Musical Instrument Gallery Talk and Demonstration

Internationally-known harpist Siobhan Armstrong, from Ireland, will talk about the history, repertoire, and playing technique of the cláirseach, the traditional wire-strung harp of Ireland that dates back to at least the twelfth century. Ms. Armstrong will demonstrate a modern replica of the Museum’s rare and celebrated cláirseach that was made in 1734 in Baltdaniel, Ireland, by John Kelly for the Reverend Charles Bunworth. The replica was commissioned by the MFA in 2011from David Kortier, of Duluth, Minnesota.