Emer Kenny started playing harp at the age of nine, studied composition and Concert Harp at the College of Music, Dublin and won an Alfred Byte scholarship to further her studies at Trinity College of Music, London.
Emer developed a unique style of music, calling on diverse musical influences and landed a record deal with a major U.S. label, Mercury, in 1997. Her first album, “Emer Kenny”, which showcased her harp playing and vocal talents, was given a world-wide release by Polygram in 1997 to critical acclaim and sales reaching in excess of 50 thousands units.
Emer’s second album, “Fades into Day”, was released by L.A.-based label Gold Circle and distributed by Sony RED in the U.S. and Germany. It received a critic’s choice award in Billboard magazine, was nominated for a Pop Award in Germany and Emer was invited to play the prestigious Etown Gig in Denver.
Emer’s compositions / recordings have been featured on more than 18 commercial recordings, synchronised to top U.S. T.V. shows and major film releases on the big screen and re-mixed by dance icon Junior Vasquez (Madonna, U2).
Emer has worked as a freelance musician, composer and teacher in Ireland, London and the U.S. She is now regularly performing at corporate events, weddings and private functions throughout Ireland and her recent live work includes the Boyle Arts Festival; Feile, Belfast; Flatlake Arts and Lierary Festival; CQAF, Belfast; The Harp Festival, Termonfeckin and the Amnesty International Concert in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
Dundalk Institute of Technology, 2006 – present:
Principal Harp Teacher for Music Degree
St. Mary’s College, Dundalk, 2006 – present:
Teaching Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Music Course
Emer is a senior lecturer in Concert Harp in DKIT and also teaches singing and composition.
From September to December of 2008, Emer coached and worked closely with the Childrens’ Voices of Ireland Choir (average age: 8) and subsequently produced and released the charity single “Christmas Rose” which reached number 20 in the Irish singles charts. Emer managed the promotion campaign which involved the Childrens’ Voices of Ireland Choir performing live on T.V., Radio and in Theatre.
Principal Harpist
in Hans Werner Henze Modern Music Festival, Montepulciano, Italy, 1989
Principal Harpist
in Marie Jones’ “Hang All The Harpers”, Irish Nationwide Tour, 1991.
Music Director / Composer
of WB Yeats Plays, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 1992.
Principal Harpist
in “Othelia”, a modern opera performed in Cambridge, England.