Playing at the launch of my CD, in the Wighton Centre, Dundee, March 2008

More info: CD - Programmes - Repertory list - Costumes

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.

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.

Collaborations have included working with singers (Gaelic and Scots) as well as solo fiddle players (violin as well as viola) I am currently preparing a programme for the theatre: Warriors, 6th, 7th and 8th June, Dunfermline.

The early clàrsach can provide wonderful live background music for a wedding or a funeral, or for a function or dinner.

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

Recitals:
I particularly enjoy theming a recital or presentation around a historic venue, date, individual or family. Examples might include
Medieval music from Scotland or Ireland
Rory Dall, the blind harper
The compositions of Cornelius Lyons
The harp of Mary Queen of Scots in Perthshire
etc...

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 harper 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.

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. Or if other instrumentalists are available we can do standards like Bach's "Chorale" or Pachelbel's "Canon".

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)

Please contact me for more information or ideas.

Click here for forthcoming events (listed on tradmusic.com)

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