The Clarsach Society presents the 45th Edinburgh International Harp Festival (EIHF), taking place at George Watson’s College from 10–14 April.
A celebration of harps of all kinds, with Scotland’s clarsach at its heart, the festival brings together harpists and enthusiasts from around the world for an inspiring programme of concerts, courses and workshops, showcasing the versatility of the harp in a welcoming and inclusive environment that has earned the EIHF its reputation as the friendliest harp festival in the world.
With a 2026 theme of Hands, the programme reflects the many ways in which hands connect us through music: caring and safe hands, hands of friendship and community, hands working across genres and cultures, and musical hands reaching around the world in a shared spirit of peace, joy and artistic discovery.
SCOTTISH STRINGS
The Galloway Agreement features Wendy Stewart (harp), Ruth Morris (nyckelharpa), Beth Porter (cello), Gavin Marwick (fiddle), and Stuart Macpherson (double bass). Their afternoon concert will include music from a theatre project with writer Tom Pow and Japan’s Bird Theatre, exploring rural depopulation through story, song, and memory.
One of the few harpists to specialise in all three Scottish harps, Karen Marshalsay has a playing style deeply connected to the piping tradition and will perform on lever harp, wire-strung clarsach, and the baroque bray harp.
A rare opportunity to see them perform on home soil, harp and guitar duo Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy combine musical chemistry and playful energy with a mix of old and new Scottish music, alongside stories that are sure to charm the festival audience.
SUPER SOLOISTS
Making her EIHF debut, Amy Turk is a multi-genre harpist known for her viral YouTube performances. Her concert will showcase her percussive style, using extended techniques to reimagine pop and rock songs alongside her own compositions.
Trailblazing harpist, singer-songwriter and composer Laura Perrudin makes her EIHF debut, with a performance showcasing a highly personal and unconventional approach to the lever harp, shaped by innovative techniques and contemporary influences.
Originally from Brittany and now based in Italy, Marianne Gubri will present a meditative performance, blending music, science and spirituality. Her work draws on ancient scales, celestial imagery and atmospheric soundscapes to create a meditative experience.
Jazz harpist Park Stickney, who divides his time between New York and Switzerland, has been a regular performer at the EIHF since its early years. His performance will be an eclectic mix of inventive ideas, infectious humour and a unique style that will no doubt appeal to all!
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
One of the world’s greatest harp players, Welsh pedal harpist Catrin Finch will join her duo partner Irish violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain for a virtuosic collaboration as they blend classical excellence with traditional heritage, exploring a rich world of creativity, challenge, and discovery.
Making a welcome return to the EIHF, Paraguayan harpist Juanjo Corbalán performs with his quartet of harp, piano, saxophone and drums, blending traditional harp with jazz and Latin styles in a programme of original works and new compositions shaped by their travels across Europe and Latin America.
In a concert celebrating cross-cultural improvisation and shared traditions, Hong Kong-based Guzheng player, Wan Xing, will perform with the harp and percussion duo of Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black which will feature a new commission by acclaimed harpist composer Maeve Gilchrist.
RISING STARS
The EIHF continues its tradition of supporting emerging Scottish harpists.
Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter and clarsach player Anna McLuckie, a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, brings her distinctive contemporary folk sound to the EIHF. Known for her appearance on BBC’s The Voice, her performance will feature layered harmonies and expressive, story-driven songwriting.
Laura Penman, a finalist in the 2025 Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award and a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, will showcase her arrangements of both traditional music alongside her own original compositions.
HARPING FOR ALL
The EIHF proudly celebrates harpists of all ages and backgrounds.
Hands in Harmony: Moods and Memories brings together Clarsach Society ensembles and EIHF Festival Orchestra participants for a concert that will feature specially arranged music and will be directed by Isobel Mieras, Rosemary McKerchar, and Wendy Stewart.
The EIHF Junior Ensemble will perform new music by harpist and storyteller Heather Yule, based on The Adventures of Red Rory McGlip and the Fairy Harp at a concert that will also feature Royal National Mòd prizewinner Isla Ovenstone.
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 taught by over 20 world-class tutors. Each course offers an in-depth and inspiring opportunity to develop skills, explore new ideas and grow as a harpist.
Courses are available at all levels and cover a wide range of subjects, including Scottish, English, Celtic, and pop music, pedal and wire harp, jazz, improvisation, harp therapy, modes, session playing, storytelling, and participation in the Festival Orchestra. There are also beginner harp classes for adults and children (with harps provided), as well as opportunities to learn bodhrán and ukulele.
Workshops will explore topics such as Paraguayan harp, therapeutic harp, historical harp styles, harmony and Gaelic singing, percussive harp, and both the Chinese guzheng and the modern electro-chromatic harp. Participants will also have the chance to observe renowned harpist Catrin Finch in a special masterclass.
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.
QUOTE
Patsy Seddon & Katie Harrigan, Artistic Advisers to the EIHF:
“We’re looking forward to a few magical days, where Edinburgh becomes a crossroads of sound, and harps from many cultures weave a tapestry of music that speaks to our shared humanity.”
Full program at: www.harpfestival.co.uk
Festival Tickets: www.harpfestival.co.uk and 0131 554 0212