Ottawa harp music - CDs from Acacia Lyra harp duo

Silver Sun

Cover for Acacia Lyra's 2011 Silver Sun harp music CD

Order details can be found below.

This latest harp music CD features Janine and Susan's new originals and their own unique arrangements of traditional Christmas and seasonal music from around the world. In this collection of festive and wintry songs, Susan and Janine sing in several languages, accompanying themselves on Celtic harps.

They are joined on this recording by Bobby Lalonde, violin, guitar, vocals and keyboard; Adam Lalonde, percussion; Ross Davison, uilleann pipes, Greg Weeks, cello; Sheila White, silver and Irish wooden flutes, and Mathieu Charlebois, vocals.

Sprinkle some cinnamon and allspice on your hot apple cider, light a few candles, relax and enjoy!

Sample tracks

Listen to tracks from the CD:

Silver Sun - Track 4, Flurry
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Silver Sun - Track 3, God Rest Ye Little Willie
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Silver Sun - Track 2, Silver Sun
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Silver Sun - Track 6, Don Oíche úd I mBeithil
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Silver Sun - Track 7, A Soalin'
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Silver Sun - Track 8, Taladh Chriosta
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Aqsarniit - Northern Lights

Cover for Acacia Lyra's Aqsarniit CD

Order details can be found below.

Having grown up in Canada we feel the presence of the North deep in our bones. We are seduced by the vast, sparse, haunting allure of the far North, and the mysteries and beauty of Inuit culture. Like many Canadians, we were weaned on images of pristine lakes and snowy landscapes. But sometimes in the dark days of winter, we look longingly southward, imagining swaying palm trees, exotic drinks and Latin rhythms.

We think you will find those elements in our new CD. Plus a little Canadian history. And because our roots are Irish, there is some Celtic nostalgia for good measure.

On this recording Susan and Janine play Celtic harps and perform all vocals.
Our wonderful producer and engineer Bobby Lalonde contributes once again his musicianship on violin, classical guitar, bass, viola, cello and keyboard.
His son Adam Lalonde joins in on djembe, toms, bongos, clave and cymbals.
Jean-Marc Lalonde – not related! – plays button and piano accordions.
Jason Sonier adds electric guitar effects, whistle, flute, floor toms and bodhran.

Sample tracks

Listen to tracks from the CD:

Aqsarniit - Track 2, Eighteen Years to Fly
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Aqsarniit - Track 3, Summer Fleeting
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Aqsarniit - Track 6, I Wish He'd Tango
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Aqsarniit - Track 7, Crazy Man Michael
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Aqsarniit - Track 8, Petit Rocher de la Haute Montagne
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Aqsarniit - Track 11, Milonga Para Amar
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Order a copy

$20.00 CAD. Please see order details at the bottom of the page.

Harmonic Curves

Cover for Harmonic Curves CD

Listen to samples from the CD or order a copy below.

Photo: Jean-Marc Carisse

A collection of songs and aires from far and away

As harpers we are the keepers of ballads and legends handed down through the ages. Our music speaks of courtly love and great battles, and such mythological creatures as Selkies and Faerie Kings. Our journey begins in the Scottish Highlands and continues onward to the New World as far as the Peruvian altiplano.

Although much of our music is traditional, we do open the windows of our medieval castles and lofty halls to allow fresh aires into our repertoire. Among the contemporary pieces on this recording are two by Canadian composer-harpists Sharlene Wallace and Joanne Meis.

On this CD Susan and Janine play Celtic harps, guitars, bodhran and perform all vocals. We are joined by the legendary Bobby Lalonde, also our producer and sound engineer, on violin, bass and acoustic guitar. Duncan Gillis plays reel and electronic pipes. Bob Stagg adds accordion, and Sheila White plays Irish wooden flute, silver flute and fife. We had so much fun making beautiful music with these talented and respected artists!

Sample tracks

Listen to tracks from the CD:

Harmonic Curves - Track 2, Rolling of the Stones
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Harmonic Curves - Track 3, Chanter Meets the Fairy King
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Harmonic Curves - Track 4, Tiree Love Song
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Harmonic Curves - Track 5, Le Garçon Marinier
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Harmonic Curves - Track 10, Pussywillows, Cat-tails
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Harmonic Curves - Track 14, A la Claire Fontaine
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Order a copy

$20.00 CAD.

Send your cheque, payable to Susan Sweeney Hermon, with your name, address and postal code to:

Various instruments in front of the hearth

Acacia Lyra
113 Fourth Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2L3