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Our 2024 Opening Concert features harping duo Aisling Urwin and Niamh O'Brien, & Artist in Residence 2024, Grainne Meyer.Niamh O’ Brien and Aisling Urwin are a duo of harpers from the Southwest of Ireland. Their music is rooted in the Irish tradition but has expanded throughout their careers to include world, contemporary, original, folk and electronic influences.
In 2021, after doing some performances together for Harp Ireland’s Lá na Cruite, they decided to embark upon a duo project.
Aisling and Niamh believe there is something unique and wonderful in the sound of two harps playing together. Harpers so often play solo, so it has been so exciting for them to play and arrange together. They combine their own individual styles of playing, the particular complexities of their harps which come from different makers, and their voices as they are both singers.
They are deeply passionate about the harp, its community and its rich history. They are currently working on an EP of innovative arrangements of old harping tunes and new compositions.
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County Antrim based harpist Gráinne, is the most recent winner of the "World Music Competition" following performances at Wales International Harp Festival 2023. Drawing from a background in both traditional Irish and concert harp, Gráinne’s music combines
both approaches to create a distinctive sound characterised by “an evolved and multidimensional approach to melody” (Pwyll ap Siôn).
Gráinne studied at the TU Dublin conservatoire of music, with Cliona Doris, Denise Kelly and Gráinne Hambly after completing an honours music degree from the University of York, where she was awarded the Thomas Beecham scholarship for performance.
As a performer and teacher, Gráinne leads a diverse and busy schedule across Ireland and beyond. She is represented by Middle Aisle and her involvement in initiatives like the Live Music Now scheme, along with her role as the director of the Elver Harp Ensemble and Mind and Music orchestra, highlight her commitment to sharing and developing music with others.
As a composer, Gráinne’s arrangements are regularly performed by both soloists and ensembles, some of which have recently been featured on prominent platforms such as BBC Radio, Classic FM and RTÉ.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
An Grianán ICA, Drogheda, Ireland
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