Achill International Harp Fesival highlights the versatility and possibilities in contemporary harp playing with some of its finest exponents, including Lune Bleue Trio (Brittany), Màiri & Brìdghe Chaimbeul (Scotland) and Michelle Mulcahy (Ireland).

Lune Bleue Trio was founded by Breton harpist and composer Clotilde Trouillaud, who, along with acclaimed Breton guitarist Erwan Bérenguer, is widely recognised for her proficiency across musical genres, to the fringes of jazz, folk, and traditional music. With the addition of drummer Jean-Marie Stéphant, the trio explores new interpretations of original compositions or melancholic melodies from traditional music repertoire. Clotilde was described by US Folk Harp Journal as “a harpist and composer who is not afraid to explore many musical avenues”.

Harper Màiri & piper Brìghde Chaimbeul are musical sisters and native Gaelic speakers from the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Mairi, described by Folk Radio UK as “astonishing”, is known for her versatile sound, which combines deep roots in Gaelic tradition with a distinctive improvising voice and honed classical technique. Awarded scholarship for Berklee College of Music in Boston, a prestigious American Roots Award, nominated for BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and finalist in the BBC Young Traditional & Jazz Musicians of the Year. Brìghde Chaimbeul, BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2016, been described by Tim Chipping, fRoots Magazine, as an “exceptional musician”. With a style rooted in her indigenous language and culture, she draws inspiration from a variety of piping traditions such as Bulgarian, Cape Breton and Irish.

Michelle Mulcahy, from Abbeyfeale in Co. Limerick is considered to be one of Ireland’s most adroit and creative harpers. “Her revolutionary style on the harp is scintillating-played with power and panache, no concession to the complexity of the instrument, confirming her as one of the most significant musicians redefining harp at present’- The Living Tradition. Awarded TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2006 and Female Musician of the Year 2005 at Live-Ireland awards US. She has recorded with Bill Whelan and the Irish Chamber Orchestra on his highly acclaimed Connemara suite album on which she was a lead soloist. Michelle’s solo harp debut album “Suaimhneas” (2012) has been receiving worldwide acclaim as one of the top harp albums in Irish traditional music. She has recently recorded ‘The Reel Note’ with her sister Louise and father Mick.