Janet Harbison Harper & Composer "One of Ireland's most accomplished women, a charismatic leader, a cherished teacher, a quintessential performer and a comedienne..." MARY MC ALEESE, PRESIDENT OF IRELAND ''I think your music is just great PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON. "... wonderfully attractive, professional, faultless, highly delightful and charming, Janet Harbison's performances are technically impeccable, and always most subtle, musical and expressive." DEREK BELL, Harper with the Chieftains "Ireland's Crusading Harper" ALAN WHITSITT, The Belfast Telegraph "Janet Harbison: the human dynamo dedicated to spreading the gospel of the harp" GEOFF HARDEN, Irish Music Magazine "Janet Harbison is one of Ireland's greatest champions of harp music..." SEAN RAFFERTY, BBC "[Janet's] composition is considered as important in musical terms as the late Sean O Riada's works" IRISH INDEPENDENT Born in Dublin on August 1st, 1955, Janet Harbison is acknowledged as one of the World's most prominent traditional harpers and pioneering personalities in the Irish harp music scene. With a background of practical interest and academic research, she is an authoritative resource on the history and music of the Irish harp. Her discovery and enthusiasm for much of the extinct ancient harp repertoire lead her into teaching and into reviving the music through the oral tradition. For this activity, she has often been referred to as "Ireland's crusading harper" and many of today's rising professional performers and teachers are former students. Janet is also a composer of contemporary harp music. Her style of work is not in the purist tradition, rather in the "New Irish" style which is a fusion of all the influences in Irish music today. Many of her large and small-scale works are currently in publication and a number of them have been featured in TV recorded concerts, performances and film scores. Recent commissions have included composing and arranging for flautist James Galway, pop singer Brian Kennedy, Polygram, BBC Songs of Praise and the Chieftains (with whom she won a Grammy Award in 1993). Apart from her many solo performances and achievements, Janet also created the many award winning Belfast Harp Orchestra and more recently the internationally acclaimed Irish and National Harp Orchestras. These groups of harpers and other traditional musicians, singers and dancers present large-scale stage productions all over the world, composed and directed by Janet. In August of 2002, after 18 years living and working in the troubled world of Belfast and Northern Ireland, Janet moved home to her roots in Limerick and realized a dream setting up the Irish Harp Centre in the village of Castleconnell, 6 miles from Limerick city and only 20 miles from Shannon Airport. From her home in a magnificent 19th century preserved stone schoolhouse overlooking the River Shannon, Janet now bases all her creative work, rehearsals, harp school and the many courses, summerschools and festivals directed by husband Malcolm Gullis who is also a Theologian and former Cathedral Organist. Janet continues to tour, performing and teaching world-wide, to create original music and write tutors and resource books for her students and colleagues. In 2004, she will set up the American - Irish Harp Orchestra spreading the gospel of communal music performance to the Americas. www.irishharpcentre.com info@irishharpcentre.com : Janet started her harping career in Sion Hill School, Dublin in the middle 1960s. She was then an aspiring pianist following in her father's footsteps, and while studying for her first music degree in Trinity College, was the resident musician in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel as well as a regular soloist in Connolly's Jazz Club. In 1978, a minor accident involving the breakage of a little finger adversely affected her piano career, allowing her a free summer to concentrate on harp playing. In the course of the next three years, she entered and won every harp competition in Ireland including the All Ireland Championship, the Millennium Harp Competition in the Isle of Man and the Composition and Improvisation competition at the Rencontres International de l'Harpe Celtique in Dinan, Brittany. During this time, she also enjoyed considerable notoriety with numerous compositions of film music, choral and chamber works all based in the Irish tradition. (Her work "Ar Thrá" for female chorus won the Oireachtas prize in 