Announcing a stellar array of performers appearing at the annual gathering that has established Edinburgh as a World class centre of harping. Harps of all sorts are featured with the Clarsach, our own Scottish Harp, at the heart of the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and the organisers are proud of their reputation of creating an event which is friendly, encouraging and inclusive. 4th – 9th April 2014, Merchiston Castle School, Colinton, Edinburgh
HOMECOMING
In this year of Homecoming, the EIHF will shine a light on Scotland. Concerts will feature some of Scotland’s most travelled harpers. The recent generation: Catriona McKay, Maeve Gilchrist, home from USA, , Rachel Newton of The Shee, and The Duplets (Gillian Fleetwood and Fraya Thomsen). A special event, the Hall of the Chieftain, presented by John Purser, will feature some of Scotland’s most established harpers: Alison Kinnaird, Mary Macmaster and Patsy Seddon (aka Sileas) and Bill Taylor, originally from the US but very much at home here. They will perform, along with Allan MacDonald, Christine Primrose and Steve Byrne spellbinding music from the 16th – 18th centuries. Coming from further afield are Siân James from Wales and Andrew Lawrence-King from Guernsey and this year’s special featured guest Edward Witsenburg from Holland as well as Eva Curth from Germany and Clotilde Trouillaud from Brittany. The wider world is represented by Sixto Corbalán from Paraguay and Cheyenne Brown from Alaska with her North Atlantic Trio.
DANCE
A very special feature for this year is the collaboration between harp and dance. Andrew Lawrence –King and dancer Steven Player will explore and present baroque music and dance while Maeve Gilchrist will present her collaboration with step dancer Nic Gareiss. Participants will also be able to learn from these masters and join in dance workshops featuring Ceilidh, Breton and Belly dance
NEW MUSIC
With support from Creative Scotland, and in collaboration with Drake Music Scotland, EIHF has commissioned an exciting and inclusive piece from harpist composer Fiona Rutherford. Its premier performance will feature disabled musicians Amy Moar and Rhona Smith with the Festival Orchestra and George Watson’s College Ensemble
WORKSHOPS AND COURSES
A core element of EIHF is the chance to learn and share skills and knowledge in a wide range of workshops and courses.
Workshops, 19 in total, explore amongst others, songs of Angus and the Gael, electroacoustic music in performance and in the empowerment of disabled musicians,
Courses, 43 in total, at every possible level, range from Playford to Paraguayan, Scottish, Welsh and Breton, how to practise effectively, accompany singing and improvise successfully. There are also harp classes for adult and child beginners and even the chance to learn Gaelic, ukulele and percussion.
TEACHERS’ COURSE
Recognising the important need for harp teachers in many areas of Scotland and the UK, The Clarsach Society is sponsoring a short course to encourage competent players to have the confidence to pass on their knowledge and experience. Isobel Mieras and Wendy Stewart will give a short course on starting to teach followed by a series of short seminars open to all teachers to discuss and share ideas on relevant topics.
HARPMAKERS’ EXHIBITION
Makers from all over the UK and beyond will be on hand at this vital element of the festival, displaying instruments ranging from faithful historical reproductions to the very latest developments in harp construction.
ENDS
Full program at: www.harpfestival.co.uk
Festival Tickets: www.harpfestival.co.uk
0131 473 2000
Hub Tickets, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
For further details, interview requests, photos etc:
Rachel Hair: Media co-ordinator, media@harpfestival.co.uk
Michelle Kelly: Festival Administrator, office@harpfestival.co.uk 0131 554 0212