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Anne Roos
Celtic Harp Music by Anne Roos - OwnerSouth Lake Tahoe, CA
http://www.celticharpmusic.com
Other Blog
Celtic Harp Music by Anne Roos
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Interesting Facts About The Emerald Isle
February 10, 2010I just recently came across this blog and I wanted to share the posting with you. You can read the original post here.
Irish Flag
Ireland’s national flag know as the tricolour (three colours) and has three equal vertical bands of green, white and orange. The green symbolises Nationalism, the white symbolises Peace and the orange symbolises Unionism, therefore the national flag of Ireland represents peace between Nationalists and Unionists.
President Flag
The national flag of the President of Ireland is a blue flag with a silver stringed gold harp. The blue background represents Saint Patrick who is the patron saint of Ireland. Although St. Patrick is often depicted in green garments, before the 20th century the saint was more often shown wearing blue garments. This flag represent “the Ancient Colours of Ireland”.
National Anthem of Ireland
The National Anthem of Ireland is called Amhrán na bhFiann which means ‘The Soldiers Song’. Amhrán na bhFiann was very popular among Irish republicans, and was sung by rebels in the General Post Office also known as the GPO during the Easter Rising of 1916. The song became the official state anthem in 1926.
The anthem of the Irish rugby home team is called ‘Ireland’s Call’ and at matches played in the Republic of Ireland both Amhrán na bhFiann and Ireland’s Call are sung, elsewhere, Ireland’s Call is the only anthem used in recognition of the need for a unifying anthem and has also been adopted by the Irish Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Union teams.
The Shamrock
The shamrock is a three-leafed clover and is a world-renowned symbol of Ireland. The Shamrock was used by Saint Patrick (the patron saint of Ireland) to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish. Saint Patrick’s day is celebrated throughout the world each year on March 17th and it is tradition that people wear a shamrock on their clothing and dress in green to honour Saint Patrick and celebrate being Irish, like we need a reason! Shamrocks are said to bring good luck.
Celtic Cross
A Celtic cross is a symbol of a cross with a circle surrounding the intersection of the cross. The cross often appears in different shapes, sizes, and in many different styles. It is said that Saint Patrick was also the founder of the Celtic cross and that he used the ’sun cross’ as an example to explain to pagans the importance of the cross.
Today the Celtic cross is used for individual reasons like jewellery, T-shirts and tattoos, grave markers and head stones to name a few. Versions of the Celtic cross are also used by the GAA / Gaelic Athletic Association and the Northern Ireland national football team.
About Mairead Foley
Mairead writes for GoIreland.com - Ireland’s leading travel and accommodation website. -
Gold Country Bridal Fair
February 8, 2010Getting married in the Sierra Foothills or South Lake Tahoe?
This is a great opportunity to audition me at this lovely boutique bridal show, inside a beautifully restored mansion, the Sequoia Restaurant. I will be performing in Molly’s Parlor and have the entire room to myself to perform your favorite wedding selections. If you plan to attend, email me, and I’ll play your request for you. Admission is just $5. Click here for the Gold Country Bridal Fair.
February 21, 2010 from 11 am-3 pm
Where you will find me:Sequoia Restaurant643 Bee St.
Placerville, California
(530)622-5222 -
The Totally Off-Topic Comfort Food Dessert Recipe
January 27, 2010Okay, so this recipe isn’t Celtic in origin, but it’s absolutely wonderful. Here’s Real Vanilla Rice Pudding! The recipe is supplied by my husband, who likes to be know as “Mr. Bakerman”. Enjoy!
Serve this dish warm or cold You can add a cinnamon stick while the rice is cooking, or just top it off with a few raisins, sliced almonds, or fresh berries. This recipe makes up to 8 servings, depending upon the size of your servings.
Ingredients:
1 ½ C. water
¾ C. basmati rice
¼ teas. salt
3 C. whole milk
1 C. heavy whipping cream
½ C sugar
½ vanilla bean, split down the center lengthwise
How to do it:
Bring the water rice and salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium/high heat. Once it’s boiling, cover the pan, turn the temp to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Simmer a little longer if the water is not absorbed.
Add the milk, cream, and sugar. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and then drop the bean in. Bring up the heat to medium and keep on cooking and stirring until it has reached the creamy texture that suits you (should take about 35 minutes). When done, remove the vanilla bean, add toppings, and serve. -
Celtic Harp Valentine's Day TV Performance with Anne Roos!
