Renowned Harpist Aideen O'Donnell Performs at Novelteas

Dublin born harpist and singer, Aideen O'Donnell, played at NovelTeas on August 17th.  The event was co-sponsored by NovelTeas and Claddagh na nGael, which translates to Irish Shore.  The Irish cultural group, under the supervision of Dermot Farley, Middletown, is quickly becoming the organization to follow for consistently outstanding presentations and performances.  O'Donnell's concert was further proof of that.

O'Donnell, who trained in both her native Ireland and in the U.S.,  played and sang an exquisite set of traditional, contemporary and original tunes and explained the history of her instrument and those who have played it and Irish music in general.  Her storyteller way hit the perfect note for the intimate show at the delicately beautiful tea shop.

During her performance O'Donnell offered another treat, an interest in joining Farley's stable of instructors, to teach Monmouth County youth the harp.  One audience member pointed out that a handful of Red Bank public school children actually have expressed an interest in learning the instrument, but the school only has a single harp, making regular instruction and practice difficult.  "Oh no," O'Donnell said, "we can't have that...we'll see what we can do to correct that."  Farley promises an update shortly.

For more information or to follow the impressive schedule of Claddaghna nGael sponsored events, visit them on the web at: http://irishshore.org/

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