Aedan MacDonnell
Harper, composer, arranger, teacher and multi-instrumentalist, Aedan specializes in the music of her ancestors ~ that of Ireland and Scotland, as well as other Celtic nations. She studied harp in Ireland and her innate ability to transform Celtic music into a contemporary sound without losing its traditional roots will leave you wanting more.
She began taking tap and ballet lessons at age 6. At 7 she taught herself to play piano and read music on an old, black upright piano and John Thompson's Piano Book I with the original red cover she found in the piano bench. When her parents realized how enthusiastic she was about playing music they found a teacher and Aedan spent the next 10 years studying classical piano. In her early 20's she was introduced to Celtic music, and while browsing through music books at a local music store, ran across a book entitled, "The Celtic Harp, A Collection of the finest Old Airs & Dance Tunes from Ireland, Scotland & Wales ... arranged for easy Harp, also suitable for Piano." She bought the book and fell even more in love with Celtic music. This was the turning point of her musical life. Within a week she left classical music behind, turned to Celtic, and bought a harp. Aedan then studied harp in the U.S. and in Ireland.
She had the distinct pleasure of being Mayim Bialik's harp coach and teaching her how to play the harp on "The Big Bang Theory." Not only teaching, but also arranging the pieces for Mayim, usually receiving the music the same day she had to teach it. Aedan also recorded harp on several episodes of "Outlander."
She has performed in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area for radio shows, public television, music festivals, benefits, art shows, restaurants, hotels, private parties, weddings, funerals and religious celebrations. Her music has reached as far as Russia. Aedan has also appeared as a guest harper on several CD's. She currently plays harp, accordion, keyboards and percussive dance with several groups in the Los Angeles area.
Playing harp, accordion, concertina and singing and dancing, Aedan performs small concerts throughout Northern and Southern California performing traditional works as well as her own original pieces.
One of the greatest compliments Aedan receives has been given many times, all by natives of the British Isles: "Thank you, I felt like I was back home again."
*Aedan often gets asked, "What is the difference between a harper and a harpist?" A harpist plays the large, orchestral harps you see in the symphony. They mainly focus on classical, pop and jazz music, and often are classically trained. A harper specializes in the Celtic harp, and although often they can play some classical and pop, are focused on Celtic, folk and world music. Although many harpers can read music, they often can learn by ear, and generally have more training on improv and arranging. One is not better than the other, they are simply from two different worlds. And yes, there are those that play both, but a harp player usually specializes in one or two genres of music, just like any other musician.
Venue List
Just a few of the many public venues Aedan has performed:
BAFTA Robert Burns Dinner - Santa Monica, CA
Great Irish Fair, Long Beach, CA
Queen Mary Scotsfest, Long Beach, CA
Living Tradition Concert Series, Anaheim, CA
Chalk on the Walk AIDS Benefit, Pasadena, CA
Highland Grounds Coffee Shop, Hollywood, CA
Raymond Restaurant, South Pasadena, CA
Canopy of the Sky Restaurant, Northridge, CA
Santa Cruz Blues Festival, Santa Cruz, CA
Rosie McCann's Pub, Santa Cruz, CA
The Coffee Gallery, Altadena, CA
Costa Mesa Highland Games, Costa Mesa, CA
Camarillo Celtic Festival, Camarillo, CA
Seaside HIghland Games, Ventura, CA
Los Angeles Irish Fair, Pomona, CA
Great American Irish Fair, Encino, CA
Huntington Gardens & Library, Pasadena, CA
Brit Week, Santa Monica, CA
Seaside Highland Games, Ventura, CA
Camp Kiya, Tehachapi, CA
Hermosa Beach Playhouse, Hermosa Beach, CA
Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, CA
California Irish Festival, Upland, CA
City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
Kaiser Permanente, Panorama City, CA
Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Torrance, CA