LIMERICK harpist Niamh O’Brien will perform at this year’s International Harp Festival opening concert in a duet with Aisling Urwin.
Niamh is harpist, singer, and composer from County Limerick. She completed her undergraduate degree in Irish music and dance at the University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy in 2014.
She describes herself as a “lover of harp, song, and sandwiches”.
Since graduating, she has recorded and performed across Europe and the US with various groups including An Tara, Alyth McCormack, The Chieftains, and contemporary trad trio Hoodman Blind.
She currently lives in Limerick where she is studying for her PhD.
Embarking on an exciting new collaboration, the Niamh and Aisling have undertaken several performances and recently competed an artistic retreat at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.
Established in 1986, An Chúirt Chruitireachta is an annual international harp festival run by Cairde na Cruite (Friends of the Harp). It sees harpers from all over the world come together for an immersive week of harping.
Participants at the annual music festival have the opportunity to engage with other harpers, network, gain a better understanding of Irish music, song and dance, and learn more about the harp and its rich musical traditions.
This year’s festival takes place from Sunday June 30 to Friday July 5 at An Grianán, Termonfeckin, County Louth, and features a panel of exceptional tutors and talented artists set to deliver an outstanding celebration of harp music, organisers of the festival have said.
For a full rundown of events, see harpfestival.ie.
