The Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble is accepting new members. The Harp Ensemble has been operating for seven years under the musical direction of Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson, both acclaimed musicians and composers with many years of experience performing worldwide.

The ensemble provides an opportunity for harp students from throughout the county to work together on collective pieces and partake in performance opportunities. From 2021-2024 performance opportunities have included performances with the Music Generation Harp Collective, a partnership with the Harp Ensembles of Music Generation Mayo Laois, Louth and Waterford, at the World Harp Congress (2022 Wales, UK), The Fleadh Cheol (2023 – Mullingar), St Patrick’s Day Celebrations (2022 – Collin’s Barracks, Dublin and Waterford), and the Edinburgh International Harp Festival (2023) to name a few. Local performances have included a collaboration with Mayo alt-trad musicians Lisa Canny, headlining concerts at Féile Mhaigh Eo, Music Generation Mayo’s #youngmusiciansofmayo concerts in the TF and the Foxford Traditional Weekend. There will be many performance opportunities in 24/25.

At fortnightly rehearsals, students enjoy non-competitive, social harp-playing. Tunes from the Irish repertoire are taught in parts suitable for harpers of various playing abilities, with groups combining for collective performances.
Young harpists experience ensemble playing as well as a social opportunity to meet fellow harpists from throughout the county and country.

Important criteria for participants

    • Students must be aged 10-18 yrs., with a minimum of one year’s playing experience.
    • 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

    Students will work on pieces arranged in different parts, which are intended to be performed together to form the
    whole arrangement rather than played solo, so these rehearsals are not a substitute for your regular harp tuition
    with your current teacher.

    The Harp Ensemble is a large ensemble with multiple trips away. Sometimes extra performances (and related extra rehearsals) will incur additional charges to take part. Participation in these extra activities is not compulsory. The Harp Ensemble has a strict code of conduct and reserve the right to restrict participation.

    Rehearsals will be held in Castlebar (usually in Mayo Education Centre or Music West). Rehearsals are for two hours. There are two enrolment periods
    for the Harp Ensemble in 2024-2025. The first term runs from September to December and will consist of six
    rehearsals for €90 (€15 per rehearsal) on dates to be confirmed. All rehearsals are generally 4:30-6:30.

    New members can attend the first rehearsal prior to payment to get a better idea of what is involved. If you wish to join the ensemble please fill out the following registration form: Harp Ensemble Registration Form. Please note that membership is subject to availability and numbers may be limited.

  • For queries/further information, please call 094 9041013 / email: damianevans@msletb.ie
Back to Top