From: GUEST,Greasemonkey

Please explain what a 'Celtic harp' actually is.
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Depending on whom you ask, it is:

1. An accurate reproduction of, or modern re-creation closely patterned after, ancient (pre-18th C or so?) harps built/played in Ireland, Scotland, or Wales. Some say the only "true" Celtic Harp must have wire strings (vs. gut/nylon/etc) and a soundbox carved from a single block of wood, and played with the nails rather than fingertips. Anne Heymann's work is largely historically researched music trying to re-create this instrument & it's sound.

2. Any harp smaller than the ones you usually see in an orchestra, which either has no sharping mechanism or else has individual levers to raise each string. No pedals. (Also called "Neo-Celtic" or "Folk" harp.) This is the most common usage of the term, at least in the US.

3. Any harp built by a Celt.

4. Any harp used to play Celtic music (however you want to define THAT!)

As for recommended performers, I fear I'm not immediately familiar with Laoise Kelly.

Herge, you did ask for music in a "more modern style". Check out Deborah Henson-Connant 's stuff. She is heavily BLUES and JAZZ influenced, but also puts her own spin on a few "traditional" tunes. Might not be the style you're looking for, but there's no questioning her talent & skill - and she might prove a good inspiration. She plays both orchestral pedal harp and a solid-body electric lever harp (yes, it can be as wild/weird as that description implies - but she also can play it very mellow & "folky". Look at some of her photos/videos for how she dances with the harp strapped onto her).

Another excellent artist who composes new pieces but is HEAVILY influenced by traditional Scottish tunes and therefore may be more appealing to the "traditional music" crowd is Billy Jackson .