Harpists the world over will have the pluck of the Irish tomorrow (SAT) when they strum their stuff to celebrate our 1,000-year-old harping tradition.
La na Cruite / Harp Day will see musicians from far afield as Sydney and the US collaborate with rappers - and even gymnasts - during a series of online gigs designed to “push the harp to its limits” .
Meanwhile back in Ireland, harpists the length and breadth of the country will take to the hills, villages, towns and beaches to perform in their favourite outdoor settings.
Videos of these spectacular alfresco string sessions, which take place from dawn to dusk, will be shared on social media throughout the day, allowing harpists from Tokyo to Tennessee to string together sounds and ideas to create an unforgettable musical experience.
This is the fifth annual Lá na Cruite, and organisers say Harp Day 21 - the first post-COVID plucking fest - will be focusing on three themes; Connecting, Engaging and Collaborating.
“Our national instrument, the harp, has been played in Ireland for over 1000 years and is currently enjoying a much-welcomed revival in popularity” comments Arts Council Director, Maureen Kennelly.
“It features on our coins, on our tax returns and on our most famous
tipple; it has always been a representation of Ireland and Irishness. Organisations such as Cruit Éireann are instrumental in the revival and promotion of harping.
"The Arts Council is delighted to be in a position to fund the important work of Cruit Éireann, and particularly Lá na Cruite, which is a fine example of the impact and reach Cruit Éireann has in promoting and preserving our iconic national instrument and harping tradition.”
A full list of live and online events happening throughout the day can be found at www.harpireland.ie.
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