January 13, 2010Ooo la la! Romantic music played by Anne Roos on the Celtic harp on Valentine's Day! Tune in to the Good Day Sacramento Show on the CW Channel 31 and receive a harp serenade. The program is aired live throughout the greater Sacramento area, and video may also appear on their website after the broadcast.
Sunday from 7-10 am
Feb 14, 2010 -
Irish Fireside, 2009 a Year in Review
January 4, 2010I was recently featured in the 2009 Ireland Travel Review from the Irish Fireside. Here are just a few of the Roadtrip Highlights:
Irish Oatmeal Soap
John Wayne Birthplace
Liam Sings with the McMurrows
Celtic Harp with Anne Roos
Visit to America’s Oldest Irish Store
I had a great time visiting with Corey and Liam last February. You can check out the video of their visit at http://www.celticharpmusic.com/userpages/videos_sound.aspx. -
Live TV Performance and Interview!
December 16, 2009
Last year, I performed holiday music inside an elevator on the Weekend Good Day Sacramento show on the CW Channel 31.
I also played "Stairway to Heaven" in that broadcast. What's next for my appearance this year?
You'll have to tune in to find out. The program is aired live throughout the greater Sacramento area, and video may also appear on their website after the broadcast.
All the details:
Good Day Sacramento
December 20, 2009 at 7-9 am
KOVR-TV, CBS CW Channel 31
Aired throughout greater
Sacramento, California(916)374-1313 -
The Irish Fireside Podcast, Episode 97-Christmas In Ireland
December 3, 2009
If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to spend Christmas in Ireland, this is the podcast for you! Learn about holiday traditions from Imen McDonnell, an American married to an Irish farmer. She'll keep you enthralled with her discussion of holiday delicacies from the Emerald Isle in this November 24, 2009 episode of the Irish Fireside Podcast.
During this episode, you'll hear my rendition of “Shanghai Brown” from Mermaids & Mariners CD and “Mairi's Wedding” from Haste to the Wedding CD. Listen to this episode at the Irish Fireside website and download this and other episodes from iTunes.
The Irish Fireside Podcast is the ultimate place where you can get the inside scoop on Irish travel and culture from hosts Corey and Liam. And while you are visiting the Irish Fireside website, enter the Irish Fireside Holiday Gift Giveaway 2009 where you can win one of my CDs! Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year!
Sample my CDs-take a trip to my Listening Room. -
Family Holiday Concert featuring Anne Roos & Friends
December 2, 2009
Listen to your holiday favorites mixed in with a variety of music from Anne’s recordings inside the upstairs ballroom of the Cozmic Café.
Some of Anne’s musical friends might stop by, too. Anne may have a few other holiday surprises in store for you as well, so bring your friends, kids, and parents to this fun and relaxed concert.
Delicious snacks are also available during the performance, and during intermission, you can explore the authentic gold mine inside the building! Tickets are $10 each and half price for kids 12 and under.
Sunday, December 13th from 3-5pm PT
The Cozmic Café
594 Main St.
Placerville, California
(530)642-8481 -
Banjo Bunny E-cards
November 25, 2009
I'm pleased and tickled to announce that my music is now part of Banjo Bunny's land of whimsical, inventive, and funny animated Internet greeting cards!
For all my friends in the U.S., you'll find my music embedded in Banjo Bunny's newest Thanksgiving e-card, "Grateful Harp". This card is graced with the song "Epping Forest", an old English dance tune dating back to 1670. The full version of this tune is a track from my A Light in the Forest album. What a fabulous way to sample the tune! (You can purchase it as a download on iTunes and at Amazon.com)
Like multiplying bunnies, there are many more e-cards on their way that will include my music. Hop on over to BanjoBunny.com to start sending those magical cards to friends and loved ones for the holidays!
Check out A Light in the Forest and all of my CDs on many online stores such as Amazon.com and CDBaby.com. They are also available for purchase at retail outlets like Barnes and Noble Booksellers and Borders stores.
Autographed albums can be purchased at http://www.celticharpmusic.com/, the only place where you can buy three of my CDs for the price of two--a money saving option for holiday gifts. Inexpensive shipping is available (U.S. Media Mail) as well as speedier shipping options that allow for tracking. -
Holiday Shopping Concert
November 17, 2009
The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. And just for my Sacramento area friends, here's a way that you can take a little break from it all...
I'll be performing a special Holiday Shopping Concert at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Arden Faire Mall on November 28th, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. The store will be decked out for the holidays (and so will I).