1982). In 1980, she undertook her first concert tour to the U.S. with Comhaltas Ceoilóirí Eireann, and since then, she has became a regular concert performer throughout the western world. Janet's interest in the Northern Ireland question evolved from her family history which is embedded for many centuries in the heart of Ulster. Janet's paternal grandfather, TJ Harbison, the town solicitor for Cookstown, was a prominent nationalist MP in the HomeRule party, a member of the Irish Convention, and one of the Northern Ireland representatives in Westminster from 1922 until his death in 1930. Janet was the first of her family not to have been born in Ulster, but close contact was always maintained with her Ulster connections, and following her cousins, she became an active early member of the Peace People, the peace movement spearheaded by the women of Ulster. In September 1978, Janet went to work with the Peace People in Hamburg, W. Germany where she worked closely with Nobel Peace Prize-winner, Betty Williams. Over the next two and a half years, as well as completing her undergraduate degree at Trinity College, Dublin, she was involved with the peace movement's German operation. At this time, Janet also set up a scheme of "Meeting Ulster Politicians" for the leaders of the youth divisions of all the political parties in the Republic. This involved the organisation of a number of expeditions for the young Irish political activists making visits with senior politicial figures in Northern Ireland and to conferences in Stavanger, Norway. Janet's work in Germany lead to many significant acquaintences in the German academic world. It was because of an invitation to lecture on early Irish music at the Europa Zentrum in Tubingen, SW Germany, (a European Community Research Facility) that Janet became deeply enthused by the early resources. Although invited to consider a research position in Tubingen, Janet enrolled as a postgraduate student in Cork University working with Micheal O Suilleabhain (1982-4), and started teaching the harp in the Cork School of Music. In 1984, Janet followed the trail of the ancient harpers to Belfast whereupon she became immersed in the academic world for ten years. After a two year Junior Research Fellowship at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University where she undertook extensive research (toward a PhD) into the Bunting manuscripts (dating from the Belfast Harpers Assembly of 1792), she took up the position of Curator of Music at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum which she held until June 1994. In May 1992, celebrating the bicentenary of the Belfast Harpers' Assembly, she organised and directed a World Harp Festival (eleven days) featuring the world's leading harp players from five continents; in July, a restaging of the harpers Assembly; and a six month exhibition of harps, artefacts and manuscripts dating from the original event (staged at the Folk Museum). So that the harpers of Ulster could also be represented among the international stars at the various events in 1992, she founded the BELFAST HARP ORCHESTRA, a twenty-five strong group of her most accomplished students who, within their first year of existance alone, achieved world acclaim with their Grammy Award-winning album with the CHIEFTAINS on the RCA Victor label (Title: The Celtic Harp). In its own right, the Belfast Harp Orchestra has performed and toured widely thoughout the US, Europe and the UK, has published four albums and was recently included as the main artist in a Polygram compilation album entiteld "Celtic Harpistry". Over the years, Janet's reputation has continued to grow through her many solo performances as well as with various other prominent artistes such as flautist James Galway, tenor Jim Flannery, and poets Seamus Heaney and Michael Longley. She has been the recipient of a number of awards including the Camac Harp Award 1992 for her work in the promotion of the celtic harp; "The Most Enterprising Young Woman Award" of 1993, the "Special award for Reverence for Difference" in 1995 for her work in the field of reconciliation in Ulster with the Belfast Harp Orchestra, and in 1999, an honorary Doctorate from the University of Ulster in recognition of her service to the community and role in Irish culture. Career headlines and positions held 1973 Finished school with Leaving Cert honours in Music, Art, Biology, French, Domestic Science 1973-74 Residential student at St.Anne's College for Domestic Science and Home Management Particular studies in human biology and health management, particular achievement in handcrafts (costume and dress design, embroidery, lace and dress-making). Studied piano with Lilly Huban to scholorship examinations to London College of Music 1974-76 After Lilly Huban's death ( April'74), transferred piano study to Frank Heneghan, Principal, Dublin College of Music; having won a scholorship for further piano studies enabling study in London, continued with studies in Dublin as my father was ill. (Died April 1975). 