Anne-Marie O’Farrell was a pupil in The Green from 1979 to 1984. She is the leading exponent of the Irish harp as a recital instrument. Her development and expansion of its repertoire have led to performances and recordings for TV and radio throughout Europe, the USA, Scandinavia, Japan, Russia and Africa.  A prolific recording artist, she has just released her sixth CD, Just So Bach while her previous albums include Heads & Harps, Harping Bach to Carolan, The Jig’s Up, My Lagan Love and Double Strung with Cormac De Barra.  She has also recorded with The Chieftains in Abbey Road Studios, London and frequently performs internationally with Moya Brennan of Clannad. In addition to her interpretation of Irish music, Anne-Marie is especially noted for her transcriptions of repertoire for the Irish harp, and also for the unique levering techniques which she continues to develop on this instrument. As a result of these innovations, she was consultant to Salvi harpmakers on the design of their Irish harp, the Livia.

She holds professional diplomas in many instruments along with national awards for original composition.  An honours graduate of UCD, she has been awarded a first class honours MA in Composition from the NUI, Maynooth.  She lectures in stylistic composition at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and teaches the harp at Kylemore College Music Centre (CDVEC). She is regularly invited to give lecture recitals, workshops and masterclasses at international conferences and festivals.  As a past pupil of Loreto and a former candidate in their novitiate she now enjoys involvement in Christian ministry. Her journey has led to her becoming ordained as a priest in the Church of Ireland, serving in a voluntary part-time capacity at Sandford Church in Ranelagh and at St Philip’s on Temple Road in Milltown. She enjoys ecumenical connections with nearby parishes and old friends!

For further information on Annemarie’s performance dates, please go to www.annemarieofarrell.com or www.myspace.com/annemarieo39farrell