NI piper plays for Obama at White House

A local piper has helped kick off the St Patrick's Day celebrations in the US by playing at a special event hosted by President Barack Obama.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Mar 2016, 09:07 BST
Updated 16th Mar 2016, 09:09 BST
Grahame Harris had to fund his own trip to WashingtonGrahame Harris had to fund his own trip to Washington
Grahame Harris had to fund his own trip to Washington

Grahame Harris was among a small group of musicians from the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland invited to play at Tuesday’s lunch in the White House.

The 23-year-old is director of music with the Ballyclare-based Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band.

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Speaking to the Newtownabbey Times from Washington DC, Mr Harris – who had to self-fund the trip – said: “I was asked if I’d be interested in going and I jumped at the chance.”

Twelve youth orchestra musicians – Grahame on Highland pipes, a Uilleann piper and 10 violinists – performed 18 pieces of music in the White House library in front of around 600 guests.

Related topics:BallyclareHighland