This astonishing and adventurous pair of master musicians serves up traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, coupled with striking new compositions and Chris’s delightfully subversive wit.

A virtuoso partnership of “the doyenne of Irish harpers” (Scotland on Sunday) and “one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists” (fROOTS).

“music of fire and brilliance from the high-wire act in traditional music” —The Irish Times

Máire Ní Chathasaigh[ha-HA-seg] is credited with developing techniques (when still a teenager!) for playing Irish dance music on the harp — an instrument viewed as only useful for delicate historic tunes and song accompaniment. Translating the nuances of rhythm and articulation from fiddle and pipe to her instrument, she revolutionized how the harp was viewed in traditional music circles.

“[Máire] takes one of the most effete instruments in traditional music and breathes a fire into its belly” —The Irish Times

Chris started playing guitar as a child, in a fantastic variety of styles from folk to jazz, but didn’t play traditional Irish music until he started playing with Máire. And during the pandemic lockdowns, he stretched out in another direction: playing Bach on guitar... without knowing how to read music.

“This celebrated duo took the place by storm. Stately Carolan tunes, jazzy Django-ish numbers, dazzling Doc Watson style flat picking fliers, driving Irish dance tunes — this pair can nonchalantly do the lot. Guitar players applauded and went sadly home to burn their instruments!” — The Belfast Telegraph (Ireland)

HARP WORKSHOP: Style, Rhythm, Arranging, & Ornamentation in Irish Dance Music

In this one-hour workshop, we’ll explore the repertoire of the Irish dance music tradition: its characteristic rhythms and phrasing, appropriate harmony and accompaniment. And we’ll learn a pretty tune!

Máire will teach specific fingering techniques necessary to create the ornaments that are integral to a stylistically authentic performance.

You'll learn the melody line primarily by ear and by imitation, so you get a feel for the authentic nuances that make this music so beautiful. Written music will be available as you learn, which you’ll be shown how to interpret, but no music reading is required.

For all levels!

Recording devices are welcome.

Harpists can arrive as early as 4:00 to set up and tune.

Secure Instrument Check!

Harpists attending both events may safely leave their harps at Fort Hunter Barn after the workshop and during the concert! We will be offering secure instrument check so you can enjoy the evening unencumbered.