Skyrne harpist wins car for a year

Skyrne harpist Fiona Gryson was the toast of success this week having hit the right note to land the keys to a brand new 162 registered car as a Nissan Generation Next ambassador.

Fiona (23) from Skryne, Tara, who is one of Ireland’s top young professional harpists, secured her place as a Nissan Generation Next ambassador after attracting 7,903 votes. Her tally was enough to finish among the top seven vote-getters who got to become ambassadors. 81,000 votes were cast for the 20 finalists during the month long online vote. 

Each ambassador was the given the choice of a brand new, taxed and insured car from Nissan’s award winning fleet to drive for a year and Fiona selected the Nissan Qashqai van as the car best suited to helping her to safely transport her harp as she fulfils her dream of bringing harp music to all corners of Ireland.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I am delighted to become a Nissan Generation Next ambassador and to drive away with my new Nissan Qashqai van. It is going to make a massive difference as I travel with my harp to perform and pursue my passion of being an ambassador for the instrument. I’ll never look back with such a great car,” said Fiona.

Fiona, who is currently undertaking a Masters degree in Music Performance at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, has also set her sights on winning prestigious international harp competitions, playing the harp as part of an orchestra for a Disney film and putting the instrument, which is the symbol of Ireland, at the heart of music education.

 

“The harp is an incredible instrument that is loved by many but seen and heard live by very few. I want to ensure that more harps are available by Irish harp makers and that more people are given the opportunity to learn how to play the instrument,” said Fiona.

 

Over 1,000 ambitious achievers applied to join the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme which is now in in third year. The innovative programme was developed by Nissan to support Ireland’s new generation of leaders and champions to get ahead on their journey to success.

 

“Fiona is an exceptional musician who shares Nissan’s commitment to excellence and innovation. We are delighted to welcome her to the Nissan Generation Next ambassador programme and to supply her with our award winning Nissan Qashqai van,” said local Nissan dealer, Andrew O’Toole, Dealer Principal, Windsor Clonee Nissan.

 

“Fiona received tremendous support during the public vote and those who voted for her clearly recognise her talent as a musician and the cultural value of her ambition to bring the unique sound and ancient tradition of harp music to the widest possible audience,” he added.