SUMMER HARPS at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry

Harp Ireland presents Summer Harps at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Doire.

Comóradh Cruite le THE HENRY GIRLS, MICHAEL ROONEY, LAUREN O'NEILL, THE DERRY HARP ENSEMBLE agus UU TRAD SOC.

Friday 17th June, 8pm • Dé hAoine 17ú Meitheamh, 8in

Tickets £12, (£8 concessions) at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/summer-harps-at-culturlann-ui-chanain-derry-tickets-354163521627

THE HENRY GIRLS

'These sisters have a sensational talent. The quality of their harmony singing goes beyond mere technique. They possess an unerring ability to blend tone and resonance in a seamless fashion.' - Eamon Carr, The Evening Herald

'Such is the magnetism of the voice, the giddy pull on the heart, the head dancing in reverie, a fella could fall hard for the Henry Girls without ever knowing them. The triumvirate of sisters from Ireland's northern most point of Malin, Co. Donegal, weave the kind of hynotic harmonies that excite a kind of amorphous faith - in something, anything.' - R2 Magazine (UK)

'Confident, organic and under-stated, this collection will urge listeners to seek out The Henry Girls' live shows for the full 3D experience.' - The Irish Times

'The Henry Girls give a master class in harmony, effortlessly and flawlessly weaving together Irish roots and Americana influences into a rich tapestry of song. Actually, this is no cliched “musical tapestry.” This is a warm, wool blanket on a rainy day. This is The Henry Girls’ latest offering, Louder Than Words.' - Hearth Music (USA)

'Their voices are easy on the ear and clear as glass, and interweave with a natural grace that complements the lightness of the melodies. Louder Than Words demonstrates how far the McLaughlin sisters have come as songwriters.' - The Irish Examiner

MICHAEL ROONEY

Michael Rooney is a prolific composer and is widely regarded as one of the foremost players of the traditional Irish harp. He was awarded the TG4 Composer of the Year in 2017.

Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now a long time resident of County Sligo, Michael has composed 17 suites of music in the past 20 years, including ‘The Ulster Suite’ (2022), ‘Clairseoireacht’ (2022), Constance (2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The Macalla Suite (2016), Boróimhe Suite (2014), The Second Coming (2014), De Cuellar Suite (2011) and Battle of the Books Suite (2007). He has recorded two CDs with flute player June McCormack; 'Draíocht' and 'Land's End'. Michael has published four books of his own compositions; 'Harp Tunes' (2006), Aifreann Gaeilge (2012), 'The de Cuéllar Suite' (2012), ‘The Macalla Suite’ (2016).

Michael was commissioned to write music and perform on the occasion of Prince Charles’ visit to Sligo. His music features on ‘The Queen's Speech’, RTÉ's documentary of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ireland.

LAUREN O'NEILL

Lauren O’Neill is a sought-after traditional harper, teacher and researcher from Glenullin, Co. Derry. Having completed her degree in Irish Language and Literature with Music followed by a Masters in Music, Lauren’s keen interest in historical and contemporary Irish harp practices is reflected in her current practice-led PhD research into the Gaelic bardic poetry and harping traditions of Ireland. She has presented her doctoral research work at the Comhdháil Cois Laoi ar Dhúchas Uladh 2018 and the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Fringe events with the ITMA.

Lauren has performed for President Michael D. Higgins, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the European Parliament and members of the Royal family. TV and radio appearances include Seth Lakeman’s 2020 Folk Map of the British Isles and the new TG4/BBC Alba series Sruth (2021).