It’s all about the harp this weekend at Muckross House in Kerry.  They will be celebrating the launch of the Kerry Harp Ensemble with organisers welcoming harpers from all corners of Ireland to their two day celebration of the Irish harp.  It will be a combination of harp master classes, sessions and a gala concert presented by the foremost figures in the Irish harp world and specifically ensemble playing.

Players of all standards are invited to come along and join in the fun on Saturday 26th September, where you can learn more about the music of the harpers, traditional repertoire as well as understanding of the harp as an ensemble instrument from master harp teachers and performers.

Tutors on the 2015 Harp Trail will include – Dr. Janet Harbison, Kathleen Loughnane, Holly Geraghty, Marina Cassidy and Deirdre Granville.

Gala Concert in the Schoolhouse – Saturday 26th, 7.30pm

An evening of harp music featuring: Dearbhail Finnegan and The Meath Harp Ensemble performing The Chronicles of Meath for Irish harps and one concert harp composed by Vincent Kennedy.  The work is in seven movements and described as a ‘‘spellbinding sensory experience”.

Dr. Janet Harbison and The Irish Youth Harp Orchestra, a unique concert group that in the short time since its launch in 2006 has performed Nationally and Internationally – in the UK, France, Belgium and Cypress.

Inaugural performance by the newly formed Kerry Harp Ensemble; Cruitirí na Ríochta

Harps on the move………….         

Sunday September 27th will give you a chance to hear the harp within the beautiful grounds of Muckross beginning with a recital from Dr. Janet Harbison, Dearbhail Finnegan, Kathleen Loughnane, Holly Geraghty, Aibhlín McCrann, Deirdre Granville and other special guests in Muckross House and to follow the Muckross Harp Trail, Ar Shlí na Cruite, where harpers in true troubadour style take their harps on their backs and travel to the traditional farmhouses on the estate for our afternoon series of harp sessions and where, if you’re lucky, you might hear the occasional song too!

Admission: Free

Due to limited seating it is advisable to prebook tickets by emailing: traditionalfarms@muckross-house.ie

General public admission to the Traditional Farms will be FREE on Sunday 26st September.

If you wish to participate in the Muckross Harp Trail 2015 please contact traditionalfarms@muckross-house.ie or  064 6630804 for more information.