Irish Youth Harp Orchestra play Nenagh this Saturday, 9th July

Launched in 2006, the Irish Youth Harp Orchestra is one of Ireland’s most innovative and vibrant concert troupes.  Comprising up to 20 harpers aged 10 upwards, all advanced players, many with championship titles, and many are multi-instrumentalists, singers or dancers, this is a concert celebrating all that’s great in Irish music.  Well used to international touring, this is an opportunity for our home audience to hear a great concert featuring local young musicians. Directed by Janet Harbison and featuring much new Irish music as well as original arrangements, the optimism, joy and musicianship of the Irish Youth Harp Orchestra is certain to impress.

Dr Janet Harbison was born in Dublin. During her years as Curator of Music at the Ulster Folk Museum (1986-94), she directed the Belfast Harper’s Bicentenary festival and exhibition, the World Harp Festival Belfast, launched the Belfast Harp Orchestra, toured worldwide with the Chieftains and with them won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Music Album 1993.  In 1994, Janet established the Harp Foundation Ireland supporting harp schools throughout Northern Ireland, and in 2002 returned to the Republic establishing the Irish Harp Centre in Castleconnell, County Limerick.

The Irish Harp College training system is unique in that it maintains the oral and creative nature of the ancient tradition ensuring that every performer is capable, confident and fully equipped to participate in all artistic, social and professional aspects of the tradition with the expertise and integrity we have come to expect from exponents of our national emblem.

Admission to the concert in Nenagh is €10 (€8 concession) Tickets available from the Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square on 067 34900 or online from www.nenagharts.com