Achill International Harp Festival
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22 - 24 October 2021
Online
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Watch Festival Events Here
Videos will be live to view at the scheduled times listed below.
Friday, 8pm
Film:
Casadh na Taoide
Saturday, 10am
Children’s Bilingual Story:
The Dagda’s Harp
Saturday, 2pm
Talk:
Eilís Lavelle
Saturday, 3pm
Recital:
Steve Cooney
Saturday, 8pm
Concert
Sunday, 2pm
Virtual Walk:
The Paul Henry Trail
Sunday, 3pm
Talk:
Simon Chadwick
Sunday, 4pm
Recital:
Siobhán Armstrong
Sunday, 8pm
Concert
Welcome
Achill International Harp Festival have once again created a superb online event for you to enjoy from 22-24 October 2021. We are delighted to bring a diverse range of musical collaborations and innovative cultural projects to you, our friends worldwide.
Harp lovers won’t be disappointed as we have harp tutorials for every level from the cream of the harp world. In addition, this year we have explored the historic Irish harp manuscripts. In a series of talks, concerts and recitals we learn about the great harper O’Carolan and music collector Bunting. We are also proud to bring the work of Mayo harper Hugh Higgins to the fore this year. Higgins was one of the members of the 1792 Belfast Harper’s Assembly.
But of course it’s not all about harp. There is something for everyone. Check out the wonderful concerts, recitals and talks. Don’t miss the story of The Dagda’s Harp, join us on the Paul Henry virtual walk and lots, lots more!
Central to this year’s festival is the Casadh na Taoide project. This epic cultural voyage, on a traditional Galway Hooker, reconnects the island communities of Inishturk, Inishbofin, Clare Island, Achill Island and Arranmore. The resulting film highlights life on these islands, their shared culture and heritage.
Achill International Harp Festival extends a warm welcome back to all our viewers from around the world for another online celebration of music and culture. We hope that in 2022, the year of the harp, many of you will be able to join us in person, here on Achill Island for a live festival not to be missed.
Casadh na Taoide
The Turning of the Tide
This project was commissioned by AIHF
An epic cultural voyage reconnecting the communities of five islands off the west coast of Ireland through music, song and story.
Earlier this year, a traditional Galway Hooker, Mac Duach, visited Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island, Achill Island and Arranmore. Onboard were AIHF Artistic Directors, Laoise Kelly and Diarmuid Gielty and project manager Freda Hatton. Travelling between the islands our group encountered musicians, artists and storytellers, as well as many memorable island characters .
They have gathered stories of shared heritage and culture, with the hope of forging new connections for a shared future.
Programme of Events
Friday - 22nd October
8pm
Film:
Casadh na Taoide
The Turning of the Tide
This film by Heavy Man Films captures the essence of the Casadh na Taoide project, with particular focus on selected artists from each island, including Andrew Murray (Inishbofin), Cathy O’Toole (Inishturk), Beth Moran (Clare Island), Proinsias Mac a’ Bhaird (Arranmore) and Mary Lavelle Burke (Achill).
Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
Saturday - 23rd October
Available All Weekend
Pre Recorded Tutorials & Workshops
Online Harp Tutorials
Complete Beginner Tutorial Series – Úna Ní Fhlannagáin
Intermediate – Laoise Kelly, Eilís Lavelle, Gráinne Hambly
Advanced – Laoise Kelly, Michael Rooney, Séamus Ó Flatharta, Aisling Lyons
Geometric Visualisation – Harmony Workshop – Steve Cooney
Using the system of Geometric Visualisation of music which was developed over 30 years ago to simplify the notation and calculation of music: rhythm, melody and harmony. It is aimed at early learners and those with difficulties reading staff notation. This workshop will focus on the calculation of scales and modes, and calculation and practice of basic harmony.
10am
Children’s Bilingual Story:
The Dagda’s Harp
The Dagda was the chieftain of the Tuatha dé Danann, he owned many magical items but his prized possession was Uaitne, his harp. This enchanting, bilingual tale recounts the story of what happened when the Formorian people stole the Dagda’s harp. A beautifully illustrated crankie scroll brings the story to life and transports viewers back to our ancient past.
Illustration: Pamela Gray, Music: Laoise Kelly, Narrator: Martán Ó Mongáin
2pm
Talk:
Edward Bunting In Manuscript & Print
This presentation by Eilís Lavelle focuses on the development of two specific melodies found in the unpublished manuscripts – Molly McAlpin and Fanny Power. These two tunes are used as examples to demonstrate Bunting’s style of alteration for the purpose of his publications. The difference between manuscript notations and Bunting’s publication of the melodies will be explored.
3pm
Recital
Steve Cooney, TG4 Gradam Ceoil, Composer of the Year, 2021
8pm
Concert
Caoimhe, Séamus & Rónán Ó Flatharta
Cafferkey Crew, supported by Cruit Éireann Harp Ireland
Eilís Lavelle & Niall Hanna, TG4 Gradam Ceoil, Singer of the Year, 2021
Sunday - 24th October
2pm
Virtual Walk:
The Paul Henry Trail
‘Achill…. called to me as no other place had ever done’ – Paul Henry
Achill Island’s unique and breath-taking landscape has provided both a home and inspiration to many artists over the years. Join us on a walk following in the footsteps of artist Paul Henry and admire the views which influenced so much of his work.
3pm
Talk:
An Overview Of The Old Irish Harp Tradition
This talk discusses the history of the Irish harp from the earliest times through to the end of the tradition around 200 years ago. Looking at the old harps, and harpers, and their stories, and how musicians today are trying to re-connect to the old tradition.
Simon Chadwick, in association with Historical Harp Society of Ireland.
4pm
Recital
Siobhán Armstrong, in association with Historical Harp Society of Ireland.
8pm
Concert
Coda & Freda Hatton, with special thanks to Steve Cooney
Aisling Lyons
Laoise Kelly & Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn
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