On Celtic harp, bold and beautiful, with vocals, from powerful to poignant to hilarious, with delightful stories weaving the songs together, Martha Gallagher's music is mature, yet playful, with an appeal that spans many generations. Intriguing, energetic, and entertaining, Martha Gallagher is a wonderful performer, whether she is solo or fronting her band, Harper's Delight. Her unique mix of original, Celtic, jazz, folk, and world-inspired music, is a treat for audiences. Through her creative songwriting, appealing arrangements, diverse repertoire, and supurb performance skills, she completely and delightfully stretches the concept of what many people have of harp music.
Diverse Background
Holding a B.A. in Music Performance, Composing, Arranging, and Recording, with a classical and folk background, her career has spanned many musical adventures. Twenty five years ago she fell in love with the Celtic harp, built her first harp, taught herself to play it and has been performing on it ever since. Also playing flute and guitar, she's been a member of a symphony orchestra, the lead singer in a rock band, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a jazz/blues band, and a touring solo musician, as well as the presentor of educational programs on harps, harp music and history in elementary and secondary schools.
"She's a grand harper!" - Paddy Maloney; The Chieftains
In March 2003 she was invited by the world-renowned Irish band, The Chieftains, to perform with them during their US tour. Her appearance delighted audience and band members alike. Her tours have taken her around the USA and Canada, with several tours being sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. A recent recipient of the New York State Foundation for the Arts Special Opportunities Stipend Grant, she travelled to Scotland to attend the 20th Annual Edinburgh Harp Festival, where she was able to perform and share music with some of the world's best harpers and harpists. She has also been the recipient of several NYSCA Decentralization Grants. In Feb.2004 she will travel to Siberia as the artist representative member of a cultural exchange team.
Music from the Adirondacks, for the World
Inspired by the mountains, lakes, valleys, and rivers that are her Adirondack home, her music transcends regional definition to appeal to many generations of people in many walks of life in many parts of the world. Her debut CD, 'Tween Heaven and Earth, consisting mainly of original works with arrangements that include flute, hammered dulcimer, viola, fiddle, and percussion, has recieved international attention. Her solo CD, Adirondacks, released winter 2002, has been well-received.
For the Love of a Baby is a wonderful collection of music for the Christmas season. Traditional and original works are arranged in both familiar settings and delightfully unique ones. With all the comfort of tradition, this CD is bound to become a favorite in holiday repertoires.
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