1976 - 80 BA student (Music and Psychology) to honours degree, Trinity College Dublin Music Correspondent to "Trinity Gazette", TCD staff magazine 1975-80 Summer vacation work: 2 seasons as solo harper at Bunratty and Knappogue Castles; 1 season as solo harper/pianist/singer in Kilarney cabaret; and 2 seasons as sailing instructor for 4-5 birth off-shore cruising yaughts with Glenans Sailing Club (Irish centres). 1978-81 Worked with Peace People on trade promotions in Northern Germany for 2 months each autumn, working closely with Betty Williams, Nobel Peace Prizewinner, Christobel Bielenberg and Jurgan Westphal (Minister for Defence and later Economy in Schliswig Holstein, most northern German province). Organised exchange study weeks with youth branches of Irish and Ulster political parties meeting main politicians in Northern Ireland government. Also conference in Stavanger, Norway co-organised by Steve McBride, then Chief Exec. of the Peace People. 1980-81 Free lance recitalist (harp) touring in US and Europe; supplimented with piano residencies in Shelbourne Hotel and Connolly's Jazz Club, Dublin Participation in series of conferences in Europa Zentrum, Tubingen (S.Germany) on the contribution of Irish scholors to learning and the arts in Europe in the middle ages. 1982-84 M.A. student in University College Cork. Subject: History of the Irish harp and the Bunting Manuscript Collection (from the Belfast Harpers' Assembly, 1792). Demonstrator, Music Department, University College Cork (teaching position) Teacher of Irish Harp, Cork College of Music 1984-86 Junior Research Fellow, Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University Belfast PhD student in Department of Social Anthropology, Queens University 1986-94 Held full time position of Curator of Music, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum with responsibility for development of national Sound Archive music and cultural arts collections, designing and organising exhibitions of historical musical and cultural arts interest; development and implimentation of educational programmes supporting EMU (Education toward Mutual Understanding government education policy); advising the Department of Education on set works for the G.C.S.E. curriculum; organising conferences on cultural perceptions in music in Northern Ireland; organising a calendar of events including festivals celebrating all aspects of music in N. Ireland. Undertook a number of Lecture/Recital tours in University circuit in USA 1988 Organised major concert in Ulster Hall for bicentenary of the Linen Hall Library featuring over 20 young Northern Irish harpers specially trained for the event. 1992 Organised and directed a number of commemorative events for the bicentenary of the Belfast Harpers' Assembly. Founding director with Maurice Hayes (Head of Civil Service) and Jimmy Hawthorne (Chairman of Cultural Traditions Group) of the company Belfast Harpers' Bicentenary Ltd. (Company secretary: Chris Napier). Launched the Belfast Harp Orchestra and undertook first tours of Ireland, Europe and USA. 1992 - 3 (October to September) Took sabbatical break to perform and lecture widely in US and Europe. Published first solo CD. 1994 - date Set up Harp Foundation (launched January '97 as registered charity) Founded harp schools in Antrim, Derry, Belfast, Garvagh, Newry (last three in areas of significant conflict and/or economic deprivation). Belfast Harps also very busy. 1997 Harp Foundation became a registered charity and was officially launched at the opening of the Belfast Waterfront Hall. Janet takes up the position of part-time Chief Executive. 1999 September: Janet passed over Antrim, Newry and Derry harp schools to graduate students and returned to University to undertake a Post Graduate Diploma course in Cultural Management. Launched the Irish Harp Orchestra, professional version of Belfast Harp Orchestra, toured Extensively in Europe 2000 Involved with BBC Northern Ireland Millennium celebrations television programming - featured with pop singer Brian Kennedy, numerous other celebrations, tours, performances. 