Enjoy this FREE afternoon performance of winter holiday music and even take part in helping me decide what to play. Email me your song request and I might just include it in my program.
All of my CDs, along with my book, are featured in the store, and I'll be happy to autograph your purchases for you (if you are looking for little gifts under $20, my CDs are perfect).
Bring your friends and family! I look forward to seeing you there.
Here are the Details:
Holiday Shopping Concert
DATE: Saturday, November 28, 2009
TIME: noon-2 pm
WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 1725 Arden Way at Arden Faire Mall, Sacramento, California
PRICE: FREE!
FOR MORE INFO: Phone (916)565-0644 and visit the Barnes & Noble online for map and directions.
Have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving,
Anne
P.S.--Would you like to hear a sampling of Celtic harp music? Whether you are attending this concert or not, there's a free harp music download waiting for you at my website. -
The Irish Hanky
November 12, 2009
Irish brides usually carry a linen handkerchief down the aisle to catch their bridal tears, a custom that may have started bylinen companies in Norhern Ireland.These companies suggest that the hanky cam be saved as a christening bonnet for the couple's first baby and that the child can in turn, use the hanky for her own wedding. In this way, the hanky turns into a family heirloom as it carries many generations of tears of happiness. Tying a piece of rosemary to this family hanky symbolizes remembrance of those who used it in the past.Copyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
The Bell of Truce
November 4, 2009
The tradition of the bell of truce comes from the peasants in the west of Ireland, but it may also be attributed to St. Patrick. He thought the sound of a bell ringing would help perform miracles.
In a wedding ceremony, the bell of truce is blessed and presented to the bride and groom by the ceremony officiant. The couple is asked to give the bell a good hardy ring while thinking of each other and their future together. It's then taken home as a reminder of the wedding day. Whenever arguments arise, the rining of this bell sounds a truce. It serves as a reminder of the couple's wedding vows.
A bell of tuce also provides a decorative addition to the wedding ceremony an to the home-it may be made of Irish crystal, pewter, or iron.
Your heart is never away,
But ever with mine, for ever,
For ever without endeavour,
To-morrow, love, as to-day;
Two blent hearts never astray,
Two souls no power may sever,
Together, O my love, for ever.
D.G. RossettiCopyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
Celtic Roots Radio Podcast and Anne Roos
October 30, 2009
Raymond McCullough, host of the Celtic Roots Radio podcast, included the popular wedding tune "Mairi's Wedding" from Anne Roos' Haste to the Wedding CD on his October 24, 2009 episode. Her music is in good company in this episode, with lovely acoustic Celtic tunes from around the globe.
This isn't the first time Anne's music has been featured. Her tune "Considine's Grove", from A Light in the Forest CD, was featured in the September 4, 2009 episode called "Root 'n' Troot Supper, Hey!". What does this saying mean? "Fish 'n' chips" in the North Antrim County lingo.
This podcast originates from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and offers the listener more than just music. McCullough explains some of the common terms used in Northern Ireland, along with descriptions of what life is like in that part of the world. Of course, the music is the star of his podcast, spanning a broad spectrum of Celtic folk, folk/rock, Applachian, bluegrass, Scottish, Irish, Breton, and Cajun music. As McCullough declares at his website, "If you enjoy Celtic, roots, or acoustic music, you'll find it here on Celtic Roots Radio."
Thank you, Raymond, for including Anne's music on your outstanding podcast!
Enjoy this Podcast and listen to some of Anne's other tunes on the Celtic Roots Radio Live365 station. Then Sample Anne's CDs, too. -
The Celtic Loving Cup
October 28, 2009
In Scotland, the Loving Cup is known as a quaich, which comes from the Gaelic word cuach, meaning cup. This is used for the wedding toast. It is often highly decorated and has a handle on either side of the cup.
A Loving Cup ceremony, or Anam Cara, can be included as part of the wedding vows or during the wedding reception. The purpose of this ceremony is for the bride and gtoom to share their first drink together as a married couple. The meaning of the cup is "togetherness". The cup is then passes down throughout the generations to insure happiness and good fortune to all who drink from it.
Copyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
Harvest Love Knots
October 21, 2009
In Northern Ireland, young men and women would take long braids of straw and twist them into deocrative knots. These harvest knots were then given as love tokens for men to wear on their lapels and women to wear in their hair. When one's lover accepred a harvest knot, it was assumed that a wedding would follow in the next spring.
