Rosie Murphy: A Journey Of The Harp's History Through Contemporary Sounds: Irish History to Arab Maqam

In this episode of Curious Ears, Irish harpist, composer and improviser Rosie Murphy takes the listener on a journey through the harp's history. Rosie's career and artistic vision, being deeply rooted in the origins and significance of the harp across the globe, seeks to honour the cultures, harpists and music makers who have come before her, dating from as far back as 5,000 years ago to the present day. Rosie explores this from researching the political history of the harp in Ireland, playing music inspired by Irish folk music and Irish traditions of bardic accompaniment to exploring the harp's origins in Southwest Asia; examining sources in Chester Beatty Library, premiering an extended Maqam composition by composer Saad Haddad, and seeking to understand the Maqam with Sami Abu Shumays. The podcast features guest appearances by Saad Haddad and Sami Abu Shumays. Playlist of music featured : It rained when people prayed (live performance), Riwa Saab and Rosie Murphy paidir chiúin a rá for harp and electronics (2024) by Rosie Murphy Fighe/The Wee Weaver (2026) a live improvisation by Rosie Murphy Tasalsul II (2024) by Saad Haddad Takemitsu's Dream Harp Arrangement by Greg Caffrey https://www.instagram.com/kelsorosie/ https://www.youtube.com/@therosiemurphy https://saadnhaddad.com/ https://maqamlessons.com/ http://www.samiabushumays.com/ https://www.gregcaffrey.com/ Watch an interview about this podcast episode with Rosie and Gaudeamus programmer Jonás Bisquert here: https://youtu.be/62V0fmN3o9M