Caomhnú (to Cherish) : A Harper’s Response – For the Birds

Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s Caomhnú Lú commission, For the Birds, by composer Donnchadh MacAodha in collaboration with Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble, is a three-part contemporary work focusing on Louth’s natural environment and unique harping legacy. This new contemporary commission for solo harp and ensemble is a musical response to the birdlife of County Louth, drawing on the Louth Bird Report and its record of activity along the county's coastline over twelve months. Dundalk Bay and the wider Louth coast are vital habitats for the many species that pass through and settle here, and this piece meditates on the fragility of that world in the face of climate change. Bird calls and songs are evoked throughout, tracking the arrival and departure of different species from spring to winter.

Young Ensemble harpers are led by renowned local harper and teacher, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla with performances on Culture Night on September 18th and on Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s global celebration of the harp, Lá na Cruite|Harp Day, on October 17th. Green activist Mark Deary leads a special open forum and discussion capturing community responses and views at the Highlanes Gallery on Culture Night.

For the Birds is accompanied by specially curated images by videographer, Seán McMahon projected on the gallery walls of familiar places throughout the county - already suffering the consequences of climate change and severe flooding.