The Historical Harp Society of Ireland will present a concert,

Gael and Gall
Two Worlds of Music from Renaissance Ireland

featuring
THE IRISH CONSORT

JOHN ELWES Tenor
RÓISÍN ELSAFTY Traditional Irish Sean-Nós Singer
REIKO ICHISE Bass Viol
SIOBHÁN ARMSTRONG Early Irish Harp; European Renaissance Harp

in Rothe House, Parliament St, Kilkenny on Wednesday 23rd August at 8.00 p.m.

The concert starts at 8.00 p.m. and admission is €18 (concessions €12), payable at the door.

This concert presents the sound of the two music traditions in 17th century Ireland: the music of the old Gaelic world and the new music of the English colonists. The evocative florid style of unaccompanied 17th century song in the Irish language is juxtaposed with the melancholic genius of the English lute-song composers such as the legendary John Dowland, whose music would have been familiar in the great colonial houses of Ireland. Virtuosic viol music accompanied by the bell-like and melting sound of an early Irish harp strung both in brass and 18-carat gold wire rubs shoulders with renditions of lively Irish instrumental music which became fashionable among the 16th and 17th century English. This programme shows off the musical beauty to be found on both sides of the cultural divide in early Ireland.

The Irish Consort was founded by Siobhán Armstrong in 2002 to explore the music of early Ireland in the wider context of contemporaneous British and continental repertoire. Comprising the best Irish performers together with invited guests, the Irish Consort presents the sound world of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Ireland.

The is an event of the international Scoil na gCláirseach –Summer School of Early Irish Harp, which takes place at Kilkenny School of Music 19-25 August.

For further information, please visit www.irishharpschool.com or contact the Historical Harp Society of Ireland on tel +353 (0)51 646286.

Downloadable photos at http://www.siobhanarmstrong.com/portraits.htm