Lisburn harp maker Brian Waugh will be appearing at the Harps Alive│An Chruit Bheo│Harps Leevin festival in Belfast this weekend.
Brian of Turmennan Harps and Harper Katy Bustard are joining forces to host an incredible workshop, revealing the harp-making process. Hear the harp being played by well-known Causeway harper, Katy Bustard and you’ll appreciate the craft behind the art.
Hosted by Shankill Road Library, The A-Z of Harp-making workshop will take place on Saturday, 16 July, with free admission.
Discover how Brian’s renowned harps are made, how the wood is chosen and how the beautiful sonorous tone emerges from a chunk of wood.
Owner of Turmennan Harps, Brian’s principle harp is the Turmennan Eala, a top of the range 34-string harp, aimed at the professional harper. He also produces the Learner 26-string harp, an easily transportable lap harp and a Learner 34-string harp. He has additionally created a ‘Build a Harp’ kit for DIY enthusiasts.
“Our Learner harps were designed with the harp student in mind; however they are favoured by harp students and experienced players alike, with many harp teachers purchasing them also” he said.
Brian takes pride in producing quality instruments which will stand the test of time, taking inspiration from traditional Celtic harps.
“My harps are made from the best materials I can find, and I pride myself in producing a quality instrument, which will stand the test of time” he said.
Turmennan Harps also supplies harp parts, spares and accessories for both harp markers and harp players alike.
“Only top class materials are used in the construction of my harps” Brain said.
Organised by the Harps Alive partnership, the festival will bring together the finest harpers from across the island to recognise the landmark event that collected music more than two centuries ago for future harpers to learn from and perform.
The partnership between Harp Ireland and Reclaim The Enlightenment is to mark 230 years since the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly in Belfast. In 1792 the Harpers’ Assembly in Belfast brought together 11 harpers, seven of which were blind and the eldest Denis Hempson was 97 at the time.
Aibhlín McCrann, Chair of Cruit Éireann Harp Ireland, said that celebrating the anniversary presented a unique musical opportunity for the harping community.
“We are delighted to bring harpers from all over Ireland together to mark 230 years since the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly in Belfast” she said.
“Our harping heritage transcends boundaries and has really connected the partners, north and south.
“It is wonderful to hear the harpers’ music reflecting our living tradition and to see that there is so much interest in it. We are looking forward to welcoming audiences across the city of Belfast to our concerts, talks and exhibitions and in Dublin later in the month.”
John Gray, Chair of Reclaim the Enlightenment said the Harps Alive│An Chruit Bheo│Harps Leevin festival is rooted in musical history.
“In bringing more than 50 harpers to Belfast, the festival will create the largest ever such assembly in the city,” he said.
“It will be a celebration of the heritage of the harp and the contemporary revival of harp playing, and when it concludes we hope to have created more awareness of the harp tradition with the public and leave a lasting legacy.”
For tickets to Brian’s workshop and for more information about the festival go to http://harpsalive.com