“My vision of the Celtic harp is expansive; acknowledging and honoring it’s rich history,
while at the same time exploring it’s ability to speak with a contemporary musical voice.
This incredibly versatile instrument gives voice to the wonderfully diverse music that sings through the heart of my very being.” - Martha Gallagher

Martha is an explorer of and recognized innovator on the harp. Her adventurous harp vision has garnered her a position as product tester for one of the world’s leading designers in MIDI harp technology; working to combine the world of the harp player with that of the electronic/digital musician, creating new possibilities of soundscapes for the harp. Martha has presented at some of the most prestigious and popular harp conferences and festivals on the MIDI harp. The American Harp Journal recently published her article on exploring and creating with MIDI harp. She also enjoys pushing the boundaries of what many believe to be the parameters of acoustic harp music with her gutsy blues, spunky jazz, and unique song interpretations. At the same time, her love of traditional Celtic music has been highlighted in performances with six-time Grammy winners, The Chieftains. An innovative premiere of her original work arranged for Celtic harp, voice, and taiko drums marked a world’s first in performances.

“Diva” is defined as “a succesful female singer of non-operatic music”. Martha is a down-to-Earth diva. She has been sharing her spirited, distinctive, and richly varied music with audiences for over 30 years. Her repertoire encompasses a delightful cross genre gathering of Celtic, Blues, American Folk/Roots, Jazz, Classical, and a flourish of Flamenco. Her original music is an eclectic blend of styles that highlight her ability to travel gracefully from serious to silly, from beautiful to edgy, from light to dark, and from here to there.

Martha’s concerts abound with music that is at once both bold and beautiful. Spontaneous tales of life and inspiration, from mischievious to reflective, intelligent and genuine, are interwoven seamlessly with her music. Renowned for leaving her audiences uplifted and entertained, Martha draws on a colorful tapestry of bardic traditions, weaving them into music for the here and now. Into this she throws a dash of spunky playfulness that is all her own, creating a recipe for a performance that is delicious!

Martha has performed on tour with such luminaries as The Chieftains. Her extensive solo tours have taken her around the US and into Canada, with several tours sponsored by The National Endowment for the Arts. She has been featured on numerous television and radio programs; appearances include BBC Television, Northeast Public Radio, and Good Morning Arizona.

Martha’s career has spanned many musical adventures, from classical flautist in a symphony orchestra to lead singer in rock and jazz/blues bands. She has recently returned to touring after a 15 year hiatus to raise her family. She has produced and recorded four CDs of primarily original music. Her music reflects not only her wide-angle approach to the harp, but her love of nature, family, spirit and life. Her most recent work, Songs from the Stones, is a collection of original music inspired by headstone inscriptions, celebrating the many facets of life’s preciousness.

Martha delights in sharing her love of music with others. In her workshops she encourages people to create, explore and discover the many facets of music, the harp and one’s own voice. She designs her workshops to mesh practical technique and theory with opening one’s heart and mind to the music that flows through and around all of us each day.

Music from the Adirondacks, for the World

Martha currently resides in upstate New York, USA, where she gathers inspiration from the mountains, lakes, valleys, and rivers that are her Adirondack Mountain home.

www.adkharper.com martha@adkharper.com (001).518.576.2055