Limerick born, Kerry-based harper Niamh O’Brien will be one among fifteen to perform at the Commemorative Concert in celebration of 230 Years a-Harping on Saturday 16th July.
The 2022 Harps Alive│An Chruit Bheo│Harps Leevin festival will bring together harpers and historians from throughout the island in celebration of the 230th anniversary of the assembly of harpers in Belfast, while also serving as a recognition to the renowned works of organist and collector Edward Bunting.
Having already opened with events in Magilligan and Mussenden Template last weekend the festival represents five days filled with music, history and heritage. The majority of the festival takes place across a number of sites in Belfast with its conclusion happening in Dublin on July 24.
Starting her musical journey early, Niamh studied music at the University of Limerick, where her passion for playing, teaching and recording the harp only continued to blossom.
For the previous six years, Niamh has been resident harper in Hoodman Blind, a contemporary Irish trio band. Here, she showcases her talents in playing traditional Irish folk music with a contemporary twist and introducing an influence of musical stylings from Finland and Sweden into the mix.
Inspired by the imagination and energy of Irish harper Úna Monaghan, Niamh has remained dedicated to bringing a modern degree of vibrancy to the traditional Irish harp music scene; seeing success as both a bandmate and solo artist through her seamless combination of music, radio and soundart in a storytelling landscape.
“It’s really important to play what you love”, said Niamh.
“I adore playing with my band, Hoodman Blind, and just having fun singing, performing and uploading to Instagram.”
“We actually got to join The Chieftains on their American Tour back in 2019. That felt like a really big moment professionally and personally – although it’s definitely not easy trying to cart the harp around the New York subway system.
“As well as getting ready for the Harps Alive Festival, I’m currently working on a series of audio pieces which bring together field recordings, audio interviews, and my own compositions. I hope to release them in the Autumn under the title ‘Old Road Radio.
“I’m honoured to be performing at the Harps Alive Festival. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other harpers, immerse myself in modern Irish harping, and dive into the music of the past.
“You’re definitely going to be hearing a wonderful balance of past and present as some of Ireland’s best harp players re-imagine the music of the Belfast Harp Festival from back in 1792.”
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.”
Niamh’s event 230 Years a-Harping will see fifteen harpers from across the island of Ireland recreate the Belfast Harpers’ Assembly from 230 years ago.
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 Niamh’s show and for more information about the festival go to http://harpsalive.com