The Harp as a Symbol of Ireland – A Help or a Hindrance?

The Harp as a Symbol of Ireland – A Help or a Hindrance?

Discussion on the national instrument to take place at 2nd Achill International Harp Festival.

A discussion will take place on Saturday 28 October in Achill focussed on the symbolism of the harp in Ireland.

‘The Harp as a Symbol of Ireland – A Help or a Hindrance?’ will include contributions from harpers Úna Monaghan, Paul Dooley and Aibhlín McCrann and will be chaired by Toner Quinn, Editor of The Journal of Music and author of the 2015 Arts Council Report on the Harping Tradition in Ireland. The event takes place at the Achill Field School in Dooagh and admission is free.

Founded by harper Laoise Kelly, the Achill International Harp Festival is now in its second year and takes place from Friday 27 to Monday 30 October in County Mayo.

Events include harp classes and workshops for a range of levels; a spotlight on Brittany with a Breton music workshop by flute-player Jean-Michel Veillion; Scottish music workshop with Brìghde Chaimbeul; singing workshop with electro-harper Corrina Hewat; a reading by Brian Keenan with music by Laoise Kelly; make-your-own-starter-harp workshops with French compagnons-du-devoir (ancient guild of craftsmen) Charles Perpoil and English instrument maker Graham Wright; festnoz/céilí dancing with band Na Doirse; and concerts and recitals with Lune Bleue Trio, Màiri & Brìdghe Chaimbeul, Michelle Mulcahy, The Henry Girls, Diego Laverde Rojas (Colombian ‘arpa llanera’ or lowland harp), Corrina Hewat, John Hoban, Alannah Thornburg, Eadaoin Ní Mhaicín and more. 

For full details, visit www.achillharpfestival.ie.

Published on 19 October 2017

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