Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland (CÉHI) is thrilled to announce Lá na Cruite | Harp Day 2024, which will take place on Saturday, October 19, with more than 100 events happening worldwide.
This year’s theme, ‘Cothú,’ meaning ‘Nurture‘, highlights the harp’s unique ability to inspire, uplift, and connect communities while focusing on empowering the next generation of harpers to shape the future of Ireland’s iconic national instrument.
For the first time, CÉHI’s Young Harpers’ Forum gives a voice to 40 young harpers from across Ireland, who have influenced the 2024 programme.
This exciting opportunity reflects CÉHI’s commitment to ensuring a vibrant, forward-looking future for Irish harping by incorporating fresh perspectives and new ideas from younger talent.
With events designed to engage younger audiences and showcase the traditional instrument in diverse settings, Lá na Cruite 2024 is set to connect communities across Ireland through contemporary expressions of harping.
Harpy Hour Galway will see harpers Kathleen Loughnane and Catriona Cannon and friends for Harpy Hours across Galway’s Red Earl’s Hall, Ladies Beach, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Connemara National Park, Aughnanure Castle and the legendary Crane Bar.
Other highlights include:
- Harp Yoga offers a unique blend of music and mindfulness, with an invigorating yoga class accompanied by harper Aisling Lyons playing live to set the mood.
- The Harp Fairy Trail with Aisling Ennis is set to enchant audiences with a guided musical walk through the Wicklow countryside at Russborough House. Part concert, part storytelling experience, and lucky guests will even get to leave a wish on a magic fairy tree.
- The Ceiliúradh Cruitireachta | Celebrating Harps Concert at the Royal Irish Academy of Music will feature the premiere of two stunning new CÉHI commissions funded by the Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Renowned harper Maeve Gilchrist has composed a new work called ‘400 Fingers’ for the Harp Ireland ensemble, where 20 harpers from across Ireland will come together to perform a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The second commission features sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionaird and pedal harpist Parker Ramsay, reimagining traditional harp songs through a contemporary lens. Celebrated brother and sister duo, Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta will also give traditional singing a fresh look and feel.
- In keeping with this year’s vision of connection and inclusivity, the Harper’s Call Initiative has gathered over 150 submissions from musicians across the globe. These videos will be shared as a series on an interactive online map for Lá na Cruite | Harp Day, welcoming audiences everywhere to our celebration of Irish harping’s global impact.
- Bring Your Harp to School Day is a nationwide initiative to encourage young harpers to bring their harps to school and introduce their classmates to our national instrument.
- Pop-up Harp Ensemble Performances, Saturday 19th October – Nationwide
- Harp ensembles will be popping up in towns and cities all over Ireland so keep your eyes peeled, wherever you are!
Speaking on the significance of this year’s programme, CEO of CÉHI Lauren Ní Néill said, “We’re proud of the next generation of Irish harpers who are designing their own events this year with incredible energy and enthusiasm to celebrate Lá na Cruite | Harp Day amongst their friends, family and local communities.”
She continued, “I measc na n-imeachtaí, beidh ceardlanna, ceolchoirmeacha, siúlóide agus neart eile ar siúl ar an lá. Beidh fearadh na fáilte roimh gach duine páirt a ghlacadh ann agus oidhreacht na cruite a cheiliúradh.”
Founded in 2016, Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland has led the revival and promotion of Irish harping across Ireland and globally.
With a mission to safeguard and celebrate harping, CÉHI connects Irish harpers with audiences worldwide while fostering innovation and accessibility for all. For more information, please visit here.
