Irish harp music to be celebrated at upcoming Kildare event

The harp is well-known for its elegant look and the various ear-pleasing tones it can produce, and many would consider it to be an honour to have it so closely associated with Irish culture.

It is for this reason that harp music fans will likely be delighted to hear that a celebratory concert which will pay tribute to Irish harp music is scheduled to take place in Newbridge next month.

According to the organisers of the event: "Some of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians in traditional, classical, and early music join forces with award-winning visual artists to present 'Ceol Ársa Cláirsí' — a concert experience that is both musically and visually immersive."

"This unique event showcases Irish harp music by composers such as Turlough Carolan, Thomas Connellan, and Ruairí Dall Ó Catháin, with historically informed arrangements drawn from original Irish and Scottish sources. 

"Audiences will experience the rich sounds of gut-and wire-strung instruments of the period blended seamlessly with traditional instruments and, of course, the Irish harp."

"Accompanied by striking and atmospheric video imagery, this concert is a true feast for the senses," the organisers concluded.

The performers at this concert will include: Cormac Breatnach on susato whistles; Steve Cooney on guitars; Aisling Ennis on the Irish harp; Malachy Robinson on the viola da gamba; and Eamon Sweeney on early guitars, lute, and bandora.

Visuals will be provided by Helen Barry and Cormac O'Connor.

'Ceol Ársa Cláirsí' will take place inside the Riverbank Arts Centre on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 8pm.

Tickets €18 to €20.

For further information, you can visit https://www.riverbank.ie/event/ceol-arsa-clairsi/.

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