National Harp Day in Dundalk

National Harp Day on Saturday which celebrates our national instrument, will be marked in Dundalk with a concert hosted by Music Generation Louth, at St. Nicholas’ Church of Ireland, (The Green Chruch) at 2pm. Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble will perform along with some special guests including 2019 Senior Harp Champion Fionnuala Donlon, soprano Evelyn Bourton and local harpist ChuChang Cronin. Fionnuala, who is from Dundalk, began playing harp at the age of nine and is a former member of the Music Generation Louth harp ensemble. She is a multi-All-Ireland medallist; in solo, accompaniment, trio and duet competitions. She most recently won the Senior Harp title at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, 2019 in Drogheda. Her music has brought her to places such as France, Germany and Scotland and toured Ireland and Britain in the past year with Macalla na hÉireann, Comhaltas Tour group.

In the past the Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble have delighted in performing for Vice President of USA, Joe Biden and Ambassador Kevin F. O Malley at the ambassador’s residence in 2017. They have also performed at several festivals including Cairde na Cruite’s International Harp Festival in Termonfechin and Féile na Tána in Carlingford on numerous occasions. Most recently the ensemble performed at the O’Carolan Harp Festival in Nobber and at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann where they supported Garadice. In 2018 they performed on TG4’s Fleadh TV, live from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and also on RTÉ televisions Ray D’arcy show. Their music also featured on the National Lottery awards show, on TV3 on behalf of nominee Cairde na Cruite. The ensemble is directed by Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla, who teaches harp with Music Generation Louth and CCÉ Craobh Dhún Dealgan. Membership of the ensemble is open to young harpers living or learning in Co.Louth and new members are always welcome.

Saturday’s hour long concert is supported by CreateLouth. Phil Walker, and his band bring their Guitar Heros show, featuring 30 classic guitars and the music of legendary players Hendrix, Clapton, Slash and more

,to An Tain Arts Centre on Saturday night.