MUSIC GENERATION MAYO is delighted to announce a new Harp Ensemble, for young harpists aged 10-18 yrs. in Co. Mayo. The Harp Ensemble will operate under the musical direction of Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson, acclaimed musicians and composers with many years of experience performing worldwide. The ensemble will provide an opportunity for harp students from throughout the county, to work together on collective pieces and partake in performance opportunities.
To celebrate the launch of this new initiative, an introductory Harp Ensemble weekend was held on Saturday/Sunday, June 17th-18th 2017 in Mayo Education Centre, Castlebar.
Students enjoyed a weekend of non-competitive, social harp-playing and experienced the beautiful sound of lots of harps playing together. Tunes from the Irish repertoire were taught in parts suitable for harpers of various playing abilities, with groups combining for collective performances. Young harpists experienced ensemble playing and had a social opportunity to meet fellow harpists from throughout the county. Students who enjoyed the weekend were invited to join the Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble, which will officially commence with fortnightly rehearsals from September 2017.
If you missed the introductory weekend but would like to join the Harp Ensemble from September 2017, please register at this LINK
There are limited places, early booking is advised.
For queries/further information, please call 09490 41013 / email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Important information:
· Students aged 10-18 yrs, with a minimum of one year’s playing experience are invited to partake.
· All participants must have their own harp to use, as everyone will play collectively at the same time
· Repertoire will be taught by ear, and students are encouraged to bring a recording device. It is not necessary to be able to read sheet music.
MGM Mayo Harp Ensemble Musical Directors
Gráinne Hambly from County Mayo is an internationally recognised exponent of the Irish harp, and is in great demand as a performer and teacher, both in Ireland and abroad. She has attracted glowing praise for her live performances and recorded material, which brilliantly showcase what has been described as her 'absolute mastery of the Irish harp'. Gráinne is a music graduate of Queen's University Belfast.
Originally from Glasgow, William Jackson was a founding member and creative tour de force of Ossian, which became one of Scotland's best-loved traditional bands. In addition to being a renowned harper and multi-instrumentalist, William has gained an international reputation as a composer of music inspired by both traditional and classical elements. He is also a trained Music Therapist.
Gráinne and William first performed together in October 2004. Since then they have toured extensively in the USA giving concerts and workshops, as well as performing at several international harp festivals. They have both released a number of solo and collaborative CDs.
