The Irish Harp

The harp is the official national symbol of Ireland. It is depicted on Irish euro coins, passports, and official government seals. It is also famous for being the iconic registered trademark of Guinness.

Its design differs from classic orchestral harps: it features a shorter soundboard and a curved pillar. Today, the Irish harp is officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In medieval Ireland, harpers were highly respected members of Gaelic nobility. They were professional itinerant musicians who composed and performed complex melodies for the Irish aristocracy.

The group Glenullin includes former All-Ireland champion Sinéad Close and Mairéad Comer, both of whom will be leading the harp workshops here in Verona.

Ph credits: Tornabuoni Arte – Arte Antica