Cheryl Reid O’Hagan, also known as Nova Scotia’s Harp Lady, didn’t always play the Celtic Harp. Her musical path has been an interesting one, starting in New Brunswick with early influences of a fiddle playing, singing family , leaving Mt. Allison University as a piano graduate and folk singing champion , bringing up on the Cohn Stage as a finalist in the Kiwanis Rose Bowl Voice Competition, and coming to rest on the shores of the Bedford Basin, in thrall to the Celtic Harp. As a performer, arranger and songwriter, Cheryl has created a beautiful ambience in halls both high and humble. From Concerts to Weddings to Memorial Services, she brings a depth of experience and feeling to transform any occasion.
In addition to her two CDs The Darkest Midnight and Sunnyday, she has contributed to the recordings of Scott MacMillan, Rita MacNeil, John Gracie, Ken Enman, Camerata Singers, B&R Cape Breton Heritage Recordings and has been featured on CBC Radio’s Atlantic Airwaves, Max Ferguson, ATV & CBC-TV.
Since 1997 she has provided harps, instruction and support through Eastcoast Harpshop and since 1999 has nurtured the Celtic Harp performing group “Maeve” whose CD she produced, arranged and directed in 2004.
Her “Wedding Sampler” CD is a great help in choosing wedding music.
Reviews
“This woman sings with passion”
– Stephen Freygood, Atlantic Airwaves
Of “The Darkest Midnight” CD:
“Her voice has a vein of radiance that makes the air go still.”
– Stephen Pederson, The Chronicle Herald
“Not your usual Christmas fare.”
– Max Ferguson CBC Radio
“This CD has been THE find of the season for me and I’ve had several people ask me about it. I have been throughly enchanted by it! I have heard a lot of Christmas CD’s but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest for me. Your original song “Mary, Mary Who You Be?” is so intriguing and is my favorite.” Valerie Green “Harpestry”
– KRVS Radio, Lafayette.
Of “SunnyDay” cd:
“Dear Cheryl, I wanted to congratulate you, first of all, for the marvellous SunnyDay, which is a really wonderful collection of harp tunes.. I am so impressed by the quality and harmony of it that I would like to ask if it would be possible to order three more copies? And I can promise you that I will have it playing in the background on representational occasions! Well done….“
– With kind personal regards, Donal Denham, Embassy of Ireland