Harpist Siobhán Armstrong Explains Early Harp to Queen Elisabeth II
The Historical Harp Society of Ireland will present one of its 2011 Summer Series of three concert highlighting 16th—18th century Gaelic harps, vocal and piping repertoire, at the Holy Trinity Church, Main Street Fethard, Co. Tipperary, on Friday, 19th August next.
This is a rare opportunity to hear early Irish harps, the meltingly beautiful sound of brass, silver and 18-carat gold strings played in the old manner, with fingernails, by three of the world’s foremost early Irish harp players.
The Concert, entitled “Mac-talla nan Dun: Echoes of a Gaelic Chieftains’s Castle,” will be joined by Scottish singer and piper Griogair Labhruidh, whose family has been steeped in the musical traditions of Scotland’s Argyll for centuries; historical Scottish piper, Barnaby Brown, whose haunting early 19th century pipes complement the harps and voice so perfectly and Ann Heymann, Andrew Lawrence-King and Siobhán Armstrong performing on Irish harps.
Note: Siobhán Armstrong played the harp for Thurles native, Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II, during her Royal visit.
The early Irish harp is the Gaelic world’s illustrious medieval harp strung in brass and sometimes even silver and gold. Played in Ireland and Scotland from at least 1000 AD and made famous by harpists such as blind Turlough O’Carolan. The skill of early Irish Harp playing almost died out in the early 19th century.
Ticket Cost: €12/10, (Payable at the door, but pre-booking is highly recommended.)
For Bookings: Tel: 087 113 0578.
Time: Concert begins at 8.00pm sharp on Friday, 19th August next.
For lovers of real music everywhere, this performance is truly a ‘must see,’ event.
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