Janet Harbison: The Belfast Harp Orchestra Legacy

The Belfast Harp Orchestra

An Illustrated Lecture with Janet Harbison

Join Janet Harbison, founder and director of the Belfast Harp Orchestra (BHO), for a fascinating illustrated lecture accompanied by live musical performances.

The Belfast Harp Orchestra was a remarkable stage ensemble of more than twenty young harpers, aged between 12 and 20, drawn primarily from counties across Ulster and representing both religious and political traditions in Northern Ireland. Trained through the medium of traditional Irish music and the oral tradition, the orchestra helped bring the Irish harp to international audiences on some of the world's most prestigious stages.

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A Global Success Story

Among the orchestra's many achievements was touring with The Chieftains, performing at renowned venues including:

• The Barbican, London
• Royal Festival Hall, London
• The Kennedy Center, Washington DC
• Carnegie Hall, New York

Their collaboration with The Chieftains on The Celtic Harp contributed to a Grammy Award-winning recording in 1993, bringing international recognition to the orchestra and its musicians.

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A Lasting Legacy

During its ten years of activity, the Belfast Harp Orchestra helped train and inspire more than 100 young harpers.

Many graduates went on to successful careers as professional performers, recording artists, educators, ceremonial musicians, therapeutic practitioners and ambassadors for the Irish harp tradition.

Notable alumni include:

• Michael Rooney
• Gráinne Hambly
• Deirdre Macklin
• Lucy Kerr

Through photographs, stories, archive material and live music, Janet Harbison will reflect on the orchestra's extraordinary achievements and its lasting impact on the revival and development of Irish harp music.

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A celebration of one of the most influential chapters in the modern history of the Irish harp and the young musicians who carried its sound around the world.