2001 Took up position of Head of Harp at Limerick School of Music 2002 2002 Married Malcolm Gullis and moved to Limerick to set up Irish Harp Centre. Provided music for the Jubillee visit to Northern Ireland of the Royal Family. 2003 The Irish Harp Centre opened. Accompanied Irish President, Mary McAleese on Styate visit to China as cultural Ambassador for Ireland. Guest Artist, Milwaukee Festival U.S.A. 2004 National Harp Orchestra gives its first concert at the Pan Celtic Festival,Tralee. Adjudicator, Camac World Harp Competition ,Nantes. Artist in Residence, Goderich Celtic College and Festival. Education Primary 1959 - 66 Montessori School, Dominican Convent, Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co.Dublin 1966 - 67 Coláiste na Rinne, Dún Garbháin, Co.Phortláirge (Irish language school) Secondary 1967 - 73 Dominican College Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co.Dublin Tertiary 1973 - 74 St. Anne's College of Domestic Science, Sion Hill 1974 - 82 Dublin College of Music, Chatham Row, Dublin 2 1976 - 80 Dublin University (Trinity College), Dublin Post graduate 1982 - 84 University College, Cork 1984 - 92 Queen's University, Belfast 1999 - 2000 University of Ulster Qualifications Degrees obtained 1999 D.Litt. (Honorary), University of Ulster 1984 M.A. (Trinity College Dublin) 1980 B.A. Moderator in Music (with Psychology), Trinity College Dublin (Honours) 2001 Post Graduate Diploma in Cultural Management, University of Ulster 2005 Pending: Ph.D in Ethnomusicology/Social Anthropology, Queen'sUniversity, Belfast Teaching diplomas 1980 T.T.C.T. (Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tire) Advanced traditional music teacher's diploma 1977 L.T.C.L. (Licentiate Trinity College London) Piano teacher diploma 1975 A.T.C.L. (Associate Trinity College London) Piano teacher diploma Also 1974 Diploma in Domestic Science and Home Management, St.Annes' College, Sion Hill 1977 Instructor of Off-Shore Cruising Yaughts, Glenans Sailing School 1985 Life saver. Also qualified First Aider. Examiner/Adjudicator All Ireland Championships Competition; CCE TTCT Teacher's Diploma Course Examiner; National and International competitions including Camac Competition (Paris); Carolan Harp Festival and Granard Harp Festivals (Ireland); All-Britain Fleadh; var. Regional Fleadhs, Festivals and competitions Language Fluency: English, Irish, French, German Awards Academic 1999 D.Litt. (Honorary), University of Ulster 1986-88 Junior Research Fellowship, Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University, Belfast 1974-82 Mc Cullagh-Pigott Piano Scholar Personality 1992 Prix Joel Garnier a harp commissioned from JH's choice of harp maker to her own design for her contribution to the world of Celtic harping 1993 Enterprising Young Woman of the Year (Business & Professional Women's Organisation) for her work in establishing a business in the arts and providing opportunities for the training and employment of new artistes 1995 Reverence for Difference Award made by the Ireland Fund and the Flax Trust for her work with the Belfast Harp Orchestra in the field of reconciliation and cultural education Competitions won include 1971 Feis Ceoil, An Chruit, Gold Medal, 1971 1979 Isle of Man Millennium Competition (£1,000) 1981 O'Carolan Festival Rosebowl 1981 All Ireland Championship 1981 Granard Bicentenary Harp Festival Competition (Vocal and harp) 1982 An tOireachtas, Senior Harp Competition 1982 Granard Harp Festival Competition, Canon Gilfinnon Cup 1983 Oireachtas prize for new works for choir 1985 Rencontres Internationales de l'Harpe Celtique:Awen Trophy for Composition & Improvisation Also, numerous awards & prizes in various piano competitions including the Feis Ceoil Sporting achievements 1980-84 Various long distance runs (including 3 12 mile marathons) 1984-87 Long Distance Swimmer (inc. Carrickfergus & Camlough Lake marathon swims) 1989 Sailing: Highlands and Islands Regatta, Traditional Boats Class (Ballade), 1st 1981 - date; Ski enthusiast; Hill walker Instigational Work, Organisations Chronologically CLÁIRSEÓIRÍ NA hÉIREANN - THE HARPERS' ASSOCIATION, founder (1985-2002) An Irish harpers association set up to encourage and support traditional harping, funds raised for Harp Bank from which instruments hired or loaned to beginners