Season's Greetings
A chairde / Dear friends,
We are so grateful for everyone who has engaged with us this year — participants, members, patrons, community partners and sponsors. You make our programmes possible, and help us build a vibrant community that sustains and grows the mission of the HHSI. Buíochas libh go léir / thank you all.
Looking back at 2022, we had an exciting year of 'firsts'
... our first ever hybrid Scoil na gCláirseach–Festival of Early Irish Harp. We welcomed attendees from Ireland and around the world, onsite at Coláiste Pobail Osraí in Kilkenny, and live online.
... our first Laethanta Fionnachtana [Discovery Days] presented as Gaeilge [in Irish] — with Cairde Uí Néill, in Coalisland, for National Harp Day, and with The Oireachtas, in Killarney — another first! We also held Discovery Days in Galway, with Galway Early Music Festival and in Belfast, with Harps Alive Festival 2022.
... our first year of Acadamh na gCláirseach–Academy of Early Irish Harp. This new programme of online courses offers group tuition throughout the year, taught by international experts. A vibrant community of students availed of courses on a range of juicy topics.
... our first year of Harpers' Gatherings. This new programme of online community social time brings people together from around the world for monthly chat and harp playing in a supportive environment. We've paired these gatherings with 'Chat with an Expert' events, another new programme, that gives attendees an opportunity for informal Q & A with leading artists.
Looking forward to 2023
Take an online course in 2023. Check out our winter programme of Acadamh na gCláirseach courses at IrishHarp.org/Acadamh. We have an Early-Bird discount until 24 December, 2022.
Save the date! Join us ONSITE in Kilkenny and LIVE ONLINE for Scoil na gCláirseach–Festival of Early Irish Harp, 7 – 13 July, 2023
Join us at our monthly Harpers' Gatherings. Come and enjoy harp-related talk, share your projects and progress, and try out tunes you want to play in front of a small, very supportive audience. Hosted by HHSI volunteer, Barbara Karlik.
Come to a Discovery Day. Held around Ireland, you can meet HHSI artists and presenters, hear this rare instrument played in concert, have your questions answered at an illustrated talk, and take a hands-on Beginners’ Workshop.
Thank you!
All this is possible only because of the support of our funders, most notably An Chomhairle Ealaíon (The Arts Council) and Kilkenny County Council. We would also like to thank our other supporting organisations and generous individual supporters, who can be found on our Supporters' page. If your circumstances allow, please consider making a one-off donation – or becoming an associate member here.
We like to pull together and support each other so keep the conversation going on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. And do continue to share your harping photos and videos, if you are a player.
We wish you and your loved ones a safe and restful Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, whatever you’re having yourself these weeks, and a Happy New Year –
Siobhán, Karen and all at The HHSI