Nancy Calthorpe was, during her working life, perhaps the most respected teacher of Irish harp in Ireland, her work spanning the half century since the end of World War II. Her many sensitively crafted arrangements for the Irish harp earned her international recognition. She was honoured by the late Cearrbhal Ó Dálaigh, whose first public engagement as President of Ireland was to launch one of her harp books, and she was given the freedom of the American city of New Orleans for her services to Irish culture. Having served Feis Ceoil, Ireland’s premier music festival and competition, faithfully over the years, she was made an honorary life member and elected vice-president. At the DIT College of Music, where she taught for most of her professional career, she practised her musical expertise in no less than five areas - Irish harp, singing, piano, musicianship and composition - and she excelled there both as a performer and as a teacher.

The Calthorpe Collection

I am delighted to see this posthumous collection of music for the Irish harp being issued, and pay tribute to Waltons, Nancy’s publishers, for the imaginative way in which they have chosen to honour her. It is a fitting tribute to the memory of a distinguished devotee of the instrument. I am sure that it will bring great satisfaction to those who treasure her memory, and countless hours of pleasure - for learners, teachers and listeners alike - to those who will follow in her footsteps.

Frank Heneghan, Director (1973 -1995), DIT College of Music, Dublin