Evolving Harps

Máire Ní Chathasaigh grew up in a musical family in Bandon. She was steeped in the oral Irish tradition, and was already proficient in a variety of other instruments by the time that she began to play the harp at the age of eleven. She would later become a multiple All-Ireland and Pan-Celtic winner, developing influential techniques for harp performance of traditional Irish music, as heard on her pioneering New-Strung Harp (1985). In 2001 she was the recipient of the Gradam Ceoil TG4 – Traditional Musician of the Year – “for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp in Ireland and for the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers.” She has released seven duo and two quartet recordings with guitarist Chris Newman with whom she tours worldwide.Máire's website: https://mairenichathasaigh.com/index.htmlThe New Strung Harp: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/product/the-new-strung-harp/Releases with Chris Newman: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/about-maire-ni-chathasaigh-and-chris-newmans-duo/The Casey Sisters: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/product/the-casey-sisters/The Heartstring Quartet: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/product-category/the-heartstring-quartet/TG4’s "‘Sé mo Laoch" episode featuring Máire and her sister Nollaig: https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/irish-music-series/play/?pid=6212526955001&title=Nollaig%20&%20M%C3%A1ire%20N%C3%AD%20Chathasaigh&series=S%C3%A9%20Mo%20Laoch&genre=Ceol&pcode=105503This podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O'Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.

Kathleen Loughnane is highly regarded for her work in arranging traditional Irish dance tunes and airs for the harp and also for researching the music of Irish harp composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1990, she co-founded Dordán, whose mix of Irish and Baroque music has received widespread acclaim. Dordán received the National Entertainment award for traditional music in 1993. She has taught in Ireland and at major festivals in the US, Japan and throughout Europe. Patrick O'Neill's Manuscripts Volume 1: https://www.cdworld.ie/kathleen-loughnane-patrick-oneills-manuscripts-cd.htmlPatrick O'Neill's Manuscripts Volume 2: https://journalofmusic.com/listing/14-10-24/patrick-o-neill-s-manuscripts-volume-2-book-cd-kathleen-loughnaneThe Harpers Connellan: https://custysmusic.com/products/kathleen-loughnane?srsltid=AfmBOopSP6pq-cyvuheuSGF3k_F1JYrblyrfJiIo32GkQcjDiIgjYtMuThis podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O'Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.

Aisling Lyons is a harper and composer from Co. Clare. She is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles & has performed all around the world, from Europe to The U.S, Australia & China. She is also a teacher and is passionate about sharing her love for the Irish harp. She has been engaged in a wide range of projects throughout her career and has collaborated with musicians from all backgrounds, visual artists and poets.  You can support Aisling's music by following these links: https://custysmusic.com/products/aisling-lyons-h4-aistearhttps://aislinglyons.bandcamp.com/https://harpanno.bandcamp.com/This podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.

Séamus Ó Flatharta was born into a musical family in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht and has been immersed in traditional music, song and dance from a very young age. As a solo musician, and in his duet performances with his sister Caoimhe, Séamus has been making waves on stages all around the world. Recent performances include Other Voices and tours with Riverdance. An Chúirt Chruitireachta International Harp Festival 2024: https://rb.gy/js3542This podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.

Mayo-born and bred Lisa Canny began her career touring the U.S., Canada, Russia and Europe extensively as lead singer and musician with groups Celtic Crossroads and The Young Irelanders.  She holds a BA in Irish Music and Dance and a MA in Ethnomusicology. Her work in songwriting and composition is inspired as much by contemporary music genres like pop and electronica as the Irish traditional and folk music she was brought up on.  Combining these elements, Lisa’s original music is unlike anything else. Lisa and band at the Sugar Club on May 30th: https://thesugarclub.com/tc-events/lisa-canny-band/Lisa with the Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble in Castlebar May 17th:https://www.thelinenhall.com/whats-on/events/lisa-canny-music-generation-mayo-f%C3%A9ile-mhaigh-eoThis podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.

Evolving Harps: Siobhan BradySiobhan Brady comes from Limerick in Ireland. She has graduated with a first-class honours Bachelor of Music from MTU Cork School of Music where she specialised in harp performance studying under Anne-Marie Papin Labazordiere. In April 2018, She was awarded first place in two international harp competitions at the North London Music Festival. As a result of this, she was approached to join a team from the Highest Concert team to travel to the Himalayas in India and establish a new Guinness World Record which was awarded in January 2020 for the Highest Altitude Harp Performance in aid of Cystic Fibrosis.The Guinness World Record-breaking Highest Harp Concert was performed at 5000m on the 6th of September 2018 just above the summit of Singla pass on the Himalayas in the Ladakh region of India. In doing so, the project raised £20K in funds and increased awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, using music and altitude.More about Siobhan: - https://siobhanbrady.ie/- https://www.harpireland.ie/harper-siobhan-brady-performs-on-summit-of-mount-kilimanjaro-july-2023/- https://linktr.ee/highestharpconcertThis podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council. 

Evolving Harps: Donnchadh Mac Aodha  Donnchadh Mac Aodha is a 21-year old composer and multi-instrumentalist from Dundalk, Co.Louth. As both a traditional and classical musician, Donnchadh finds himself most at home at the interface of these genres and allows his bi-musical upbringing to influence his compositional output. In recent years, he has been heavily influenced by contemporary classical techniques which he weaves into his expanding compositional language. In particular, he is drawn to the Irish language and deals with ideas of belonging and identity in his music.  He was recently awarded the Iain MacLeoid Young Composer Award, having previously won prizes for composition at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival & New Ross Piano Festival. In August 2023, Donnchadh was a resident composer at the “Ostrava Days” New Music Festival, where his string quartet “I had no time to hate, because” was performed by Quartetto Prometeo.  This podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast.   Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.

Evolving Harps: BrídínBrídín is a contemporary folk singer, composer and harper. She began her musical journey at home in her musical household, and later under the tutorage of celebrated harper and teacher Gráinne Hambly. After studying music at UCC she pursued a musical career alongside her day job as a funeral director and embalmer. Brídín's musical style is rooted in traditional Irish music but also draws upon contemporary composition using loop pedal. Her debut album "Brídín" was released last year. SUGAR CLUB GIG TICKETSPURCHASE OR STREAM BRÍDÍN'S MUSICBRÍDIN’S UPCOMING DATES:Glór Ennis - Friday 19th JanuaryThe Duncairn, Belfast - Friday 26th JanuaryEcho Echo Studio, Derry - Sunday 28th JanuaryThis podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast. Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.