Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland at Smithfield Fleadh 2024
Smithfield Fleadh
Saturday 24th Aug
2-3.30pm
Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland was established in 2017 by harpers in collaboration with The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon to support the continuing evolution of the harp and to address the need for a professional national resource organisation to service the needs of the sector and develop and promote harping generally. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland returns to Smithfield Fleadh on Saturday 24th August with an action packed programme of performances and workshops. We are delighted to have harpers from across the country join us, with harper Teresa O’Donnell, Derry harper Cian Maginn and Dublin group Sult showcasing Ireland’s national emblem.
Teresa O’Donnell is a harpist and musicologist. She has performed with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and was a musician in residence with Fingal County Council for many years. Teresa lectured at St. Patrick’s College, DCU and received a Foras Feasa fellowship (PhD). Her research has been published in a number of journals including, the Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, the Journal of Music Research Online and the American Harp Journal. She co-authored with her sister, Mary Louise O’Donnell, Sisters of the Revolutionaries: The Story of Margaret and Mary Brigid Pearse and they released an album of music for the Irish harp by Brian Boydell, entitled, Heavenly Harps, Heavenly Cloths in 2020. In 2021, Teresa was awarded a PhD scholarship from the Irish Institute of Catholic Studies, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
Cian Maginn is a member of Newcastle CCÉ in Co Down and a contributor to the Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland youth forum. A student of Colm McGonigle, he was awarded 1st place in Ulster and All Ireland Fleadh in under 15 Harp in 2023.
Sult are three sisters from Dublin’s Northside immersed in traditional Irish music and song from an early age. Their performances incorporate traditional airs, tunes and song interpreted and arranged in their unique and culturally sensitive style. They have received many awards and accolades for their performances as a group and individually, including 17 All-Ireland titles between them. They have performed at National Concert Hall, as part of the ‘Drawing from the Well’ series commemorating the great piper, Liam O’Flynn and on the Body and Soul stage as part of Electric Picnic 2020. The group is comprised of Emer on harp, Caoilfhionn on concertina and Sorcha on uileann pipes/voice.
Hands on Harps Session
In a fun and interactive harp workshop, our harpers will share the story of the harp; its history in ancient Ireland, what it’s made from and its importance as our national symbol. Suitable for all members of the family – you only need to bring yourself and you might even have a chance to try out the harp!
