Over 200 years after it was last heard, the sound of the traditional Gaelic harp has again filled the Assembly Rooms in Belfast, writes Carla Liébana. Part of the city's Cathedral Quarter, the historic venue hosted a very special recital of Irish and Scottish harp music. In 1792, more than two centuries ago, the last of the great Irish harp festivals took place in the Assembly Rooms. It was also the last time the legendary manuscript collector Edward Bunting transcribed harp music. This was commemorated on Friday morning, while the recital also been paid tribute to the iconic, traditional and now disappeared Harp festivals. Nodlaig Brolly and some of the best-known harpists from Ireland, Scotland and America offered an amazing concert in a venue full of people. The piper and singer Alan MacDonald from Glen Uaig in the Scottish Highlands also showed off his musical talents. With a clear didactic purpose, the different harpists made interesting explanations before playing their pieces. Mixing history, Irish culture and personal experience, these introductions allowed the public to better understand the meaning of every piece as well as the technique of playing the harp. Adding atmosphere, a specially commissioned painting by artist JB Vallely commemorating the 1792 festival was also on display. The event has been a long process that has only been possible thanks to the collaboration of lots of people of different sectors. Presented in three languages (Gaeilge/Gàidhlig/English), it lasted two hours was free to the public. The entire gig was filmed as part of a documentary 'Banríon an Cheoil' (Queen of Music) by Gallan Films and Lugh Films for TG4 and BBCNI. The film also presents the Derry connections with the Irish harp and follows a group of local traditional musicians as they seek knowledge of the ancient Gaelic tradition. Another recital was also organised to take place at the new Irish language centre in Londonderry's Great James' the next evening, (28th November). (CL/BMcC)
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