CCHS 21st Annual Harp Retreat 2026

The Noble Strains of the Irish Harp

A Retreat in Airs, Laments and Lullabies

The Colorado Celtic Harp Society warmly invites members to gather for a special weekend of harping, learning, and community at the beautiful Franciscan Retreat Center in 

Colorado Springs, Colorado!

Nestled in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, the retreat center sits on the peaceful grounds of Mount St. Francis - a setting known for its quiet beauty and contemplative atmosphere. Deer often wander freely through the property, a walking labyrinth provides a place for reflection between sessions. It is an ideal  place to step away from daily life and immerse ourselves in music.

Our presenter is Aine Minogue, an Irish harpist, composer and recording artist originally from County Tipperary, Ireland. She had performed internationally for more than four decades and is known for her deep knowledge of Irish musical traditions, mythology, and spiritual culture.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 This year's retreat will focus on two of the Three Noble Strains of the ancient Irish harpers: Goltrai (the music of sorrow and lament) and Suantrai (the music of sleep and lullabies).

These traditions form some of the deepest and most beautiful expressions within Irish harp music. 

Throughout the weekend we will explore the art of the slow air, one of the most expressive forms in the Irish tradition. Slow airs invite us to move beyond notes on a page and into phrasing, breath, and emotional storytelling. Participants will learn how to approach these melodies with sensitivity, how to arrange them effectively for harp, and how to bring them into their own repertoire - whether for performance, bedside playing, or personal enjoyment.

The afternoon session will turn to the lullaby tradition (suantrai) - music that has been sung and played for centuries to soothe and comfort. This workshop will take an ensemble approach, exploring accompaniment, texture, and how harpists can play together in supportive and beautiful ways.

On Sunday morning we will move more deeply into the Irish tradition of lament and mourning (goltrai). Drawing inspiration from the rare and haunting music of Ireland's keening tradition and from Aine's album Celtic Lamentations, we will explore how these extraordinary melodies carry emotion, history, and cultural memory. This is a unique opportunity to encounter repertoire that is seldom taught and rarely explored in depth.

Above all, this retreat is about community - harpists coming together to learn, play, share music, and celebrate the richness of the Irish harp tradition. Between the workshops there will be time for meals, informal playing, and conversation - a weekend of music, friendship, Irish culture, and fun in one of the most beautiful retreat setting in Colorado!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 RETREAT SCHEDULE

Friday June 26

3:00 - 5:45 p.m. Arrival and Check-in

Settle into your rooms and enjoy informal harp playing and social time.

6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Dinner

7:00p.m. until?

Welcome and Introductions. Colorado Celtic Harp Society Annual meeting.

Aine will do a casual performance.

Informal harp playing, wine, snacks and community music-making.

Saturday June 27

8:00 - 8:45 Breakfast

9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

Workshop 1 - The Art of the Irish Slow Air

An exploration of one of the most expressive forms in Irish harp music. We will study how slow airs breathe and unfold, how to shape phrasing and ornamentation, and how to arrange these melodies for harp.

10:15 - 10:30 a.m.  Break

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Workshop 2 - Understanding and Interpreting Airs

Continuing our work with slow airs, we will examine the deeper musical and emotional structure of these pieces and explore ways to develop expressive interpretations rooted in the Irish tradition.

12:00 p.m. Lunch

12:45 p.m. Group photo in front of Francis Place.

1:15 - 3:00 p.m.

Workshop 3 - The Lullaby Tradition (Suantrai)

Ireland's lullabies hold centuries of tenderness and storytelling. This session introduces the suantrai tradition and explores ways to play lullabies with warmth and sensitivity.

3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Break

3:15 - 4:45 p.m.

Workshop 4 - Ensemble Lullabies

A collaborative workshop focused on playing together. Participants will explore accompaniment patterns, textures, and ensemble approaches that bring these beautiful lullabies to life in group settings.

4:45 - 5:45 p.m.

Rest, freshen up or prepare for evening playing as needed.

6:00 p.m. - Dinner

7:00 p.m. Evening Program, "Harping Together"

Sunday June 28

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Workshop - Goltrai: The Irish Tradition of Lament

A deeper exploration of Ireland's powerful mourning traditions, drawing inspiration from the repertoire explored on the album Celtic Lamentations.

11:00 a.m.

Closing and farewells. Clean out the refrigerator.

NO LUNCH

WE MUST BE OUT OF THE BUILDING BY 12:00 P.M.!

A bit more about Aine

Her recordings include the acclaimed albums Celtic Lamentations, Celtic Meditation Music, Mysts of Time, and Celtic Pilgrimage. Her work has been heard widely on public radio and in concert halls throughout the United States and abroad.

Aine is particularly respected for her research and interpretation of traditional Irish harp repertoire, including the expressive traditions of slow airs, laments and lullabies. Her workshops combine musical instruction with cultural and historical context, helping harpists connect more deeply with the spirit of the Irish tradition.