Maria Donnelly - Harpist & Singer
This Dublin harpist and singer offers a diverse repertoire ranging from classical to Irish and popular to jazz and can provide a programme of music to suit all tastes and audiences - she is available for concerts, weddings, christenings, funerals and all kids of events.
She offers solo harp, solo harp with singing and even a harp duo.
She began her harp studies with the late Sr. Eugene McCabe at Mount Sackville School in Dublin and later with Fiona Norwood and Sebastien Lipman.
In 1992, she was awarded an Entrance Exhibition to Trinity College Dublin and graduated with an honours degree in Music in 1996. As an undergraduate, she completed her A.R.I.A.M. in Irish Harp and L.T.C.L. in Concert Harp performance. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Education (T.C.D.) a Masters in Musicology (with a specialism in Ethnomusicology) from University College Dublin and a Ph.D from the University of Limerick.
She has won many prizes at competitions throughout the country and at the Dublin Feis Ceoil, and won 1st prize in all Junior and Senior Irish and Concert Harp competitions, as well as prizes in singing and composition (Dr. Annie Patterson Medal). She is a a former member of the National Youth Orchestra, R.T.E. Cor na nOg, Belfast Harp Orchestra and have performed with many ensembles and orchestras (amateur and professional) throughout the country. She has also appeared on R.T.E., B.B.C., C.N.N., and N.B.C. and has toured extensively with different groups throughout Europe, North America, Africa and most recently to Asia. She was a lecturer in Ethnomusicology at the V.E.C. from 2000-2005 and is an examiner with the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin.
Maria Donnelly - Harpist & Singer Repertoire
Bridal Entrance (Instrumental)
- Bridal March - Wagner
- Canon in D - Pachelbel
- Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
- Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
- Gabriel's Oboe - Morricone
Lighting of Candles (Instrumental)
Psalm (Sung)
- Here I am Lord
- On Eagle's Wings
- Yaweh I know you are near
- Song of Ruth
- The Lord is my Shepherd
- Mo Ghra Thu
- Se an Tiarna i Maoire
Alleluia (Sung)
- Plainchant
- Pilgrim Alleluia
- Seinn Alleluia
Lighting of the Unity Candle (Instrumental)
Offertory/Preparation of Gifts
- Ave Maria - Schubert
- Ave Maria - Gounod
- Instrumental
Parts of the Mass (Optional)
- Holy, Holy
Memorial Acclamation
- He is Lord
- Christ has died
- When we eat this bread
Sign of Peace
- Dona Nobis Pacem
- Make me a Channel of your Peace
- Pie Jesu
Communion
- Panis Angelicus - Franck
- The Hermit Song - Lawton
- Ag Criost an Siol - O Riada
- Set your Hearts on the Higher Gifts
- Love is Patient
- Instrumentals
Signing of the Register
- Instrumental
- Flower Duet - Lakme/Delibes
- She Moved through the Fair
- Harp Concerto - Handel
- Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring - Bach
Recessional (Instrumental)
- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Handel
- Harp Concerto - Handel
- Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
- Spring from Four Seasons - Vivaldi
- Carolan's Concerto
Instrumental Options
Carolan Airs
- Carolan’s Concerto
- George Brabazon
- Constantine Maguire
- Madame Maxwell
- Carolan’s Welcome
Irish Airs
- An Chúilfhionn
- An Glaoch
- Inis Oirr
- Ban Chnoic Eireann O
Hymns
- When Love is Found/Water is Wide
- Amazing Grace
- Christ be Beside me
- Lord of All Hopefulness
Popular Music
- Coldplay: Clocks, Yellow, Vida la Vida
- I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
- A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
- Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
- All of Me - John Legend
- Rather Be - Clean Bandits
- You Raise me up - Westlife
- I can't help falling in love - Elvis
- The Beatles: Let it Be, Hey Jude, The Long and Winding Road, Here comes the sun
Maria Donnelly - Harpist & Singer Feedback
“From our pre-wedding prep call to the wedding day, the harpist was a joy to work with. She took such care to ensure our day was perfect and went above and beyond despite our unique music requests for the ceremony. She engaged with our guests, even allowing our flower girls to check out her gorgeous harp. We couldn't imagine our special day without her and her magical music.
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“She was exceptional and contributed enormously to our wedding celebration (ceremony, post-ceremony drinks, and dinner). All of our guests commented to us about the wonderful music and how it made the occasion even more special. My wife and I cannot overstate how delighted we are to have had her play the harp at our wedding - it was one of the best decisions we made for the celebration. The music was truly beautiful and she was the ultimate professional from beginning to end. We could not be more delighted, and would not hesitate to recommend her for anyone's special occasion!
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“Wonderful to work with and an amazing singer & harpist! She played for our wedding in July 2021 and she helped us with the song choices and also encouraged us when we wanted more modern / contemporaneous music.
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“Friendly, helpful and incredibly talented. She was wonderful to be in contact with and we got so many compliments on her beautiful playing and singing.
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“Mary was 100% we couldn’t have asked for more, the harp sounded amazing at our ceremony 10/10
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“Choosing and booking act was very easy. Website well laid out. Mary O'Donnell ( Maria Donnelly) is an excellent performer. Her assistance in choosing music was invaluable. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
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“Outstanding
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“I just wanted to let you know that Maria was absolutely brilliant and she did a fantastic job entertaining the group at my party. She was a delightful person and even more delightful performer and I’ll certainly recommend her to anyone
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