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Irish wedding harpist

what I do

Elaine Hogan, Irish Wedding Harpist. I see it as a huge privilege to be asked to be a part of what is the most important day of a couples’ life together, and I have almost 20 years experience of doing so. I love exploring different musical tastes with the couples I work with as I know how important music is in my own life; I will strive to make the music on your Big Day as memorable and unique to you as I possibly can.

WEDDING CEREMONIES & EVENTS

Just a sample of the weddings or events I provide, each package can be tailored to your own requirements.

Entrance
Madame Maxwell (O’Carolan)

Lighting of Candles
She moved through the fair

Psalm
S’é an tiarna m’aoire / A Íosa

Alleluia
Sein Alleluia

Marriage Candle
O’Carolan’s Welcome

Offertory
Ag Críost an síol

Sign of Peace
Thabhair dom do lámh

Communion
The cloud’s veil
Bind us together

The Signing of the Register
Selection of jigs/reels

Recessional
O’Carolan’s Concerto

Entrance
Pachelbel Canon in ‘D’
(Here comes the bride)

Lighting of candles
Braveheart Theme

Psalm
Hiding place (Liam Lawton)

Alleluia
Sein Alleluia

Marriage Candle
The flower duet (from Lakmé)

Offertory
Fantasia (Nella)

Communion 
Ave Maria (Schubert)
O Mio Babino Caro (Puccini)
Panis Angelicus
Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)

The Signing of the Register
The Prayer

Recessional
The Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba (Handel)

I also offer music for your drinks reception (or cocktail hour). Harp can be the perfect accompaniment for this time when the main ceremony has finished and your guests
are mingling before the main meal. If your chosen venue has a piano* I can also offer piano music for this time if that is more to your taste. My repertoire is very much influenced by the 60’s and I play mainly a mixture of contemporary Irish pieces and 60’s/70’s music.

Here is a sample of what I have played in the past ;

The Beatles – Something, Don’t let me down, Norwegian Wood…
Neil Young – After the Goldrush, Heart of Gold, 
Bob Dylan – Make you feel my love, 
Elton John – Tiny Dancer, 
Elvis – Can’t help falling in love with you, 
Coldplay – Paradise, 
Arcade Fire – Intervention, 
The Divine Comedy – Songs of Love

I have also learned many Irish songs down through the years and play piano interpretations of
well known Irish airs such as-

The lark in the clear air…
Danny Boy… 
The Parting Glass….
Down by the Sally Gardens…. 
The Island…..
The Dawning of the Day….
The Foggy Dew….

*(piano must be in good working order)

As the symbol of Ireland, the Irish harp is the perfect instrument for entertaining corporate clients, from both home and abroad. Perfect for dinner functions, one-off events or just to set a relaxing, unobtrusive ambience in a corporate environment. Feel free to contact me with any enquiries relating to your event. I am available on either harp or piano*

*Venue must have its own piano

Christmas is a particularly special time of the year and one in which there is no shortage of functions and dinners. If you are having a Yuletide wedding or just want some festive music for your own particular event, I have a tailor-made Christmas repertoire that will add that seasonal touch to the day or evening.

I have many years experience of playing Irish traditional music and it is probably the genre I feel most rooted and at home in. If you would like something a bit different and more uptempo for your drinks reception or indeed your ceremony, I can offer a combination of fiddle and harp music to have your guests dancing sets before the dinner even starts! I am very fortunate to know and work with many prominent Irish musicians so feel free to contact me if you would like this option for your event.

The Shore of Lough Breda

Photos by: Mrs Red Head & Nick Hogan

My MUSIC

Just a representation of my vast musical repertoire, if you have something specific just let me know and I will accommodate you.

My MUSIC

Just a representation of my vast musical repertoire, if you have something specific just let me know and I will accommodate you.

I have more examples of my music here >

My name is Elaine Hogan. I am an Irish musician living in Ennis, on the beautiful West coast of Ireland. I have played, studied and loved music all of my life and over the years have gained qualifications in piano, flute and violin as well as a Masters Degree in performance on the Irish harp. I am deeply rooted in the music of my home-place and am hugely fortunate to be able to perform and create music on a regular basis in both a solo capacity and as part of various ensembles.

MY HAPPY COUPLES

Elaine was very friendly and fantastic to deal with throughout our preparations. Her music during the ceremony and at the drinks reception afterwards provided a very atmospheric and relaxed backdrop for the whole occasion. Many of our friends also commented on the music throughout the day. Thank you Elaine, we would certainly recommend you.

Clara and Justin

We really cannot thank you enough for the amazing atmosphere you created with the incredible music you played at our wedding. From start to finish you were a pleasure to deal with, your assistance in choosing our music was so helpful and you really took the time to understand what we wanted and lead us in the right direction. You worked so well with us and our celebrant to provide us with the perfect day. 
Our guests raved about the music throughout our ceremony and of course throughout our drinks reception.
I cannot recommend you highly enough, you were a magical part of our day, and we are eternally grateful.“

Aoife and Stephen

We had heard Elaine at a friend’s wedding, so it was an easy choice for our own day. We opted for a more traditional repertoire for our ceremony and enjoyed a great mix of trad at the reception to kick off the evening on the right note. She was only too happy to cater to a couple of our quirkier requests too! Thank you, we can only highly recommend!

Catherine & Mike

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Any and all types is the answer! Over the years, the nature of how and where people commit themselves to each other has changed, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of that involvement. I have played for humanist ceremonies, civil partnerships, same-sex marriages, Celtic blessings, cliffside ceremonies and intimate home gatherings as well as traditional church ceremonies. I also work with a company called Coastal Ceremonies who can offer help with planning your ceremony, in whatever shape that takes.

I am based in Ennis, in Co. Clare, so I work mainly in the West and Midlands of Ireland. But please feel free to contact me in relation to wherever it is you are planning to have your occasion and I will do my best to accommodate.

In a word, yes! My harp is a beautiful Irish harp which was handmade in the West of Ireland by Paddy Cafferky; it has detachable legs and as such is portable and manageable enough to carry fairly long distances-I have played at many ceremonies on the cliffs at Doolin in Co. Clare!

Yes! The sound carries from my instrument very effectively and as such, it is a very suitable solo instrument for weddings and other events.

Yes! I have had and continue to have many musical influences including pop, rock, ’60s and 70’s music, folk, traditional Irish and classical. I love learning new material for couples and will do my best to learn a certain song or piece of music that is unique and special to you if it is feasible on my instrument.

I work with a number of very talented and versatile singers that I would recommend Yvonne O’Toole and Eve Stafford

I can play during the dinner instead of the drinks reception if this is something you would like. This can be discussed at any time when making an enquiry.

Let's make your day Special

If you have any questions or wish to book my beautiful harp for your special day, please contact me, Elaine.

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