More info: CD - Programmes - Repertory list - Costumes

Weddings:
"Rory Dall's Port" (Burns's Ae Fond Kiss) or Ó Catháin's "Da Mihi Manum" - Give me your hand - work well for the ceremony. The medieval 'Orkney Wedding Song' (Ex Te Lux Oritur) is a beautiful tune for any Scottish wedding. Other music composed especially for weddings include 'Seabhac na hÉirne' (the Hawk of Ballyshannon) composed in the 18th century by Carolan for the wedding of Katherine O'More, using an old Scottish air.

Receptions:
It depends how long and how boistrous your reception is! For quiet introspection we could choose a long variation set like "The Lady of the Desart"; if there is noise and bustle then solid lively numbers like Carolan's "Mrs Power" (also known as his "Concerto") are better.

Funerals:
Depart in style with a formal lament such as "Cumha Iarla Wigton", one of the most moving and uplifting elegies I have heard - or "Flowers of the Forest" played from the earliest setting (Skene ms c.1620)

For more info call o7792 3368o4 or email

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Programme Ideas

The historical Scottish and Irish harp music is a virtuoso solo art. Most of my programmes feature just the harp, though when a singer is available then a duo of Gaelic song and harp is possible.

Programmes are varied and often tied down to the specific venue or local area.

My CD, Clàrsach na Bànrighe, features two complete programmes that can be adapted for short recitals: the medieval church music of St Andrews Cathedral, and the 18th century repertory of John Robertson of Lude, Perthshire.

I am working with Historic Scotland on a series of lunchtime recitals at St Andrews Cathedral and Arbroath Abbey. Each recital in this series has a different medieval theme, from the cathedral chant to Bishops' Laments to medieval battle music. Click here for dates and times of the cathedral recitals.

I also perform a demonstration-recital of the Queen Mary harp about twice a year in the National Museum of Scotland, playing my replica in the gallery beside the original. Click for details.

Other programmes include Renaissance and baroque music, such as recitals themed around the 18th century Irish harpers which include music by Carolan, Conellan and Cornelius Lyons, played on a copy of an 18th century Irish harp. Click here for details of a Carolan, Connellan & Lyons concert in Dundee, 23rd January 2010, or download the programme notes.

Collaborations have included working with singers (Gaelic and Scots) as well as solo fiddle players (violin as well as viola). I have also provided music for theatre productions.

I am based in Fife, Scotland. I am often in Edinburgh and Dundee, and can easily travel further afield.

Lecture-demonstrations:
An introduction to the Gaelic harp, illustrated with different replica instruments and slides. Explores repertory and instruments from Ireland and Scotland.

Taster sessions:
Small groups can learn about the historical Gaelic harp, and working with replica instruments can learn the beginnings of the craft of the harper.

At Home:
In the 18th and 19th century, the Irish harpers would attend private homes and provide music for dinner parties and other domestic functions. Why rely on CDs when you could have a polite, discrete, smartly dressed harpist to serenade your guests? Fees for genuine domestic engagements are guaranteed minimal - I believe anyone should be able to afford live music in their house. Call me for details.

Please contact me for more information or ideas.

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