James Ruff,
tenor and early Gaelic harp

Henry VIII’s declaration as King of Ireland brought the melting strains of the early Irish harp to the courts of England, Denmark, and elsewhere in Europe, continuing at Elizabeth’s court. This pinnacle of Gaelic musical culture strung with brass wires was assimilated into a European context and heard alongside Renaissance consort instruments like the flute, lute and viol. Come experience a reconstruction of this Tudor sound world: Music by Henry VIII himself, Irish songs referenced by Shakespeare next to those by Dowland, ancient Gaelic harp laments contrasted with modern Pavanes in consort by Cormack MacDermott, Elizabeth’s own Irish harper. Consort includes, James Ruff - tenor and early Irish harp, Andrew Rutherford - lute, Patricia Neely - viola da gamba