Louth harpers and local composer join forces for climate-inspired Culture Night premiere

Fresh from their appearances at Electric Picnic, Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble and Donnchadha Mac Aodha, an inaugural member of the ensemble and award-winning composer join forces for a Culture night premiere of Caomhnú Lú, For the Birds, specially commissioned for the ensemble by Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland (CÉHI) with the support of Creative Louth.

The iconic Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda will host the performance, while local Green Party activist Mark Deary leads a special open forum and discussion to capture audience responses and views on climate action in the county.

“We are delighted that Donnchadh has accepted this new commission focusing on Louth’s natural environment, its unique harping legacy and inspired by the Louth Bird Report’s record of activity along the county's coastline over twelve months” said Triona Ní Dhuibhir, CÉHI’s CEO.

“Dundalk Bay and the wider Louth coast are vital habitats for the many species that pass through and settle here, and this piece meditates on the fragility of that world in the face of climate change”.

Young Ensemble harpers are led by Donnchadh and renowned local harper and educator, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla, who said that “what the young harpers enjoy most is the sound of bird calls and songs throughout the piece, tracking the arrival and departure of different species from spring to winter”.

For the Birds is accompanied by specially curated images by videographer, Seán McMahon projected on the gallery walls of familiar places throughout the county - already suffering the consequences of climate change and severe flooding. During the performance, the audience will experience an immersive sound and visual landscape resonating with the images and the current evolving climate crisis.

With performances on Culture Night on September 18th and on Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s global celebration of the harp, Lá na Cruite | Harp Day, on October 17th, this is a chance to hear new work composed by one of Louth’s emerging composers.

Booking at www.eventbrite.ie