Hello!

About me:

My name is Saoirse and this an an Irish Harp. If you are reading this you have likely stumbled upon me BUSKING FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME here in beautiful Lincoln Park.

I am a performer, creator and drama teacher based here in Chicago with an MA in Theater. I moved countries to live in this beautiful city but only recently got my harp back and back into play, so I am rusty, but next time you'll see me I'll be better! Living as an artist is hard, so any support you can give me financially or on social media (@saoirsesine on instagram) would be deeply appreciated, also please tag me in any photos or videos! I am in the genesis of a huge artistic project that I am excited to share with the world soon.

I am available and have experience in Music, Acting, Directing, Clown, Improv, Writing, Physical Theater, Devised Theater, Drama teaching (all ages), Hosting, Running events, admin and a fast learner! If you would like to hire me for anything that would also be rad. I'd love to have a regular spot in a location providing ambient music.

I have been performing all my life, grew up playing the Irish harp and connecting with it's rich history.

About my instrument:

This is an old beautiful instrument as well as a symbol of Ireland, it's on our coins, the Ryan Air logo and... of course... the guiness label. Long ago Irish harpers (Note: Harpist = Classical music, harper = Celtic music) were considered nobility when musicians of other instruments were not. Found manuscripts of Brehen law, ancient Irish law dating back to 7th century, confirm this. Of course, after colonisation these nobilities became traveling performers. Eventually, of course, the English made music gatherings illegal and destroyed many instruments.

The entire tradition mostly likely would have died out, along with all the songs that had only been passed down oraling for many years, if not for the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792. The key event aimed at preserving the ancient Irish harping tradition. They gathered all the remaining harpers and only 10 people shower up, and most of them were quite old. Edward bunting put these songs to manuscript for the first time, preserving them in A General Collection of the Ancient Music of Ireland. Many of the melodies you hear me playing would be lost if not for this festival.

Feel free to ask me questions in between songs!

Email

SaoirseSoc@gmail.com