Acclaimed Laois harpist from The Chieftains to play Portlaoise concert
Tríona Marshall fresh from Electric Picnic to perform with Laois Music Generation Harp Ensemble in Dunamaise arts centre
The Chieftains harpist and proud Laois woman Tríona Marshall who performed at Electric Picnic, is excited to soon play her biggest solo concert in years in Portlaoise.
Tríona spent over twenty years touring and recording with The Chieftains and has transitioned from being a concert harpist to an Irish harpist.
She spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live just before her beautiful cameo performance in the Croí area, where she played the March of the King of Laois, watched on by festival director Melvin Benn.
Tríona grew up living in both Portlaoise and Mountmellick as one of several gifted musical children of Laois Garda Sgt Joe Marshall and Pauline Marshall.
"My brother Charlie is the Organ Scholar in St Anne’s in Dublin, he also plays Japanese music. My sister Diane plays the concert harp,” she said.
She is looking forward to performing for a home audience, at her concert in the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday night, October 10.
"I’d love to see people there. It would be great to have the support. I’m delighted with the people in Portlaoise who have supported me in bringing the concert to Portlaoise,” she said.
She describes what it was like to tour the world with famous innovative trad band The Chieftains.
"It was amazing. I’ve been to all sorts of places. I think sometimes when things are happening and you’re trying to get to airports on time, you don’t realise the importance, it’s only after when you look back at all these memories.
"As a player, each one of them were uniquely brilliant, so as a harpist I feel I picked up a little bit from each and every one of them. I have a distinct way of playing and I think it’s from their influence,” Triona said.
Her concert will also feature the Laois Music Generation harp ensemble, who also performed at Electric Picnic.
Tickets €22.50 are on sale at the Dunamaise box office.