Harps at St Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Birr

On Saturday 18th May, CÉHI presented a vibrant programme of music in St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Birr. 

The evening began with a performance from Fiona Gryson and Berginald Rash, playing a selection of works arranged for clarinet and pedal harp. Performing their own arrangements of fin de siecle favourites, Fiona and Berginald highlighted the dialogue of tonal and timbral hues between their respective instruments through the works of Ravel, Saint-Saëns and Debussy among others. These arrangements can be heard on their wonderful new release Dathanna, which you can order here. 

Mick, Louise and Michelle Mulcahy took to the stage to perform a vibrant series of sets for the second half of the concert. An acclaimed family of traditional musicians who were awarded with a Gradam Ceoil in 2023, they showcased a wide range of traditional tunes, compositions and mastery of an array of instruments. We were delighted that Michelle and Louise placed not one, but two UNESCO intangible cultural heritage instruments centre stage with harp and uilleann pipes duet.

Many thanks to The Trench Trust St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Birr, Birr Festival of Music, The Arts Council and the Heritage Council for their support.