Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill and the New Connections Harp Collective took to the stage at Friars’ Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, on Sunday, 19 October 2025, delivering an evening of newly composed music that celebrated Ireland’s living harp tradition. The concert received a standing ovation from the audience, marking a triumphant culmination of months of collaboration, learning, and creativity among harp players of all ages and backgrounds.

The new music, composed under the artistic direction of Fiana, was inspired by her deep connection to her home county and the people she has met along the way. One particularly moving piece paid tribute to Robert Hogg, a much-loved local figure from Castleconnell, who is remembered for his deep knowledge of local music, song, and story.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, this project has been about building community through creativity and bringing harp players together from Munster and Connacht to share their skills and to create new musical arrangements. Seeing the project come to life on stage was incredibly special for Fiana and her collaborators Gráinne Fitzgibbon and Nora Casey.

The event formed part of the celebrations for Harp Day 2025, a national and international initiative that honours Ireland’s iconic instrument and its continuing place in contemporary music.

The New Connections Harp Collective project was proudly supported by Limerick City and County Council and the Limerick Arts Office through the Dolores O’Riordan Music Bursary, as well as by Music Generation Limerick County and Cruít Éireann | Harp Ireland. 

This project was performed for a second time at King John’s Castle as part of the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.