Denis O'Hampsey

Donnchadh Ó Hámsaigh, also known as Dennis Hempson, was reputedly born in 1695, and died on either 5th or 11th November 1807.

His parents were both from the area around Magilligan, in Co. Derry, Ireland, and he returned there on his retirement.

He was not the last of the old Irish harpers, but he has a special place amongst those intervied by Edward Bunting in the 1790s as he was a couple of generations older than any of the others and preserved a much older repertory. He was the only one to retain the older tradition of playing with long fingernails.

200th anniversary events

November 2007 is the 200th anniversary of the death of Denis O'Hampsey. Events have been organised in Co. Derry, Ireland, as well as in Dundee and Fife, Scotland, featuring music from the repertory of Denis O'Hampsey played on copies of his harp, and also offering the opportunity to have a go at playing replica early Gaelic harps.

Listen to an interview with Siobhán Armstrong on BBC Radio Ulster's Arts Extra, 6.30pm, 9th November 2007

Limavady Borough Council in association with the Historical Harp Society of Ireland presents a 200th Anniversary Celebration of the early Irish harper Dennis O'Hampsey (1695-1807)
Saturday, 10th November
Limavady
Co. Derry
N. Ireland
Programme of Events
11.30 Workshop Registration
12.00-13.15 Hands-On Beginners' Workshop for early Irish Harp, The Earls Room, Radisson SAS Roe Park Resort
For children aged 10+ and adults
19.00 Illustrated Talk: Dennis O'Hampsey and the Early Irish Harp, Roe Valley Country Park
20.00 Cheese and wine reception
20.30 Concert with the young harpers of the Hampsey Harp School and Siobhán Armstrong, Early Irish Harp

The Friends of Wighton present an open workshop and presentation on the life and music of Denis O'Hampsey (1695-1807)
Wighton Heritage Centre
Dundee Central Library
Wellgate
Dundee DD1 1DB
2.00-3.30pm, admission £4 / £2.50 concessions
with Simon Chadwick, early clàrsach

Fife Council presents a concert
St Andrews Museum
Kinburn Park
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
KY16 9DP
2.00pm, admission free
with Simon Chadwick, early clàrsach