Music ~ Stories ~ Life

“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

"Remember the name Martha Gallagher. She has a distinctive talent; when she returns it will be to a standing room only audience."
Coastal Breeze News, FL
http://www.coastalbreezenews.com/2012/03/26/wild-harp-winged-heart/

“Martha's power of performance, diversity of music, and obvious joy in what she shares with the audience is tangible; wonderful!”
S.Craig, Caffe Lena’s, Saratoga Springs, NY
http://www.caffelena.org/

Singer/songwriter Martha Gallagher is an enigma that defies musical pigeon-holes. Her original songs glide in the blink of an eye from wailing blues to Latin grooves to Classical inspirations, from swingin' Jazz to vibrant contemporary Folk. Her voice is chameleon-like, ranging from smokin' hot to achingly tender, and all that's in between. Add to that the unusual twist that her instrument of choice is not the expected guitar, but the HARP, bold and beautiful!

“Martha...a formidable, bravura expression! How can it be called a performance when there is such a large component of electrifying, soulful, original improv and expression?”
B.Brinkley, Fan, patron

“Martha Gallagher is Janis Joplin-Joan Baez-Jean Redpath all rolled into one!  She's a treasure; her music lifts up the spirit and reminds us why we're here." - Todd Moe, North Country Public Radio http://www.ncpr.org/

“Martha plays the harp with a joie de vivre; with a sense of joy and energy rarely seen with this instrument!"
Wanda Fischer, WAMC Northeast Public Radio
http://www.wamc.org/

“Martha brings the house down every time she's here! We love her! Our audiences love her!”
K. Andreson, Lake Placid Center for the Arts Lake Placid, NY
http://www.lakeplacidarts.org/

 

Martha Gallagher has been sharing her distinctive and richly varied performances with audiences for over 30 years. She has a diverse musical background; from classical flautist in a symphony orchestra to lead singer in rock and jazz/blues bands. Martha has performed with such luminaries as six-time Grammy winners, The Chieftains. The 2007 premiere of her innovative original work featuring Celtic harp, voice, and taiko drums marked a world’s first of this performance configuration.

In 2015 the Lake Placid Sinfionetta premiered Martha's "The Orphan's Odysee". A symphonic peice wriitten specifically for lever harp & orchestra celebrating Martha's Orphan Harp.

Martha’s 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, North Country Public Radio and Good Morning Arizona.

Martha has been a guest artist/clinician at The Berklee College of Music and The Boston Conservatory. She has been a featured guest performer and workshop presenter at national harp conferences and festivals, including The American Harp Society National Conference, The Somerset Harp Festival, Northern Lights Harp Festival, The Big Sky Harp Festival, The Southeastern Harp Weekend, HarpCon and The Glengarry Highland Games. Several of her articles have been published in both The American Harp Journal and the Folk Harp Journal.

Martha has delved into working with a variety of ensembles, arranging and performing many of her original works with symphonies, vocal ensembles, hand bell ensembles, and other groups. She has produced and recorded 7 CDs of primarily original music on her independent label, Singing Strings.

Martha’s theatre training and creative movement work includes intensive studies with Shakespeare and Co. and The Celebration Barn Theatre. An actress, storyteller and poet, her live performances go “beyond concert” and into the realm of a one-woman show.