Glencolmcille Harp School 2001

 

Harp School History After 18 years, the Harp Foundation's Harp Summerschools programme which has been at the cutting edge of harping in Ireland, can boast a phenomenal success record in underpinning the renaissance of Ireland's most illustrious musical and cultural tradition. In its 16 years of operation alone, the Glencolmcille Harp Festival and Summerschool situated in County Donegal's beautiful, remote and historic glen dedicated to Ireland's 6th century Saint Colmcille, has been the training ground for all of Ireland's most vibrant and successful young performers today. As well as managing and directing a number of other smaller festivals, the big one, Harpfest, going since 1996 in Glenarriffe in the magnificent County Antrim glens, caters to the largest number of harpers and musicians of all ages and standards - so from the intimate experience of a small gathering in Glencolmcille to the large scale festival in the Antrim glens, the Harp Foundation now presents a range of teaching and festive experience for the harp player (and their fans and travelling companions!). Glencolmcille, Donegal, Ireland Glencolmcille has a very special tradition. The village of "Glen" is an ancient centre of learning, culture and spirituality from the earliest time of humankind in Ireland. As well as offering spectacular scenery of rocky coast and heath-covered mountains, there are numerous coastal cliff walks and secluded beaches. Glencolmcille also boasts a number of important archaeological sites and St. Colmcille's "turas" or pilgrimage is still attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Venue The Old Rectory, situated only five minutes walking distance from the village centre, is the venue for our harp school and residence. This beautiful old Victorian country house, commanding magnificent views of the sea and the glen, stands on its own grounds with a river running through the garden. The kitchen is the heart of the house with an open turf fire and permanent pot of tea ready for all comers. The harping activities take place in the spacious drawing room and front parlour and there are many quiet corners for the diligent to practise! The house accommodates 14 people (in rooms of twos and threes) and while basically furnished, posesses all mod cons and Irish home comforts. Each week guarantees intensive harp training, much general learning and music making, much socialising and a very memorable, personable and positive experience. The maximum number of students on these courses is 16 and Janet is assisted by at least one other tutor. Tuition The Glencolmcille Harp Summerschool features an intimate and relatively informal programme of harp tuition comprising group and individual tuition with afternoon special workshops on a range of topics chosen by the students at the start of the week. The classes finish about 3.45 in the afternoons after which people can explore all the local sites with transport arranged for special destinations. Activities Our Wednesday outing in Glencolmcille is usually a trip to the nearby village of Teelin from which we can take a boat trip to the base of, or a short walk to the top of the mountain, Sliabh Liague, with Europe's highest sea-cliffs on the west side. Spirits are then guaranteed to be replenished at the "Rusty Mackerel", the famous pub and home of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of the group Altan. An alternative expedition goes to the local town of Ardara famous for the making of Donegal Tweed and knitwear. Some of our evening activities are co-organised with Oideas Gael, the local Irish language college, so a wide programme of options including the in-house festivities are available. Costs (Wks 1 & 3 - Harp Summer School) Residential adult in the Old Rectory ST£360 (all costs included) Non residential adult in local B&B ST£400 (all costs included) Non residential adult ST£220 (summerschool activities & lunches only) Residential under 16s: ST£260 (very limited places) (Wk 2 - Irish Language or Hillwalking) Hill-walking (easy or challenging) ST£280 (B&B, evening meal) Irish language (all standards) ST£300 (B&B, evening meal) Please contact us for more information: The association address is: The Harp Foundaton (Belfast Harps) 1 Quinville Holywood Co Down BT18 9DH Northern Ireland Tel: + 44 (0) 28 9042 5551 Fax: + 44 (0) 28 9042 5585 E-mail: jharbison@harps.dnet.co.uk   Clairseoiri na hEireann Summerschools --> | Glencolmcille Harp School | HARPFEST |     | CD - Feasting with Carolan |

harp.net

| Bulletin Board | Home | Links |