and foreign students; monthly teaching sessions in Dublin and other centres in Ireland, harping weekends and summerschools (Glencolmcille and Glens of Antrim), adult harp group; teachers' courses; seasonal newsletters. Also established Certificate of Achievement Scheme 1994. In April 1993, this organisation was formally re-established as a registered charitable association maintaining the old title in Irish but with a new English title: THE HARP FOUNDATION. Activities all now catered from the Irish Harp Centre. GLENCOLMCILLE HARP FESTIVAL founder (1986-2002), Founder & Director Annual Traditional Irish harp and folk-music festival (and summerschool) in South West Donegal run under the auspices of Clairseoiri na hEireann / The Harp Foundation. This festival has been without question at the cutting edge of the harping revival in Ireland. Almost all the prominent professional players in Ireland today received their seminal tuition here. 2000 dates: July Jun 19-26; Aug 21-28 BELFAST HARP FESTIVAL founder (1985-2002), Director Annual Educational non-residential course organised in conjunction with the Linen Hall Library for its first 6 years. In 1997, the Belfast Harp Festival was held at the Belfast Waterfront Hall and took the shape of a festival of performance - each teacher or harp ensemble leader presenting a 12-15 minute programme in 2 public concerts. Also featuring advanced candidates in their Certificate of Achievement performances. BELFAST HARPS (1990-ongoing) Managing Director to 2002 A professional harper's agency providing live music at private and corporate occasions, also the management company of various harp and Belfast Harp Orchestra activities. BELFAST HARP ORCHESTRA, Founder (1992-ongoing), Conductor and Artistic Director Unique concert group of between 18 and 25 harpers and other musicians, singers and dancers. The BHO started out as a commemorative concert group for the bicentenary of the Belfast Harpers' Assembly and has gone on to become a major feature in the cultural life of Ulster. The BHO has produced 4 albums to date, the most recent on the Polygram label. WORLD HARP FESTIVAL 1992 Executive Director The main celebratory event commemorating the bicentenary of the Belfast Harpers' Assembly of 1792. Featuring over 40 international artistes from 5 continents, from May 7th - 17th, an eleven day festival of concerts, master-classes, lectures, historic tours and special events Funding from Belfast City Council, Community Relations Council, Cultural Traditions, N.I.O. among others 1992 BELFAST HARPERS ASSEMBLY & BICENTENARY HARP COMPETITION Organiser Staged over the days of the actual 200th anniversary of the Belfast Harpers' Assembly, a major recording project where Irish harpers were invited to contribute to 4-day recording session aiming to make a historical collection in sound of harping in Ireland exactly 200 years after the original Harpers Assembly. Culminated in major harp competition (over £7,000 prize fund) sponsored by Waterford Crystal and Belfast Crystal. HAMPSEY HARP FESTIVAL and SCHOOL (1992-2002) Founder & Director From October 1992, an annual harp festival commemorating Denis O Hempsey in his birthplace at Garvagh, Coleraine featuring a weekend of concerts and traditional music classes. Harp School initiated in September 1994. (From 1994, admin for the festival and from 1996 admin for the harp school undertaken by the Garvagh and District Development Association). 1999 festival date: possibly June (tbc) CLARSHEREE founder (1994-1996), Leader Chamber group of contemporary traditional music performers - four harpers, an uilleann piper and fiddler all doubling on other instruments specialising in the repertoir of Turlough O Carolan. The group has published an acclaimed CD and cassette entitled "Feasting with Carolan". NORTHERN IRELAND HARP SCHOOL (1994-2002) Director Harp schools have been established since 1984 in Antrim, Monaghan, Belfast and Holywood, and from 1994 new harp schools were established in Garvagh, Newry and Rostrevor. Other schools have become affiliated such as Clairseoiri Maigh Eo (Mayo) and The Carolan Harp School (Nobber, Co.Meath) - all comprising the Northern Ireland Harp School centrally co-ordinated from Belfast. The teachers of the schools (all trained by JH) operate as a co-operative, co-ordinating exchanges and student harpers' activities in general. THE HARP FOUNDATION (IRELAND) LIMITED (1997-2003) President A registered charitable company promoting the Irish harp