Composer · Harpist · Pianist

Country Antrim based composer, harpist and pianist Gráinne Meyer is the most recent winner of the World Music Competition following performances at Wales International Harp Festival 2023. Drawing from a background in both traditional Irish and concert harp, Gráinne’s music combines both approaches to create a distinctive sound characterised by “an evolved and multidimensional approach to melody” - Pwyll ap Siôn.

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Gráinne completed a postgraduate diploma in classical and Irish traditional music at the TU Dublin conservatoire of music, receiving tuition from Cliona Doris, Denise Kelly and Gráinne Hambly. She previously received an honours music degree from the University of York, where she was awarded the Thomas Beecham scholarship.  

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Gráinne is a respected performer and teacher, maintaining a busy schedule that spans Ireland and beyond. Her roles include serving as the principal harpist with the Ulster Orchestra and engaging in solo performances at various international festivals.

She has made recorded for the BBC and RTE on both the harp and piano. She is a facilitator in the "Live Music Now" program, which organises performances for elderly individuals and children with special educational needs. Gráinne has also performed for HRH the Prince of Wales during his last two visits to Northern Ireland. Additionally, she has been featured at the Edinburgh and Wales international harp festivals, the Lorient Festival Interceltique in Brittany, the Belfast International Festival of Chamber Music, amongst others.

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As a traditional musician Gráinne has won multiple All Ireland and Ulster medals. As well as performing, Gráinne is in demand as a teacher and is harp tutor for City of Belfast School of Music, Glengormley School of traditional Music, Dun Uladh, Omagh Comhaltas and Ceoltoiri Crosskeys. Gráinne is also musical director of the award winning Elver Harp Ensemble and the Comhaltas “Mind and Music” Orchestra. 

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As a composer, Gráinne’s works are regularly performed by both soloists and
ensembles, some of which have recently been featured on prominent platforms such as BBC Radio, Classic FM and RTÉ. Recently Gráinne was commissioned to compose a new work for harp ensemble by Harp Ireland for the Harps Alive Festival 2023 and in 2024 has been commissioned to create a new work in collaboration with Music Generation.