BRT Presents: Lily Neill and Clive Carroll

Lily Neill has captivated audiences around the world with the dynamism and breadth of her performances, and her infectious passion for the harp. She has played for world leaders and ambassadors, luminaries in the world of music, and listeners who never dreamed they would ever hear a harp. Critics have praised her effortless technique and the uniqueness of her style, with Irish Music Magazine calling her, “…part of the new Harp revolution extolling aspects of harp music never previously heard.” Unlike many young harpists who are drawn to the orchestral pedal harp, Lily gravitated toward the lever harp – a relatively modern type of harp that is a cross between the medieval Irish and Scottish harps and the pedal harp. Her concerts feature everything from original compositions and tangos, to Elizabethan music, ragtime, and traditional tunes from across the globe.

Guitar master Clive Carroll’s unique tone and unmistakable voice as a composer have seen him become one of the world’s premier acoustic guitar players and “…arguably the most accomplished finger stylist in the world today…” – Total Guitar Magazine. A chance meeting with English guitar legend John Renbourn proved the catalyst for Clive’s debut album, “Sixth Sense” which Renbourn deemed “a milestone in the journey of the steel-string guitar.” He subsequently took Clive on the road with him and the pair toured North America and Europe together – including a concert at Blackstone River Theatre early on! 2023 saw the release of “The Abbot – Clive Carroll plays the music of John Renbourn,” a double-album of solo works alongside ensemble interpretations, featuring 21 guest musicians and a medieval ensemble. “One of the finest fingerstyle guitarists and instructors working today. His knowledge, technique, and passion for the art form are unparalleled” – Acoustic Guitar Magazine