Céiliúradh Cruitireachta | Harps Together Gala Concert

Sunday 22nd October, The Pepper Canister Church, Dublin, 5.30pm

The theme of Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s Gala Concert was Harps Together, where we shone a spotlight on harp music’s special ability to unite cultures and celebrate differences. This concert also concluded the Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin festival, which saw a series of harp events take place, both north and south of the border.

This concert featured an array of harpers alongside the Dublin premiere of the Harps Alive Ensemble. Siobhán Armstrong showcased the music of the early Irish harp, harpist Maria McNamee performed music for pedal harp and Aosdána poet Moya Cannon recited a newly commissioned poem in memory of Edward Bunting with harper Aisling Lyons, recreating the ancient tradition of cruitire (harper) and reacaire (reciter). Finally, renowned harper Triona Marshall with accordionist and composer, Martin Tourish mesmerised the audience with their beautiful compositions and arrangements.

The Harps Alive Ensemble with TU Dublin Harp Ensemble performed a new Cruit Éireann commissioned piece by Gráinne Meyer.

Siobhán Armstrong

Marie McNamee

Aisling Lyons & Moya Cannon (poet)

Triona Marshall & Martin Tourish

Harps Alive Ensemble with TU Dublin Harp Ensemble