Máire Ní Chathasaigh grew up in a musical family in Bandon. She was steeped in the oral Irish tradition, and was already proficient in a variety of other instruments by the time that she began to play the harp at the age of eleven. She would later become a multiple All-Ireland and Pan-Celtic winner, developing influential techniques for harp performance of traditional Irish music, as heard on her pioneering New-Strung Harp (1985). In 2001 she was the recipient of the Gradam Ceoil TG4 – Traditional Musician of the Year – “for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp in Ireland and for the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers.” She has released seven duo and two quartet recordings with guitarist Chris Newman with whom she tours worldwide.
Máire's website: https://mairenichathasaigh.com/index.html
The New Strung Harp: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/product/the-new-strung-harp/
Releases with Chris Newman: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/about-maire-ni-chathasaigh-and-chris-newmans-duo/
The Casey Sisters: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/product/the-casey-sisters/
The Heartstring Quartet: https://www.oldbridgemusic.com/product-category/the-heartstring-quartet/
TG4’s "‘Sé mo Laoch" episode featuring Máire and her sister Nollaig: https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/irish-music-series/play/?pid=6212526955001&title=Nollaig%20&%20M%C3%A1ire%20N%C3%AD%20Chathasaigh&series=S%C3%A9%20Mo%20Laoch&genre=Ceol&pcode=105503
This podcast is recorded, edited and produced by Niamh O'Brien on behalf of Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland. The contributor’s views are their own and CÉHI does not take responsibility for personal opinions shared on the podcast.
Cruit Éireann| Harp Ireland is supported by The Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, and The Heritage Council.
