Contemporary resonance meets tradition at harp festival
Niamh O’Brien (harp) is a 2025–2026 Fulbright Scholar and doctor of sonic arts.
The annual O’Carolan Harp Festival & Summer School in Keadue has long been a sanctuary for traditional Irish music.
This year, the festival is set to host an extraordinary sonic exploration that bridges centuries of musical evolution. In a special collaboration with Cruit Éireann (Harp Ireland), the festival's headline event features a performance of Sonóir (Sonar)—a groundbreaking commission composed by world-renowned percussionist and composer Mel Mercier in St. Ronan's Hall on Friday, July 31st at 9 p.m..
This showcase promises to be a masterclass in musical innovation, challenging the traditional boundaries of the Irish harp while honouring its rich legacy.
The performance will spotlight an exceptional lineup of musicians, performing both collectively and individually. Niamh O’Brien (harp) is a 2025–2026 Fulbright Scholar and doctor of sonic arts. Niamh bridges the space between traditional melodies and experimental, modern soundscapes. Alannah Thornburgh (harp) was crowned Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards. Malachy Robinson (Viola da Gamba) is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and core member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, bringing early music expertise. John Leonard (bassoon) is a respected veteran and former principal bassoonist of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Mel Mercier (percussion/composer) will guide the ensemble with an intricate blend of sound, traditional rhythm, and contemporary pulse.
The concert will also feature the Keadue Harp Ensemble (featuring Fiachra Guihen, Emma Benson, Sophie Daly, and Aoife Guckian), ensuring that the timeless legacy of Turlough O’Carolan remains firmly anchored in the community that champions it best.
* Find out more details on the full schedule via the O'Carolan Harp Festival Programme. www.ocarolanfestival.ie
