Role

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Ensemble

 

Arparla is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of music for harp and voice. The group was founded in 2012 by harpist Maria Christina Cleary and soprano Sylvia O'Brien, who were both studying at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin at the time. Cleary and O'Brien had met through their shared love of classical music and had performed together in various concerts and recitals. They decided to form Arparla as a way to explore the unique combination of harp and voice and to bring this music to a wider audience. The name Arparla is derived from the Italian words "arpa" (harp) and "parlare" (to speak), reflecting the ensemble's aim to use music as a means of communication and expression. The core members of Arparla are Maria Christina Cleary on harp and Sylvia O'Brien on soprano vocals. The ensemble also collaborates with other musicians, including cellists, violinists, and percussionists, depending on the repertoire being performed. Arparla's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs to classical works by composers such as Handel, Mozart, and Debussy. The ensemble also commissions new works from contemporary composers, including Irish composer Elaine Agnew and American composer Garrett Shatzer. One of Arparla's most notable performances was at the National Concert Hall in Dublin in 2014, where they performed a program of Irish and Scottish folk songs arranged for harp and voice. The concert was well-received by both audiences and critics, with The Irish Times describing the ensemble's performance as "exquisite" and "spellbinding." Arparla has also performed at various festivals and events throughout Ireland, including the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and the Kilkenny Arts Festival. In 2016, the ensemble was invited to perform at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in Scotland, where they received a standing ovation for their performance of traditional Scottish songs. In addition to their live performances, Arparla has released two albums: "Arparla" in 2014 and "The Greenwood Grove" in 2018. Both albums feature a mix of traditional and classical music arranged for harp and voice, as well as original compositions by members of the ensemble. Arparla has received several awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2015, they were awarded the Music Network Young Musicwide Award, which recognizes outstanding young musicians in Ireland. The following year, they were named the winners of the Irish Freemasons Young Musician of the Year Award. Overall, Arparla has established itself as a unique and innovative ensemble in the world of classical music, bringing together the beautiful sounds of the harp and voice to create a truly enchanting musical experience.

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