PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Patron saint of poets, artists, smiths, and those who work the land, Saint Brigid of Kildare was a 5th-century holy woman of Ireland. She is widely known for her compassion, generosity, and great miracles of healing, and her symbol is that of the eternal flame. Brigid’s centerpiece is a rare body of plainchant from the matins service for the feast of Saint Brigid (Feb 1), unique to only two manuscripts from 15th-century Ireland.
Eya has crafted a “contemporary matins” program, blending these exquisite Irish chants with ancient and contemporary blessings, poems, miracle stories, and traditional song in honor and praise of Brigid. Accompanied on the clàrsach (wire-strung harp), this singular program deepens our relationship with Brigid who reminds us to forge our own inner flame.
WITH GUEST ARTIST
Cynthia Cathcart, clarsach