Today, love knots are made with raffia and adorned with flowers and colorful ribbons. They are used as a boutonniere for the groom, worn in the bride's hair, attached to the bride's bouquet, and even used as napkin rings for the reception feast.
Copyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
The Welsh Lovespoon
October 14, 2009
The lovespoon may have represented an early type of engagement ring, or perhaps the acceptance of the carved spoon at least meant the beginning of a serious courtship, "going steady", so to speak. Could this be where the term "spooning" originated? This custom
originated in Wales during the 17th century.
The most elaborate lovespoons are carved from one piece of wood, demonstrating the skill of the carvers. The handle of the spoon is often intricately decorated with various symbols-keys, hearts, balls, wheels, and bells-each representing such blessings as love, good luck, children, wealth, and health.
Copyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
Celtic Art and Designs
October 7, 2009
Celtic artwork dates back to 3,000 B.C. and can still be seen on stone carvings throughout Ireland. Much of the current fascination with Celtic art may have originated with the Book of Kells, an eighth century manuscript currently house at Trinity College in Dublin. This book features knots, and animal designs. The Celts created their designs using one or several unbroken lines. They believed that the more these lines interlaced each other, the greater their protection against evil. The unbroken lines symbolized infinity.
Celtic wedding rings may be made of one of these unique design styles, the most popular of which is know as the Celtic love knot. The lines of the Celtic love knot are forever entwined, as the two separate lives become one. Animal designs are also used. One of the most popular animals used for Celtic wedding rings is the heron, because herons mate for life.
Other Celtic symbols, including the Celtic cross, a family coat of arms, and horseshoes with the open ends up (so that the good luck won't run out), may be used to adorn invitations, napkins, wrappings for favors, and embroidered into the wedding dress and the bride's hanky. National Celtic symbols are also used as wedding decorations: the thistle to display Scottish heritage, the leek for Welsh heritage, and the shamrock for Irish heritage.
Copyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
The Claddagh Ring
September 30, 2009
This may be the most well-known symbol of love in Ireland. It is said tha this ring, a crowned heart held by two hands, is a symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty, best explained in the phrase, "Let Love and Friendship Reign." It was the traditional marriage ring of the fishermen of Claddagh, a small village on Galway Bay. Legend has it that the ring was developed for sailors to wear as a means of identifying their heritage in case they went overboard, were lost at sea, or were washed ashore on foreign soil.
A more romantic legend is the story of Richard Joyce, captured by Algerian pirates on his way to the West Indies, he was forced into slavery working for a Moorish goldsmith. Joyce became a master goldsmith and handcrafted this ring design for his ladylove back home. He was released in 1689 and returned to the village of Claddagh, to his true love. He gave her the ring and she used the Claddagh as a wedding band when they married. Joyce set up a goldsmith shop, his ring design became popular, and examples of his handiwork still exist.
The ring grew in popularity, outside of this local region, spread by the help of vast exodus out of Ireland diring the Great Potato Famine in the mid 1800s. Claddagh rings were kept as heirlooms with great pride and passed from mother to daughter for use as wedding bands.
Today, this ring is worn extensibely across Irleland, either on the right hand with the heart pointing towards the findertips to signify that the wearer is "fancy free," or on the left hand with the heart pointing towards the wrist to indicate that the wearer is "spoken for."
Copyright © 2005 by Anne Roos, excerpt from the liner notes to "Haste to the Wedding" CD, available on the Cambria Master Recordings Label. All rights reserved. -
Celtic Roots Radio Podcast #09--"Root 'n' Troot Supper, Hey!"
September 8, 2009
Raymond McCullough, host of the Celtic Roots Radio podcast, included the popular tune "Considine's Grove", from Anne Roos' A Light in the Forest CD, on his September 4, 2009 episode. He called this episode "Root 'n' Troot Supper, Hey!". What does this saying mean? "Fish 'n' chips" in the North Antrim County lingo.
This podcast originates from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and offers the listener more than just music. McCullough explains some of the common terms used in Northern Ireland, along with descriptions of what life is like in that part of the world. Of course, the music is the star of his podcast, spanning a broad spectrum of Celtic folk, folk/rock, Applachian, bluegrass, Scottish, Irish, Breton, and Cajun music. As McCullough declares at his website, "If you enjoy Celtic, roots, or acoustic music, you'll find it here on Celtic Roots Radio."
