An event of interest coming up at James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102 USA:
Music of Patrick Byrne, ‘The Last Irish Harper’
Date: Nov. 20, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
The bright, ringing sound of metal strings distinguish the ancient Irish harp from its other string relatives. Using historical techniques on a period replica, Ann and Charlie Heymann will perform the repertoire of Patrick Byrne — an Irish harper whose death in the mid-19th century brought a thousand-year-old tradition to a close. Byrne’s younger brother, Christopher, emigrated and settled in Faribault; Liam O’Neill of “Irish On Grand” will narrate and read excerpts of a letter between the brothers. Participants can meet the performers at a post-concert reception. Tours of the Hill House will also be available. Reservations recommended.