The Clarsach Society unveils the 44th Edinburgh International Harp Festival (EIHF) as harpists from around the globe gather in Scotland’s capital city to celebrate the versatility of the harp and its worldwide community of players, from April 11th – 15th 2024.
With an impressive line-up of concerts, courses and workshops, the EIHF showcases world-renowned harpists, emerging talents, collaborations and ensembles in a welcoming and inclusive environment at what is regarded as the friendliest harp festival in the world.
This year the festival is grateful to be supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUOSITY
Grammy-nominated Deborah “DHC” Henson-Conant (USA) makes a long awaited return to the EIHF. Performing on her custom-designed DHC carbon-fibre electric Camac harp, she blends solo lines, vocals and storytelling with her diverse repertoire of ballads, blues, flamenco and Latin-inspired compositions.
Award-winning composer and pedal harpist Caroline Lizotte (Quebec) will join cellist Étienne Ratthé to perform her renowned compositions, including the Scottish premiere “Close for Couloir”, a piece inspired by the beauty of Edinburgh and the history of Scotland, composed whilst on tour in Scotland in 2011.
EASTERN HARMONY
With members from Germany, Iran and Iraq, the Tarab Trio combine harp, santur (the Persian hammered dulcimer) and saz (long-necked lute) to perform music from Kurdish folk dances and the early music of the Ottoman Court to songs sung in both Arabic and Kurdish.
Tāla Tarang (“Rhythm Waves”) are a duo featuring pedal and lever harpist Eleanor Turner and tabla maestro Mendi Singh. Their music blends Eastern and Western traditions, exploring rhythm and melody in a unique celebration of music and humanity.
AWARD-WINNING CELTIC COUSINS
Winner of the World Harp Competition 2024, Brittany’s Kevin Le Pennec will present his own French songs and compositions, inspired by the traditions of his homeland while showcasing his modern, dynamic harp playing and powerful voice.
RTÉ 1 Folk Awards’ “Best Emerging Artists 2024”, siblings Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta hail from the Gaeltacht region of Connemara, Ireland. Highly accomplished players on harp and fiddle, they are also known for their sean-nós (old-style) singing.
SCOTLAND’S OWN
Returning for the first time in 14 years, Alison Kinnaird, a significant figure in the Scottish harp revival, will perform tunes and songs linked with people and events throughout her life before being joined by friends for a finale.
Festival favourite Corrina Hewat will be joined by pianist David Milligan as they explore Scottish and Celtic traditions, combining them with original music and songs, delivered through a wide lens of musical vocabulary and style.
Royal National Mòd Gold Medallist Màiri Callan, brought up in North Lanarkshire but with family roots in North Uist, will present a programme of traditional and new Gaelic songs with her own clàrsach accompaniments.
Originally from Argyllshire and Perthshire, Rebecca Hill and Charlie Stewart are a dynamic harp and fiddle duo, whose music draws on the heritage of their individual backgrounds.
DANCING STRINGS
The Willow Trio, a Glasgow-based harp ensemble consisting of Maya MacAdam, Sophie Rocks and Romy Wymer, will perform “Eala Shàilein” (The Swan of Salen), a live-synced score and film featuring dance choreography by Deborah Norris. An adaptation of Swan Lake, it reinterprets Tchaikovsky’s work through the Gaelic tale of the same name.
HARPING FOR ALL
The EIHF is proud to provide a platform for harpists of all ages and backgrounds.
“Host of Harps: Music for Springtime” will showcase ensemble music from branches of The Clarsach Society while giving participants, tutors and artists the chance to perform together as a mass harp ensemble.
The EIHF Junior Ensemble will perform “On the Edge of the Woods”, a piece developed during a pre-festival course with storyteller Daniel Serridge and harpists Elinor Evans, Isobel Mieras and Neil Wood. The concert will also feature a performance by Royal National Mòd prize-winners Hazel Brandt and Katie Heron.
The EIHF proudly presents the winner of The Clarsach Society’s “Iain MacLeòid Young Composer Award 2024”, Vishak Ramaprasad. Originally from Bangalore, India, his winning composition will be performed by Glasgow harpist Maya MacAdam.
WORKSHOPS AND COURSES
A core element of EIHF is the chance to learn and share skills and knowledge both in workshops and courses led by international guest performers and teachers.
This year, the EIHF hosts 32 courses at every possible level – including adult and child beginners (with harps provided) – taught by over 20 world-class tutors. Each course offers an in-depth and unique opportunity to study, learn new skills and be inspired – whilst having fun!
Courses give attendees the chance to learn harp music from Scotland, The Middle East, Germany, Bulgaria, Brittany and Ireland, as well as playing Indian ragas and the blues on the harp, exploring the use of therapeutic harp, singing songs with the harp and using the harp in sessions. This year will also feature a course on Irish fiddle. Several courses are online allowing the festival to be accessible to all.
13 workshops explore a wide range of topics including composition, improvisation, Bollywood music, singing, dancing and how to reduce stress & build resilience.
Come & Try sessions give participants the chance to explore wire harp, Gaelic, body-beats and bodhran.
HARPMAKERS EXHIBITION
Makers from the UK and beyond will showcase instruments that range from accurate historical reproductions to the latest innovations in harp design and construction.
QUOTES
Patsy Seddon, Artistic Adviser to the EIHF: “At this highlight week of my year I look forward to renewing friendships, forging new ones and welcoming many diversely talented musicians both professional and amateur – all in the name of harp!”
Full program at: www.harpfestival.co.uk Festival Tickets: www.harpfestival.co.uk and 0131 554 0212
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