The Harpers Connellan

Join renowned harper and researcher Kathleen Loughnane as she tells us more about the life and times of the Sligo harpers William and Thomas Connellan. Hear arrangements of their 17th century repertoire performed live for harp and cello, and learn about this period of great political and social upheaval in Ireland.

Irish music Meteor Award (2010) nominee Kathleen Loughnane is highly regarded for her work in arranging traditional Irish dance tunes and airs for the harp and also for researching the music of Irish harp composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Kathleen has 4 CDs and accompanying books to her credit, Affairs of the Harp, Harping On, Harp to Heart and her most recent release The Harpers Connellan. She has taught in Ireland and at major festivals in the US, Japan and throughout Europe. Her arrangements have appeared in various publications and feature on the Harp Syllabus of The Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kathleen is currently researching the manuscripts of Patrick O Neill of Owning, Carrick- on- Suir and making a selection from the manuscript to arrange for Irish harp.

Caitríona Finnegan is a cellist from Dublin, Ireland. She completed a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and graduated with a Masters from the Manhattan School of Music, USA. As well as being a chamber and orchestral musician, she enjoys playing a multitude of genres from classical to folk to traditional and pop music. She has recently worked with the Crash Ensemble, Irish National Opera, The Irish Chamber Orchestra and Music Network and at a range of concerts, festivals and recordings in collaboration with various Irish artists throughout the country. 

This event will be held in the Joly Lecture Theatre at the National Library. Tickets to this event are free, though there is a set capacity. Please book on Eventbrite in advance.