worldwide. Evolved from the activities of Clairseoiri na hEireann (The Harpers' Association) and the Belfast Harp Orchestra. Based in an office with a permanent staff in North Belfast since June 1996. Worldwide membership of over 400. IRISH HARP ORCHESTRA, 1999 - ongoing Large-scale Traveling Stage Production Company involving up to 12 professional harpers, 6 instrumentalists, 2 singers and up to 34 dancers. Toured extensively throughout Europe to date; April 2004 to tour China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan HARPER, 2000, ongoing Rock group with 5 members (Janet, 3 backing harps and pipes/flute). NATIONAL HARP ORCHESTRA, 2002 - ongoing An equivalent Harp Orchestra serving the Republic of Ireland based at the Irish Harp Centre, Limerick. On Recordings Solo: PSALM -SACRED MUSIC FOR CALM AND QUIET CONTEMPLATION BHO 008 (CD 2000) Released in December 2000, a collection of sacred music with 6 original pieces, all solo harp and intended to provide calming music for relaxation, for prayerfulness, those needing comfort, and also the sick and the dying. O'NEILL'S HARPER BHO 002 (CD and cassette, recorded 1984, released 1993) Solo album of songs and music featuring historic pieces and some original music dedicated to patrons in the Ulster O'Neill clan. This recording patronised by the current Lord O'Neill of Shane's Castle, Antrim. HARPISTRY Polygram, Imaginary Road Records 314 536 142-2 (CD & Cass. released 1998) Solo track on a compilation album produced by Diana Stork, Festival of Harps, California Produced by Polydor on the Imaginary Road record label. THE WEDDING ALBUM BHO 004 (Cassette only, released 1995) Another solo album focusing on favourite music with the harp for weddings. A number of original compositions also feature, including St.John's March and Meditation for Absent Friends. A number of religious and folk songs, and some religious music. THE CONNAUGHT MAN'S RAMBLES OGA 001 (Cassette only, released 1988) Two solo tracks on a variety album published as part of the Galway Hookers' Regatta at Portaferry and in memory of friend, musician and fellow sailor, Conn McCann. ON CUAN SHORE OGA 002 (Cassette only, released 1994) One solo track on a second album published for the Galway Hooker's Regatta at Portaferry in 1994. ECHOES OF ERIN Gael Linn, CL 28, (Vynal Disc and Cassette, released 1984) Published by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, two solo tracks in a variety traditional music album produced to accompany the CCE tour to the U.S. in 1984 with Clarsheree: FEASTING WITH CAROLAN BHO 006 (CD and cassette, released 1996) An album of contemporarily arranged chamber music and song mainly by harper-composer Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) with 5 piece group featuring 4 harps, harpsichord, uilleann pipes, flutes, whistles and bodhran. with the Belfast Harp Orchestra: CELTIC HARPESTRY Polygram, Imaginary Road Records 314 558 351-2 (CD, released 1998) 7 tracks from the BHO including "Bright New Morning", a "Walk on Belfast" and "Theme from Titanic" on an album with guest tracks each from Maire Ni Chathasaigh, Sileas and Rudiger Oppermann. COLMCILLE BHO 007 (CD only, released1997) An original album of harp music composed on the story of St.Colmcille who died in 597AD (1400 years ago). Performed with St.Killian's Choir of Kells singing Celtic Christian Plainchant and also featuring the recitation of early Irish poetry (6th-9th century). CARILLON BHO 005 (CD & cassette, released 1995) An album of more contemporary Irish music, song and dance with a number of original compositions including Carillon (composed by JH for Derek Bell in 1992), Earth, Water, Wind and Fire and many unusual arrangements of rare and well-known tunes. LIVE IN DOWNPATRICK - BELFAST HARP ORCHESTRA BHO 003 (Cass., released 1994) The Belfast Harp Orchestra's second solo album recorded live at a concert in Downpatrick Cathedral the day after the orchestra performed in Carnegie Hall in New York with the Chieftains. Some of the programme focuses on music associated with St. Patrick and features two local choirs and organist Michael McCracken. THE BELFAST HARP ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT BHO001 (Cass.only, released 1992) The BHO's debut album recorded from three live concerts at end of inaugural Irish Tour in April 1992. The programme is mainly music arranged from the Belfast Harp Festival of 1792. Collaborations with other artistes: THE CELTIC HARP RCA Victor, 09026-61490-2, (CD & cassette 1993) Top grammy winning album featuring the Chieftains with the BHO in a great album with the BHO featuring prominently on four tracks Released March 1993. Also on 4 other recordings with Chieftains. THOMAS MOORE - MINSTREL OF IRELAND SAC 3047 (Spoken Arts) ISBN 0-8045-3047-5. (Double cassette pack, 1991) Double album of 39 songs of Thomas Moore, sung by American-Irish Tenor Jim Flannery with all accompaniments arranged and performed by JH. Re-released by Sanders & Co., USA, 1998. TAOBH NA GRÉINE - SEOSAIMHIN NI BHEAGLAOICH CEFC 170 Gael Linn (CD & Cassette, 1994) Solo album by Seosaimhin Ni Bheaglaoich with accompaniments by JH on two tracks. I HAVE A LOVE - MAIREAD HEALY MH CD001 Arrangements and accompaniments by JH on two tracks And a number of others since forgotten about! On Publication and Writing Books: Traditional Dance Music of Ireland (UFTM 1991) primarily geared to G.C.S.E. students and general interest The Battle of Aughrim (UFTM 1989) Work-book for GCSE set works 1990,1 Drowsy Maggie (UFTM 1992) Work-book for GCSE set works 1992,3 A Harper's Interlude (BHC 1992) An album of 40 pieces for Irish Harp arranged by JH and prepared for Masterclasses at Milwaukee Irish Fest, 1992 Published articles: Ancient, Diverse and Still Evolving: the Irish Harp Today, pub The Crossroads Conference 2003. pp not yet available Harpists, Harpers or Harpees? pub. The Crossroads Conference 1996 pp 94-100, (1999) The Legacy of the Belfast Harpers, pub. Ulster Folklife, pp 113-128, vol.35 (1989) The Belfast Harpers' Festival of 1792, pub. Ireland of the Welcomes, pp 18-22, March 1992 Bunting and the Belfast Harpers' Festival of 1792, pub. Linen Hall Review, pp 23-25, Vol.3, No.3 (1986) Setting the Scene in Ireland for the Belfast Harpers Festival 1792, pub. Linen Hall Review, pp 10-11, Vol.3, No.2 (1986) Clairseoiri na hEireann - The Irish Harpers Association Newsletter, editor 1985- Thanks for the Music, pub. Treoir 1990 Music News, Trinity Gazette pub. Trinity College, Dublin 1977-80 The Recreating of the Merry Organ, pub. Trinity Gazette, pp 8-9, Vol.15, No.5 (1978) Chapter contribution: The Irish Harp, Notes for Adjudicators, pub. Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, 1987 Pamphlets: Introducing you to Irish Court Music (1986) Introducing you to Irish Dance Music (1986) The Variety of Ulster Folksong (1987) Children's Songs and Games in Ulster (1987) The Music Collection at the Ulster Folk Museum (1991) Indexing a Folk Music Collection (1990) "Why is harp music" (1996) On Composition Large Scale works: Colmcille - A Columban Suite (1997) Oratorio for Soprano, Chorus and Harp Orchestra; (80 mins) narrative follows the life and times of the 6th century Irish saint, including some of St.Colmcille's own poetry. Also arranged with visual projections. (Published on BHO CD: Colmcille). A Christmas Cantata (1993) Suite for Soprano, Alto and Baritone solos, full chorus and harp orchestra (70 mins) 12 old Irish Christmas songs (including 2 Wexford Carols) and 3 original songs in Irish, English and Latin (some Macoronic). Available on commercial video. Aifreann d'Arainn (Mass for Aran, 1983) Irish mass for voice, harp, piano and traditional instruments (40 mins), also adapted for RTE film music of "Posadh in Inis Oirr" Smaller scale works: Battle of Alasdair (1991) (17 mins) for multiple harps (min.12 parts) with solos: uilleann pipes (on BHO CD: Carillon) based on the epic harp composition on the death of Alasdair McDonnell (17th c century, on BHO 001, Belfast Harp Orchestra 1792-1992) Sacred Place (1999) (16 mins) for multiple harps (min.4 parts) Ulster Symphony (1994) (15 mins) for multiple harps (min.8 parts) with solos: lambeg drum, fife, fiddle Music includes themes of 'The Boyne Water' and 'The Foggy Dew' and presents the 'story of the troubles' in music (optimistically!). St.John's March (1984) (12 mins) for multiple harps (min.3 parts) originally composed as harp solo for wedding of Thomas and Anne Donaghy at St.John's Abbey, Kilkenny (on BHO: 006) Saoire Samhraidh (1983) (12 mins) Based on the poem by Maire Mhac an tSaoi, for unaccompanied SSA choir, won Oireachtas prize for new works for choirs, 1983 Earth Water Wind & Fire (1992) (11 mins) Composition for multiple harps (min.8 parts) celebrating the celtic spirits of nature's elements. Bright New Morning (1995) (10 mins) for multiple harps, uilleann pipes and other trad instruments (on Polygram: Celtic Harpestry) Liurach Padraig (1979) (9 mins) for