Harp players are gathering in Northern Ireland for a unique cross-border, cross-community festival celebrating the instrument and its rich history
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"They had a knowledge of the stories and the poems of the clan and they were prestigious within the clan," says John Gray, one of the festival organisers.But he explains that after the defeat and break up of the Gaelic clans, talented harpers had to look elsewhere to earn their keep because the number of wealthy homes where they could be assured of a good welcome and a good income from music declined significantly.
The 1792 event not only showcased the talents of the finest harpers in Ireland, it was also an attempt to record their music as a legacy for future generations. Some of Bunting's musical manuscripts are currently stored at Queen's University Belfast, and this week they are being dusted off for a new generation who will play the tunes on Saturday evening.
"Because it's an expensive instrument, my mum thought it would be a good idea if I started as well," she says, agreeing her parents wanted to get their money's worth out of the investment.
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