Harp

Claire Roche Music

Imbas

Not only is Claire’s music unique, but it is emotionally moving especially when we are present in her live performance.

We think of a harp and what it sounds like and usually relate to the harp as playing tunes. Then we think of singers and what they sound like. We try to think of singers and harps together, but we still cannot match the uniqueness, passion and intimacy that is present during a performance by Claire.

Claire has a passion for words and the spirit and expression or words. Rather than just play tunes, Claire has chosen the harp to be her accompaniment, her choir, her veil to the “otherworld”.  Her words, music and passion gently warms the hearts of those present and fires their spirits into passion, courage, tears, love and laughter.
-By John Willmott, the Woodland Bard

Callan Harps

Imbas

Brian Callan

My name is Brian Callan.

I am originally from Ardee in Co. Louth but I now live outside Craughwell in Co. Galway with my wife and two boys.

My interest in woodwork began in school where I was lucky enough to have a teacher whose passion for the skill inspired me to make a career from it when I left school.

After running my own cabinet making business for several years, I returned to college to become a woodwork teacher and spent seven years teaching. Following the birth of my children, I took a career break to become a stay-at-home dad while my wife worked as a musician and music teacher.

The harp’s accessible sound and therapeutic value makes it the ideal native instrument with which to introduce preschool children to music.

Researching the topic quickly made me realise very few harps were actually made in Ireland, despite the instrument being our national emblem. I started working on many templates until I manufactured a first prototype in December 2011.

I have now developed a range of fully hand-crafted harps made from locally sourced, naturally felled Irish native timber where possible. My harps are designed to suit all ages and abilities.