Islands in the North Atlantic, like Tory Island – the Irish island of legend and myth, the Hebridean Islands in the Northwest of Scotland or the wild archipelago of the Faroe Islands situated between the Shetlands and Iceland – these are the places where harpist and photographer Thomas Loefke spends a considerable amount of time every year to compose music.

Dramatic coastal landscapes, the wide open space of the Atlantic ocean and the ever-changing sky reflect in the pieces of music created there.

On Sunday 8th June Thomas will be visiting Kauaeranga Hall for the second time and will be entertaining his audience with a harp concert, accompanied by a slideshow of some of his most dramatic photos – coastal landscapes, the expanses of the Atlantic ocean, and the rich wildlife of the North Atlantic.

Thomas’s music gives expression to the sounds of the Celtic Middle Ages, the lively dances of Irish folk music, along with his own original compositions.

Thomas learnt his trade in Dublin from Ireland’s leading harp players – Máire Ní Cháthasaigh, Helen Davies, Jeanette Harbison and Áine Ní Dhúill. Since 1984 he has been playing professionally and has won several international prizes. He regularly tours with Riverdance-violinist Máire Breatnach, with Colorado based cello/guitar duo Acoustic Eidolon, with Faroese fiddle player Angelika Hansen as duo Norðan and as soloist.
“People are listening to quiet haunting music again,” says Thomas. “It’s amazing how the sound of the harp takes the speed out of everyday life and brings you back to a sort of tingling slowness.

WHAT: THOMAS LOEFKE
WHEN: Sunday 8th June 2025 @ 2:30pm (afternoon concert, indoors)
WHERE: Kauaeranga Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames
TICKETS: Door sales $28
Pre-paid $25 txt: 021912993 or kauaerangahallmusic@gmail.com
or Garden Music 712 Pollen St, Thames