solo voice and harp, or choir and multiple harps (on BHO 003, Live in Downpatrick, BHO 008, Prayer) Walk on Belfast (1999) (7 mins) originally titled Walk on Cave Hill, the mountain overlooking Belfast Harps (on Polygram: Celtic Harpestry) Laganside Reverie (1997) (7 mins) for multiple harps (min.4 parts) composed for opening of Belfast Waterfront Hall Fanfare (1999) (7 mins) for multiple harps (min.3 parts) composed for reopening of Magee College, Derry Also arranged for harp solo Carillon (1992) (7 mins) Composition for multiple harps (min.4 parts), dedicated to Derek Bell (of the Chieftains) based on the idea of a peal of bells. Also arranged for harp duo, and harp solo (Title track of BHO CD: Carillon) Tribute to O'Neill (1985) (6 mins) Composition for multiple harps (min 2 parts) also arranged as harp solo Won the Awen Trophy, Festival Internationale de l'Harpe Celtique 1985 (on BHO 002, O'Neill's Harper) Published Coup Briez, France Mo Mhathairin (1984) (4 mins) Composition dedicated to Janet's mother, harp solo (on BHO 002, O'Neill's Harper) Absent Friends (1985) (4 mins) Dedicated to Prof. Basil Wilson (RIP) (on BHO 006, The Wedding Album) Suantrai (for Daniel, 1998) (4 mins) Lullaby for the comforting of Janet's brother and his wife on the death of their son Daniel. For multiple harps (min 2 parts) also harp solo (on BHO 007, Colmcille with BHO and BHO 008, Prayer) Love's Comfort (1991) (4 mins) Composed when homesick on tour in the US (on Polygram, Harpestry) Currently in preparation: 'The Hound of Ulster' (2006) Currently in preparation, a stage musical (in the style of Les Miserables); On Performance Mainly solo, but some notable collaborations with: James Galway (Flautist) Frank Patterson (Tenor) Jim Flannery (Tenor) Sean Maguire (Fiddler) Delores Keane (folksinger) Davey Spillane (uilleann piper) The Chieftains Alan Stivel Dé Danann Oisín Peter Corry Brian Kennedy Seosaimhin Ni Bheaglaoich (folksinger) Some of the venues performed by Janet Harbison solo, or directing the Belfast Harp Orchestra (not up to date) Northern Ireland: The Waterfront Hall; Ulster Hall; Belfast Festival at Queens; Belfast Folk Festival; Queen's University, Belfast; Stormont Castle & Parliament Buildings; World Harp Festival, Belfast '92; Belfast Cathedral; St. Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh; Linen Hall Library, Belfast; Elmwood Hall; Hillsborough Castle Rep. of Ireland: National Concert Hall, Dublin; National Gallery; Kilkenny Arts Festival; Clifden Arts Festival; Carolan, Granard and Termonfeckin Harp Festivals; Trinity College, Dublin; Aula Maxima, Cork University; Royal Dublin Society; St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin; Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin; St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny; St. John's Cathedral, Sligo; St. Eugene's Cathedral, Enniscorthy Great Britain: Edinburgh Harp Festival; Isle of Man Millennium Celebration; London - Irish Festival; Beverly Folk Festival; Manchester Arts Festival; Barbican Theatre, London; Royal Festival Hall (Purcell Rooms); All Britain Fleadh Ceoil; St.James' Church, Picadilly; Birmingham Symphony Hall, Major UK tours with BHO 1995, 1996; tours and exchanges with Highland Harp Festival U.S.A.: Carnegie Hall, New York (with the Chieftains and Belfast Harp Orchestra); Kennedy Centre, Washington DC (with the Chieftains and BHO); Irish Charitable Society, 250th Anniversary Dinner (1987); St. Patrick's Day Concert, St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York (1987); Solo lecture and concert tours 1980, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994; Irish American Cultural Institute Lecture Tour 1987, 1992; Milwaukee Irish Fest 1992, 1994, 1998; Savannah Celtic Festival 1998; Far East: China 2003; Recitals and Masterclasses at Beijing Conservatory; Singapore Conservatory; M on the Bund, Singapore. Also, accompanied Irish President Mary McAleese on state tour to China, October 2003. Europe: George V Hotel, Paris (St.Patrick's Day Concert) 1976; Auditorium les Halles, Paris (St.Patrick's Day Concert) 1994; Festival de Cornuaille (Brittany) 1982; Festival de Lorient (Brittany) 1983, 1994, 1996; Rencontres Internationales de l'Harpe Celtique (Dinan, Brittany) 1987, 1993; 1995, 1997, 1999 Solo concert tours (mainly in Germany) 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982; and with Rudiger Opperman 1993; 1999. European Music Year (1987) tour with folk group 'Oisin' (5 months).