Heymann brings bardic tradition to Gort

WORLD-renowned expert on the Irish harp, Ann Heymann, will perform in Gort early next month. 
The concert will take place on December 4 at 8pm in Gort Library.
Ann’s husband Charlie will also perform and read at the event.
“This is a particular honour for us,” says the Western Writers’ Centre’s director, Fred Johnston. “It’s a blending of the very ancient format of poetry and harp music. There is a tendency with contemporary poets, especially younger ones, to neglect the traditional bond between music and poetry. We are delighted to have Ann and Charlie visit us.”
Under the name Clairseach (Irish for Gaelic harp), Ann and Charlie perform a broad spectrum of repertoire ranging from traditional and historical to Ann’s own compositions throughout the United States, Europe and Australia. Their collaboration extends to giving presentations on their research in related areas such as Gaelic harp mythology and the performance of medieval bardic poetry.
Ann’s definitive solo CD Queen of Harps documents the virtuosic capability of the Gaelic harp. She also tutors in the annual harp school at Kilkenny organised by the Historical Harp Society of Ireland.
Chair of the Irish Historical Harp Society of Ireland and internationally renowned harper Siobhán Armstrong played to the poetry of Clare Sawtell at Gort Library during the last ‘Forge at Gort’ literature festival.
Further details on next month’s performance can be obtained by e-mailing westernwriters@eircom.net or by calling 087 2178138.
The event is supported by The Arts Council and Galway County Council and admission is free.