TV documentary about the Downhill Harp

Banron an Cheoil (The Queen of Music) will be shown on BBC 2 Northern Ireland this Sunday at 6.10pm and focuses on a group of musicians fascinated with the Downhill Harp

Filmed over two years, this Irish language documentary, Banron an Cheoil focuses on a group of gifted musicians who are fascinated with this old way of life and their own Irish musical tradition and heritage.

The programme follows, step by step, instrument maker Seamus O’Kane from Dungiven Co. Derry, and renowned harp builder Michael Billinge from Co. Cork as they create a replica of one of the most striking historical symbols of Ireland, the

Downhill Harp.

Also featured is Nodlaig Brolly, one of the new generation of up and coming female artists in Ireland, who is turning her hand to learning the techniques of playing this ancient instrument under the guidance of some of the most celebrated Celtic harpers.

The film culminates in a unique public performance of O’Hampsey’s airs performed in his native Derry by ten of the

world’s most well known harpers - Alan Stivell and Myrdhin from Brittany, Alison Kinnaird and Bill Taylor from Scotland, Ann

Heymann from the US and Nodlaig Brolly; Laoise Kelly; Paul Dooley; Caoimhe Cooke and Bonnie Shaljean from Ireland.