The Harp in Ireland: Sound, Symbol and Story. A symposium celebrating Ireland's national instrument

🎶 The Harp in Ireland: Sound, Symbol & Story
📅 Saturday 23rd August
🕛 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Bandon Methodist Church
💸 Free Entry – All Welcome

Join us for a beautiful and reflective afternoon celebrating Ireland’s national instrument — the harp — through music, history, and hands-on learning.

This mini symposium offers something for musicians, history lovers, and the simply curious alike. Discover why the harp has remained a powerful symbol of Irish identity for over a thousand years.

🎼 Programme Highlights:

✨ 12:00 p.m. | Harp Recital – Echoes of Ireland & the Renaissance
Join acclaimed harpist Brenda Malloy for a captivating recital on early Irish and Renaissance harps.

Echoes of Ireland & the Renaissance brings to life the haunting airs, lively dances, and richly expressive music of centuries past. Featuring historical harp music from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, the programme includes works by Turlough O’Carolan, William Connelan, Cornelius Lyons, Edward Jones, John Bowie, Thomas Campion, John Dowland, and selections from Playford’s collections.

Let the gentle resonance of wire and gut strings transport you through time in this evocative and beautifully curated performance.

📖 1:00 PM – Strings of a Nation: The Harp and the Heart of Ireland
A fascinating talk by Damhnait Nic Suibhne tracing the cultural, political and emotional significance of the harp across Irish history.

🎵 2:00 PM | Harp Workshop – Ag Iompar an Cheoil / Carrying the Music
Try your hand at playing the harp in this welcoming and hands-on workshop. Whether you're completely new or an experienced player, you'll explore the rich sounds and stories of music from long ago — no experience needed.

This session, Ag Iompar an Cheoil (Carrying the Music), focuses on making a tune your own: how to feel it, how to arrange it, and how to carry it with you. We'll explore elements like choosing harmonies, ornamentation, rhythm, dynamics, and colour.

Bring along your instrument and a tune you're working on if you'd like — all levels of skill and all ages are very welcome

You may also like the following events from Bandon Walled Town Festival:

• Next month, 14th August, 08:00 pm, Ramble at the Shambles in Clonakilty
• Next month, 16th August, 11:00 am, Forage and Feast by the River Bandon in Cork
• Next month, 16th August, 11:00 am, The Resonant River Bandon in Cork

Also check out other Workshops in Cork, Music events in Cork, Entertainment events in Cork.