Nancy Hurrell
What is your name / where are you from?
Nancy Hurrell from Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
How did you start playing the harp?
As a child, I wanted to be a harpist when I grew up. Later I learned that it was my Scots-Irish grandmother’s dream for me to play the harp. The idea had come from her. After several years of piano, I started classical harp at university. Later on, Irish and early music became my passion.
What does the harp mean to you?
Connection and collaboration. When I perform live music, I feel the connection with listeners in the room. The harp means a chance to collaborate with others in concerts, classes and workshops. It means history and tradition. It has taken me on a journey of discovery, studying historical harps in museums and castles. Playing a historical harp transports me to another time and connects me to the harpists of the past.
What do you like most about Lá na Cruite | Harp Day?
Community. Our amazing global harp community celebrates each other’s performances. On Harp Day we’re inspired by the music of harp masters and newcomers alike, and we virtually reconnect with friends all over the world.