shankill Road Library, 298-300 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 2BN
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Irish Harp Workshop with Gráinne Hambly
Saturday 30 September, 11am
Shankill Road Library
Free Admission | Donations welcome
Level: Intermediate
Internationally acclaimed harper Gráinne Hambly invites you to a workshop at Shankill Road Library in Belfast. Come along and take part – there will be something in it for everybody. Hear and learn the best of harpers’ music from one of our most renowned harpers.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/irish-harp-workshop-with-grainne-hambly-tickets-722178684887?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Try Your Hand at the Early Irish Harp
2023-09-30 11:00 - 13:00 | First Presbyterian Church 41 Rosemary Street Belfast BT1 1QB
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | Try Your Hand at the Early Irish Harp with Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin
First Presbyterian Church, 41 Rosemary Street
30th September 11am
Free Admission | Donations welcome

Level: No harp experience required
Would you like to learn more about, and even get your hands on a copy of an ancient Irish harp – and be taught a tune? Meet the Historical Harp Society of Ireland, hear this rare instrument played, have your questions answered, and – if you sign up early enough – take one of the few places in a hands-on beginners’ workshop. Harps copied from medieval to 18th-century originals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/try-your-hand-at-the-early-irish-harp-with-eibhlis-ni-riordain-tickets-722638038827?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Film Screening: Beart Bunting
2023-09-30 11:30 - 13:00 | Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North Belfast BT1 5GB, Belfast, BT1 5GB, United Kingdom
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Film Screening: Beart Bunting
Linen Hall Library
Saturday 30 September, 11.45-12.45pm
Free Admission | Donations welcome
Beart Bunting, directed by Deaglán Ó Mochain. Six of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians join with Strabane Brass Band to explore and perform a neglected part of the Edward Bunting collection – a manuscript of mainly military music such as regimental marches, retreats and quick-steps collected alongside traditional Irish airs and tunes – reflecting the turbulent political reality of Ireland before and after the 1798 rebellion.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/film-screening-beart-bunting-tickets-722185234477?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Scéalta agus Cruitireacht le Úna Ní Fhlannagáin
2023-09-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Scéalta agus Cruitireacht le Úna Ní Fhlannagáin
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Béal Feirste
Dé Sathairn, 30 Mean Fomhair, 1-2 i.n.
Saor in Aisce | Fáilte roimh shíntiúis dheonacha
Bígí le hÚna Ní Fhlannagáin agus í ar aistear draíochtúil. Éist le ceol na cruite in éineacht le scéalta móra na hÉireann – smaoinigh ar na sióga, taoisigh agus finscéalta fadó, fadó….
Ceardlann spraoi do theaghlaigh agus do pháistí.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scealta-agus-cruitireacht-le-una-ni-fhlannagain-tickets-722187711887?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Harping Fun with Sharon Carroll
2023-09-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Turas, Belfast
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Harping Fun with Sharon Carroll
Saturday 30 September, 1-2pm
Turas, Belfast
Free Admission | Donations welcome
Harper Sharon Carroll delves into the magic of Irish legend and invites children to come along to be spellbound by enchanting harp sounds and intriguing stories. This is an hour out for all the family. You might even have a chance to try out a harp for yourself!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/harping-fun-with-sharon-carroll-tickets-722191924487?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Edward Bunting: Illuminating his Legacy
2023-09-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square North Belfast BT1 5GB, Belfast, BT1 5GB, United Kingdom
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | Edward Bunting: Illuminating his Legacy
Linenhall Library, Belfast
30th September 1pm
Free Admission | Donations Welcome
Dr Mary Louise O‘Donnell sets the scene for musical life in Dublin and the role that Edward Bunting played in it between 1818-43. Living in Dublin’s Baggot St, he held posts as organist at St Stephen’s Church/The Pepper Canister in Mount St Crescent and, later at St George’s in Hardwicke Place. He was also involved in the Dublin Harmonic Institution, all the time working and advocating for his harpers’ music to be published. Mary will be joined by her sister, harper Teresa O’Donnell for this fascinating illustrated lecture.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edward-bunting-illuminating-his-legacy-tickets-724368635087?aff=oddtdtcreator

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Citizens' Manifestation
2023-09-30 14:30 - 15:30 | Assembly Rooms, Belfast, Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX, Ireland
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Citizens’ Manifestation
Saturday 30 September, 2.30pm
The Assembly Rooms, Belfast
Admission Free | Donations Welcome
The Assembly Rooms at the junction of North Street and Waring Street is the oldest public building in Belfast, dating back to 1769. It was here that the celebrated Assembly of Harpers took place in 1792. It lay at the centre of eighteenth century social life. 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.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/citizens-manifestation-tickets-722199487107?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Harps Together Concert
2023-09-30 17:30 - 19:30 | First Presbyterian Church 41 Rosemary Street Belfast BT1 1QB
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | Harps Together Concert
First Presbyterian Church, 41 Rosemary Street
30th September 5.30pm
£12 | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harps-together-tickets-722202375747?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin festival showing the exciting trajectory of harping at the present time. Éibhlís Ní Ríordáin showcases music from the Bunting Collection on early Irish harp, the Northern Stars Trio, Adam O’Neill, Gráinne Meyer and Ciara Taaffe platform new arrangements for Irish harp in a contemporary way. The TU Dublin Harp Ensemble join forces with The Antrim-based Elver Harp Ensemble in the premiere of a Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland commissioned arrangement by harper-composer Gráinne Meyer for the inaugural performance of The Harps Alive Ensemble. TG4 Musician of the Year 2020, harper Laoise Kelly and uilleann piper, Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn showcase music for harp and pipes. Not to be missed!

HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Harping Late
2023-09-30 20:00 - 22:00 | The Deer’s Head, 1-3 Lower Garfield Street, Belfast BT1 1FP, BT1 1FP, United Kingdom
HARPS ALIVE 2023 | BELFAST | Harping Late
Saturday 30 September, 8pm
The Deer’s Head, Belfast
Admission Free | Donations Welcome
Wind down after a jam-packed day of harping for some refreshments and relaxed chat amongst new friends. Some familiar harping faces will help you along the way!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harping-late-tickets-722208443897?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
