A Night of Irish and Paraguayan Harp Magic
The concert unfolded as a mesmerizing journey through two vibrant harp traditions, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the poetic beauty of the Irish harp alongside the rhythmic brilliance of the Paraguayan harp. Set in an intimate, carefully curated venue, the evening became a rich exploration of culture, history, and emotion conveyed through the universal language of music.
The night opened with the ethereal sound of the Irish harp, an instrument steeped in Celtic history and renowned for its lyrical melodies and delicate ornamentation. Harpist, teacher, and composer Clíona Molins took the stage with an aura of quiet confidence, immediately captivating the audience. Trained at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, Clíona’s artistry shone through her interpretation of traditional tunes, each note flowing with poetic elegance. Her music seemed to transport listeners to mist-covered Irish hillsides, weaving tales of ancient legend and longing.
Beyond her technical mastery, Clíona’s performance reflected a deep connection to her instrument’s heritage. Her experience collaborating across classical, folk, and contemporary genres infused her playing with remarkable depth and color. As she performed selections from her four acclaimed CDs, it was clear why she remains a respected voice in the harp world—a fact further highlighted by her recent feature on ABC RN’s The Music Show.
Following this lyrical reverie, the evening transformed into a vivid celebration of rhythm and vitality with the arrival of Freddy Aguilera and his Paraguayan harp. Originally from Chile and now based in Sydney, Freddy brought the stage to life with the dynamic energy of Latin America. His harp sang with a voice both percussive and melodic, as his fingers danced across the strings in rapid glissandos and tremolos. The result was a performance bursting with color and joy, the music flowing with the heartbeat of South America.
Trained under the renowned Paraguayan harpist Ruben Cabrera Cubilla, Freddy has become a master of both Paraguayan and broader Latin harp traditions. His passion and precision were unmistakable, filling the room with a sense of movement and celebration. The contrast between his fiery rhythms and Clíona’s introspective lyricism created a fascinating musical dialogue—two worlds meeting through shared artistry.
As the concert drew to a close, the interplay between the Irish and Paraguayan harps stood as a powerful reminder of music’s unifying spirit. Where the Irish harp offered poetry and reflection, the Paraguayan harp responded with rhythm and exuberance. Together, they showcased the instrument’s incredible range, from quiet reverie to jubilant dance.
Audience members left the performance deeply moved, carrying with them not only the resonance of the strings but also a renewed appreciation for the harp’s versatility as a cultural storyteller. Clíona Molins and Freddy Aguilera had succeeded in transcending borders and traditions, creating an evening that was both exhilarating and profoundly human—a true celebration of the harp’s many voices.