About Claire Roche – by John of Celtic Ways & Celtic Bards School

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 accompliment, 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.

The Call To Study

After earning a degree in English and Literature at University College, Dublin and a diploma in Anglo Irish Literature from Trinity College, Dublin Claire advanced her intimate studies into literature through to a Master of Arts Degree.

Already a piano player and writer of passionate, intimate and poetic songs Claire experienced a calling to study playing the harp that she soon used as her accompliment for sharing her songs.

Claire studied Irish harp with Mairin Ferritear at Sion Hill Convent, Dublin,
Concert harp with Catriona Yeats at the College of Music, Dublin, and Denise Kelly of the Royal Academy of Music in Dublin who continues to be her mentor.

The Blossom and Fruits from Claire’s Studies and Inspiration

With permission from the family of W.B. Yeats, Claire combined her wonder of literature and harmony of harp to create an outstanding work of Yeats poems set to music. This is now recorded as a collection aptly titled “Dancing In The Wind”.

On the RTE Radio 2 series “Sounds Promising”, during 1982 Claire aired a live performance of her interpretation of the Yeats poem “To A Child Dancing In The Wind” along with her passionate song, loved more than ever today, called “Fields In Fasseroe”.

In 1986 Claire earned second place in the “Song With Harp” competition at the Keadue Harp Festival through performing “Fields of Fasseroe” and her magical arrangement of the the epic Yeats poem “Stolen Child”.

Introducing The Harp to Weddings

It was 1988 when Claire turned professional due to her idea of offering harp music and songs for wedding ceremonies. This is a service that did not appear to be offered at the time. Today, hardly a wedding service, especially in Ireland, is performed without the presence of harp music.

Also in 1988 Claire was included in various broadcasts such as her musical performance of “He Wishes For The Cloths Of Heaven” on RTE Radio 2’s series “Cursai” along with her musical arrangement of Austin Clarke’s “The Planter’s Daughter”, Claire’s expansion into musical interpretation of work by Anglo Irish writers.

And Then The World

Claire has now evolved from performing at Irish Weddings to performing intimate concert performances. She regularly tours Australia, New Zealand, USA, and UK as well as some performances in Ireland. Claire performs either solo, or with poets, or with a selection of other intimate musician composers.

I know that Claire is extremely thankful to William Ramouter, her support in the USA, and Rosemary Moore in Australia who has tirelessly arranged most of Claire’s Australia touring and venues.

Though Claire has many arrangements being arranged for future performances in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and UK she is keen to travel and perform in as many countries that would invite her.

Future

During March 2008 Claire shared a USA tour with John of Celtic Ways trying out a “show” that commenced with sharing Celtic mythology stories through the traditions of folk drama, song and music followed by a second part of Irish songs and tunes by request. We hope to share more tours with that format in the future.

Also Claire has recorded some wonderful original songs accompanied by piano. She plans to perform some concerts that include playing grand piano as well as her harps.

To Invite Claire To Perform For You

Claire enjoy service both intimate concert performances, interactive sessions where Claire’s songs and tunes are shared with the music, stories, and poetry, and now Claire can offer “Introduction to the harp” workshops.

You may also book Claire and John together if you would like John to also share the ancient mythology of the harp and how the harp arrived in Ireland. 

You can invite Claire from here .

Recordings

“Dancing In The Wind” – poems by W.B. Yeats set to music, re-released 1997

“Out Of The Ordinary” – original songs composed by Claire, released 1999

“The Lilt Of The Banshee” – a carefully chosen selection of Irish songs and music, released 2000

Soon to be released “Now & Then” – a collection of passionate original songs accompanied with grand piano as well as harps.

You can hear audio samples and purchase CDs here

“An Irish Wedding Ceremony” – presenting songs and music Claire performed at weddings was released in 2000 but has been withdrawn and will be re-released in the near future.

I highly recommend listening to “Dedication” and “Gabhain Molta Bhride” an ancient Gaelic song dedicated to St. Brigid that Claire now regularly performs. Live versions are now available on Marc Gunn’s Celtic Music Podcast, that are usually in the top 10, if not number 1, most downloaded podcast on iTunes.    download the podcast
or search and request the podcast from your iTunes service.

Invitation …

Please consider inviting Claire to your event, your space ......