An Early Irish Harp Workshop with Siobhán Armstrong

Join Irish harpist, Siobhán Armstrong, in a workshop open to everyone interested in learning more about the early Irish harp

Siobhán Armstrong is one of a small number of harpists worldwide who play harps from earlier centuries. She has a large collection of copies of instruments from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the baroque era.  Siobhán feels fortunate to perform and record 16th-18th century opera and chamber music with many of Europe's most prestigious historical soloists, ensembles and opera companies, and also collaborates with some of Ireland’s best traditional performers.

She is particularly interested in encouraging the revival of the early Irish harp, which was strung in brass and sometimes silver and perhaps even gold wires. Played in Ireland from at least 1000, it died out in the early 19th century. To this end, she founded and chairs The Historical Harp Society of Ireland.

Workshop Programme 

10.00-11.00    Talk: Ever wondered what kind of harp Carolan played?

11.00-12.00     Lesson: An introduction to historical harp technique for senior students