Fleadh // NISF: The Neuroscience of the Harpers Brain

The Neuroscience of the Harpers Brain is a unique experience that brings together Ireland’s rich musical heritage and cutting-edge science.

At its heart is the harp, a symbol of Irish identity for over 1,000 years brought vividly to life by acclaimed Belfast harpist Ursula Burns.Blending tradition with bold experimentation, Ursula delivers a captivating live performance using neuroscience techniques to explore and measure Ursula’s brain during her playing.

Alongside the music, Dr Niamh Kennedy of Ulster University reveals the hidden science behind it all, showing how playing the harp shapes the brain’s wiring, movement, and creativity.Drawing on her research imaging the brains of harpists, she uncovers the extraordinary neurological processes behind musical skill and improvisation.

Combining live performance, storytelling, and science, this event offers audiences not just exceptional music and some Belfast craic, but a deeper understanding of why Irish music continues to resonate so powerfully across generations! Delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland Science Festival.