Lá na Cruite | Harp Day
Saturday 19 October 2024
As our national emblem and a symbol of our cultural heritage, the Irish harp has long been cherished as a source of inspiration, healing and unity. Our theme for Lá na Cruite| Harp Day this year, ‘Cothú,’ meaning ‘Nurture‘, shines a light on the nurturing qualities of the harp and its role in fostering well-being, creativity, and community. Join us in exploring how this iconic instrument can cheer us up, nurture our spirits, connect us to our roots, and inspire us to care for one another and our priceless cultural legacy.
The harp has historically been used to heal, calm, and uplift. In ancient Ireland, harpers were revered as healers and storytellers who nurtured their communities through music. They played to soothe the spirit, bring solace in times of hardship, and celebrate joyous occasions. This year’s theme draws on that rich tradition and asks how harp music can continue to provide comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging.
This special day reminds us of the power of harp music to foster a sense of community, well-being, and continuity — a true testament to its enduring spirit for more than 1000 years. Lá na Cruite | Harp Day holds something for everyone. It’s a day shared by harpers globally, with their individual events dovetailing with those of Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland. The day includes Hands-on-Harp taster sessions, concerts, recitals, workshops and pop-up performances, as harpers worldwide celebrate our national instrument.
Our Gala Concert, Sunday 20th October, RIAM, Dublin features brother and sister duo Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, a new all-island harp ensemble commission by Maeve Gilchrist, and a unique reimagining of our ancient harpers’ songs by seannós singer Iarla Ó Lionaird, with US Harper Parker Ramsay, arranged by harper composer, Connor Way.
Soláthróidh Lá na Cruite ardán do chruitirí de gach aois agus cúlra a gceol a roinnt, agus beogacht oidhreacht cheoil na hÉireann a cheiliúradh. Trí cheolchoirmeacha beo, ceardlanna, agus imeachtaí ar líne, tabharfar deis do chruitirí nascanna nua a chruthú, foghlaim óna chéile, agus comhoibriú. Cruthaíonn an timpeallacht chothaitheach seo fás, tuiscint, agus meas idir chruitirí ar bhonn oileánda.
If you would like to organise an event for Lá na Cruite | Harp Day, please contact us at info@harpireland.ie.
Harpers’ Call
Finally, across the weekend of Lá na Cruite | Harp Day, we look forward to streaming continuous videos of harpers from all four corners of the globe as part of The Harpers’ Call. If you would like to join our Harpers’ Call, record a short 2 to 3 minute video (in landscape format) and send it to us via wetransfer.com at harpday2024@gmail.com. Last day for receiving videos is Monday 30th September.
Don’t forget to send us:
1. The name of the harper; 2. The name of the tune;
3 The general location so we can pin it on our online interactive map
