Music on the Farm Concerts – Alannah Thornburgh (harp)
Alannah Thornburgh (harp)
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). In February 2025, Alannah released her debut album ‘Shapeshifter’ - a collection of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in rural Ireland, specifically her native Co. Mayo (“Sublime debut from Mayo composer” 9/10 - Hot Press).
Alannah is nominated for two awards in the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards - ‘Best Folk Instrumentalist’ and ‘Best Original Folk Track’ for her composition on the shapeshifting quality of the hare - ‘Chasing the Hare’. She featured on an RTÉ 1 Documentary ‘A Note for Nature’ in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performing her interpretation of a Conor Walsh composition ‘One Swallow’. Her compositions have featured on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta podcast series ‘Scéalta’. Alannah is also a recipient of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Award 21/22.
Alannah is a founding member of Alfi, a trio who combine traditional Irish and Appalachian music and song, winners of the 2020 US Embassy Creative Minds Award. Alfi released their debut album ‘Say Old Man’ in July 2023 to great critical acclaim - ‘the album captures the organic, full-bodied spirit of their live shows, as well as the distinctive personalities of the players – and marks Alfi as a vital force in Ireland’s ever-diversifying folk scene’ (Hot Press). Alannah has performed, recorded & collaborated with many artists in the folk & traditional music scene including Anna Mieke, Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds), Lemoncello, Loah, Niamh Bury, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Brigid Mae Power, Jiggy, David Keenan, Tristan Scroggins, Paddy McKeown, Conor Caldwell, Gareth Quinn Redmond and Varo.
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the 'Music on the Farm' series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.
