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IntroductionThe duo Seanma, featuring Melanie Everard on harp and Allison Aldrich on concertina, recorder and vocals, presents a variety of music from the traditions of the British Isles and Ireland. Specializing in ancient Irish music, this unique duo presents music that is rich and lovely. Seanma is available for concerts, weddings, parties, and other functions. See our contact details below!  What is "Seanma"? “Seanma” is an ancient Irish word meaning “music” or “musician”. What is "Ancient Irish Music"? Most of our music was collected in the 18th and 19th century by collectors such as Edward Bunting, Patrick Weston Joyce, and George Petrie. This music is older than the jigs and reels that most of us associate with Irish music today. We love the ancient sound. The combination of harp and concertina create a delightful mixture that both soothes and stimulates the ear.  Who are we?Melanie Everard studied music education at Keene State College in Keene, NH and at the Kodaly Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and studied composition in Sienna, Italy. She plays piano, harpsichord, hammer dulcimer, guitar and harp. She currently teaches elementary music and also plays in the duo “Close Enough” with Alouette Iselin. She enjoys domestic bliss in Marlborough, NH. Allison Aldrich studied music and music education at Boston University, but recovered from her classical roots under the influence of John Langstaff, Sandy and Caroline Paton, the Chieftains, and other singers and instrumentalists. She currently teaches elementary music, directs Animaterra, a 50-voice women’s chorus in Keene, NH, plays concertina for the Harrisville Morris Women, and lives a life of rural tranquility in Nelson, NH.  Our instrumentsHarp: Melanie plays a 34 string harp built by David Kortier. Concertina: Allison plays a Jeffries Anglo concertina, made in London in the 1920s. What are they saying about Seanma? "The combination of the harp and the concertina had a soothing, calm rhythm which resulted in a positive response from the audience, which applauded after every single song." The Gatepost.com - October 21, 2005 "Both very accomplished musicians in other traditions, this duo brings considerable talent and knowledge to their music. But what makes their performances exciting is the passion with which they approach the exploration of early and often lesser-known Irish music. They create a marvelous balance between the simplicity of the music and the richness of their instruments. The result is both refreshing in its originality and just plain gorgeous." Festival goer and fan  "A delightfully fresh approach to these beautiful melodies, while remaining ever the servants of the music. They engage their audiences, both young and old with such grace and warmth as to leave them spellbound."A friend of Seanma "excellent musicianship and sound scholarship" Festival goer Listen! Click to listen to selections of our music:
Contact us! For bookings, questions, feedback & comments, please contact us at: animaterra@ne.rr.com Agenda Upcoming performances:
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