It was a great honor to play for the dedication reception for Jenkins Hall on the campus of Notre Dame. This new building, named for Father Jenkins, president of the University, houses the Keough School of Global Affairs.
This year welcomed the inaugural class, including 38 students from 22 countries in North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The reception was held in the Dahnke Ballroom of the new Duncan Student Center on the campus of Notre Dame. It has an amazing football-weekend view!
In honor of the Keough family’s Irish heritage, I was asked to play mostly Celtic music during the dinner. As a nod to the School of Global affairs and the Catholic University of Notre Dame, the rest of the music was sacred or traditional music from cultures around the world – including a couple of my favorite Bollywood selections!
I was very impressed that one of the guests recognized the O’Carolan pieces I played! Turlough O’Carolan was a blind Irish harper who performed and composed for the nobles of Ireland in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s. His songs were frequently dedicated to his patrons, and over 200 of his compositions are known to exist.
Along with harp music, guests enjoyed a jazz pianist and a performance by the Notre Dame Folk Choir.
The harp is the perfect addition to any event, from corporate receptions to weddings to family celebrations. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit my website: South Bend Irish Harpist!