Harp Ireland host events in Clare to mark Harp Day 2023
IRISH harpers extend a warm invitation to harpers globally to join them in person and online to celebrate the 1000- year-old Irish harping tradition, a tradition recognised on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanities.
With interest in the event growing year on year, this year’s celebration incorporates over 70 individual live and online events taking place in Ireland, and as far away as Brazil, Japan, Europe, the US and the United Kingdom.
Lá na Cruite │Harp Day 2023 shines a spotlight on harp music’s special ability to unite cultures and celebrate difference. Some 231 years on from the renowned 1792 Belfast Harpers’ Assembly, this enduring tradition continues to flourish and evolve. In 2023, Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland mark the contribution of collector Edward Bunting and his important legacy to Irish harpers.
More than 70 live and online events will take place in a variety of spaces and places, where harpers will perform and collaborate in a series of harp-led initiatives partnering with other artists and artforms, and delivering an exciting mix of poetry, song and storytelling with other traditional musicians, as they continue to expand the possibilities of the instrument, creating memorable and engaging musical experiences.
Two events will be held in county Clare to mark Lá na Cruite │Harp Day 2023 at Glór Theatre in Ennis on Friday October 21 and Saturday October 22.
The first event, on Friday evening at 8pm, will feature one of Ireland’s foremost harper-composers Michael Rooney, with June McCormack - flute, and Galway-based group Dordán, who are renowned for breathing new life into Ireland’s rich musical heritage by intricately and creatively weaving together traditional and baroque styles.
Colouring Dordán’s unmistakable sound is the renowned tin whistle playing of Mary Bergin, extraordinary virtuosity of master harper, Kathleen Loughnane, classical and traditional fusion of styles in Derbhaill Standún’s fiddle playing and stunning vocals of Martina Goggin.
Saturday's lunchtime recital will feature innovative and exciting harp sounds from Aisling Lyons and Ukrainian Bandura Player, Kseniya Rusnak.
Speaking at the recent Harps Alive Festival 2023 in Belfast, Aibhlín McCrann, Chair, Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland stated, "This year, Lá na Cruite | Harp Day speaks to the theme of Meanma in celebrating the strength and spirit of harpers all over the world. The range of events shows the versatility of the harp, particularly amongst younger generations of emerging harpers."
"We look forward to welcoming and connecting harpers, teachers, makers and enthusiasts with new audiences on Saturday October 21, to celebrate the thriving and enduring tradition of harping in Ireland."