Enjoy this Podcast and listen to some of Anne's other tunes on the Celtic Roots Radio Live365 station. Then Sample Anne's CDs, too. -
My Angelic Visit with the Folks from the Good Day Sacramento Show
August 29, 2009
I played Led Zepellin in December of 2008, and Metallica in March of 2009 (scroll down below), and I'm back again on CBS affiliate, CW Channel 31’s Good Day Sacramento show. I am joined by two TV hosts dressed up as angels, in honor of National Be An Angel Day, August 22, 2009.
Cody Stark interviews me, and you'll hear a little sampling of me playing "Wind Beneath My Wings"--a perfect tune for the angel in all of us. Cody also refers to my CD, Haste to the Wedding, in the broadcast. Check out this CD here.
Just click here to watch the video.Special thanks to the entire production crew at Good Day Sacramento!
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July/August Celtic Trivia: The Bridal Veil and Old Shoes
July 30, 2009
"The love you give away is the only love you keep"--Elbert HubbardFairies are said to covet anything that is beautiful, which includes the bride and all her fineries.The wedding veil has special meaning in Ireland. In ancient time, it was believed to hide the bride away from leprechauns and fairies who would try to capture the bride and take her beautiful dress. Today in Ireland, veils are often embroidered with shamrocks or the Claddagh symbol.It is also lucky for the bride and groom to wear old shoes when they get married. This would prevent their being kidnapped by fairies. In County Cork, it is believed that fairies would whisk away the wedding couple to the "Land of the Ever Young," just to get a hold of a pair of handsome new shoes.Read more Celtic wedding traditions and toasts in the liner notes of my "Haste to the Wedding" CD, ©2005 Anne Roos. -
June Celtic Trivia: Flowers and Herbs
June 11, 2009
"Come live in my heart and pay no rent."
--Old Irish Proposal
Ancient brides used herbs, not flowers, in their bouquets. They believed that herbs had the power to ward off evil spirits. If a bride carried sage, she became wise, if she carried dill, she became lusty. Rosemary ensured the powers of remembrance.
Brides used to carry marigolds that were dipped in rose water. They later ate them because they were believed to be aphrodisiacs. Wheat was also used in the floral bouquet to symbolize fertility, not only in family matters but also with crops.
Flowers eventually replaced herbs and carried many different meanings of their own. They were later dried and hung in the bride's new home to preserve their meanings.
Brides wore their hair loose, which symbolized virginity. A wreath of flowers, matching those in her bouquet, adorned their heads, or they would have just a few single flowers and precious stones scattered in their hair.
Read more Celtic wedding traditions and toasts in the liner notes of my "Haste to the Wedding" CD, ©2005 Anne Roos. -
Renaissance Magazine Calls Anne Roos’ Wedding CD "One of the Best Collections of Celtic Harp Music"
May 22, 2009
“Haste to the Wedding is one of the best Celtic and Renaissance harp CDs you will ever find. It is also an excellent guide for any Olde World wedding,” proclaims Michael Lohr in Issue #67 of Renaissance Magazine. You’ll find his full review of Anne Roos’ wedding CD on pages 72 and 73 of this issue. Here are some highlights of the review:
“Anne Roos is a superb harpist...Haste to the Wedding is one of the best collections of Celtic harp music you will find. Full of Irish and Scottish courting and wedding songs, the CD is grouped by ceremonial sections: prelude music, processional music, unity candle/exchange of vows music, and recessional music.
Anne, who studied music theory at UCLA, proves to be a musical historian...A 48-page booklet accompanies the CD and provides a wonderful overview of traditional ceremonies and songs.
Haste to the Wedding is one of the best Celtic and Renaissance harp CDs you will ever find. It is also an excellent guide for any Olde World wedding.”
Renaissance Magazine is a print publication that features articles on history, castles, heraldry, culinary and herbal arts, and in-depth interview with the movers and shakers of the re-enactment and faire communities. Regular columns review period books movies, music, web sites, and games.
Haste to the Wedding is on the Cambria Master Recordings label. This and other albums by Anne Roos are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and many online stores. It is also available for purchase at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com. -
Anne Roos on Women Entrepreneurs -The Secrets of Success
May 18, 2009
I was interviewed by CoachDeb from blogtalkradio on Friday, May 15th. It was a thrill to be on the show.
Career Coach Deb Bailey interviews women entrepreneurs who speak honestly about their challenges and successes and give advice to women who want to go into business. -
Anne Roos plays on Tahoe Tonight
May 12, 2009
