Mayo musicians take the stage as harps to resound at Royal Irish Academy of Music
CRUIT Éireann | Harp Ireland’s gala concert, Sonóir - Celebrating Harps, is taking place in the stunning surrounds of the Whyte Recital Hall at the Royal Irish Academy of Music on Sunday, November 30, at 5 p.m.
This signature event, presented by musician and broadcaster Ellen Cranitch, brings together some of Ireland’s finest harpers and musicians, featuring the richness and innovation of Irish harping, from baroque to boundary-breaking new works.
The line-up includes the world premiere of Sonóir by Mel Mercier, performances from Mayo natives Lisa Canny (BIIRD) and Alannah Thornburgh, harp duo Anne-Marie O’Farrell and Cormac De Barra, and a newly commissioned work of harpers’ tunes from the 18th century collections by harper-composer Michael Rooney, Anáil Ársa na Seanmhaoine, performed by the 25-strong Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland all-island ensemble.
“We are thrilled to present this eclectic mix of harp music, both newly composed music and gems
from the 18th century harp repertoire,” said CEO of Harp Ireland, Tríona Ní Dhuibhir. “We continue to push out the boundaries of harping, while remaining true to the richness and unique voice of our early harp legacy.”
Sonóir, by renowned musician and composer Mel Mercier, contributes to 21st century innovation in Irish harp repertoire and performance and has been commissioned with support from the Arts Council.
“I am delighted that I have been commissioned by Harp Ireland to write a new piece of music for the Irish harp,” Mel said. “The composition, Sonóir (Sonar) brings together, for the first time, the rich sonorities of two harps, bassoon, viola da gamba, and traditional percussion.
“I am excited to premiere the piece at the Harp Ireland gala concert with two rising stars of the Irish harp, Alannah Thornburgh and Niamh O’Brien, the renowned bassoonist Sinéad Frost, and acclaimed chamber musician Malachy Robinson on viola da gamba.”
The 25-strong Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland All-Island Ensemble, led by harper Síofra Ní Dhubhghaill, presents Anáil Ársa na Seanmhaoine, a re-imagining of music of the ancient harpers by the acclaimed harper-composer Michael Rooney, specially commissioned for the 2025 cross-border festival Harps Alive|An Chruit Bheo.
Dynamic harp duo Cormac De Barra and Anne-Marie O'Farrell perform a lively programme of harp duets, spanning Europe's musical traditions from the baroque to the present. Harper Lisa Canny is joined by fellow BIIRD member Laura Doherty, drummer Tod Doyle and guitarist and bassist Niall Hughes, who hails from Mayo. Together they highlight the current diversity of Irish harping with a vibrant finale blending tradition, artistry and innovation.
Tickets are available here.