Harpists come together to remember Colmcille legacy
and live on Freeview channel 276
The ‘Colmcille 1500’ project, supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services, highlights the significant connection between the life of the revered early Christian saint and the Causeway Coast & Glens area.
Also known as St Columba, Colmcille left his mark on the landscape in the North West and is remembered in Ireland and Scotland as a unifying figure for his love of Gaelic culture and the natural world.
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Hide AdThe video and composition collectively capture the beautiful landscape and significant landmarks associated with his life alongside the harping heritage of the area.
Fittingly, the first performance of ‘Strings of Heaven’ was recorded at St Aidan’s Church in Magilligan, the site of a church originally founded by Colmcille in the middle of the 6th Century.
St Aidan’s is also the burial place of Dennis Hempson, the last of the great harpers. He played the famous ‘Downhill Harp’ made by Cormac Ó Ceallaigh of Ballinascreen and sponsored by the Earl Bishop, Fredrick Hervey of Mussenden Temple.
Composed by Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh with vocal soloist Aoife Nig Uiginn of Scoil Ruaidhrí Dall, this initiative brings together harpers from Scoil Ruaidhrí Dall, Dungiven, Hempsey Harp School, Garvagh, Causeway Harp School and Ballycastle Harp School. Watch https://niarchive.org/projectitems/colmcille-1500-strings-of-heaven