The Edinburgh International Harp Festival announces an exuberant line-up of harping talent in its 34th year. With Scotland’s clarsach at its heart, the festival showcases all aspects of the harp with a host of concerts, courses and workshops in a welcoming and inclusive environment, cementing its reputation as the friendliest harp festival in the world.
CELTIC COUSINS
Celebrating the links with their Celtic cousins, the EIHF is turning the spotlight on Ireland.
An evening celebration of the music of Ireland will include the eclectic duo of Máire Ní Chathasaigh and guitarist Chris Newman and a performance from the rooted County Clare harpist Michelle Mulcahy. Wire specialist Siobhán Armstrong plays the ancient music of Ireland on her replica of Europe’s oldest surviving harp and will be joined by traditional singer Aodán Ó Ceallaigh to perform rare and evocative songs by Irish harper composers from the 17th and 18th centuries.
LEVER HARP
BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner and Scots Trad Music Award Gaelic Singer of the Year Mischa Macpherson will perform with her trio, alongside duo Tornish (Gwen Màiri Yorke and Tim Orrell), performing music from Scotland, Ireland and Wales on harp and flute.
Fresh on the release of her second solo album, Ailie Robertson will perform a rare solo set of Scottish, Irish and Quebecois music followed by a welcome return performance by brilliant Paraguayan harp virtuoso Sixto Corbalán, this time joined by his brother, Juanjo.
An afternoon of tradition will see Heather Yule, Irene Watt Calum Macleod, and gather round the “hearth stane” (the fireplace) to present an enchanting story interlaced with harp and song in a mix of Scots, Gaelic and English.
PEDAL HARP
Internationally famed pedal harpist Eleanor Turner will explore her own interpretations of harp repertoire from old to new, from Mozart and Lizst, to Piazzolla and Henson-Conant. The sight of four pedal harps playing at once will no doubt thrill as Clouds Harp Quartet perform music featuring improvisation and extended techniques.
Jazz Trio “Whiting on the Wall”, led by pedal harpist Amanda Whiting, create a mesmerising foot tapping groove and Ben Creighton Griffiths, a young jazz harpist who has earned an enviable reputation both at home and abroad will perform on electro-acoustic pedal harp.
COLLABORATION
The EIHF is proud to present the performance of “Nine Nests (Lessons for Spring)”, a cycle of prose by Tom Pow which came out of the multi-media exhibition, Locating the Nest. With layered and interlocking melodies by harper Wendy Stewart and cellist Alex McQuiston, supported by Tom himself, the 45-minute imagined soundscape will create a performance not to be missed.
HEALING
The harp has long been an aid to music therapy and healing. Dutch harpist and music therapy specialist Anouk Platenkamp will teach a course on how to use the harp in healing and therapeutic environments. Scottish musician Rory Campbell will speak of his work as a music therapist and the charity Music in Hospitals will give a presentation of their work with participation from two of their current harpist performers, Isobel Mieras and Rachel Hair.
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, 18 in total, will explore a variety of topics including how to take care of yourself as a harper, the power of the lullaby, playing as a duo and jazz jamming – even what to wear when performing!
Courses, 41 in total, at every possible level, range from Paraguayan to Pop and film, Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Dutch, how to compose on the harp, harp and electronics, blues and improvisation, being creative with the Pedal harp and a chance for students to perform in the Festival Orchestra. There are also harp classes for adult and child beginners with harps provided and even the chance to learn Gaelic, ukulele and bodhran.
Pedal harp specialist Eleanor Turner’s masterclass for both pedal and lever harpists will give both participants and viewers the chance to learn from her vast knowledge of the instrument. With nearly 40 tutors teaching this year, many will be available for one-on-one lesson, including this year’s distinguished guest, respected harpist Anne Macdearmid.
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.
QUOTES
Isobel Mieras, Joint Artistic Advisor of the EIHF, said:
“The Edinburgh International Harp Festival is a wee gem compared to the many huge scale Festivals now held in Scotland’s capital city. What makes it special is the huge respect in which it is held throughout the harp world, allowing us to bring some of the finest performers from the Celtic nations, the worlds of Jazz and pedal harp together in what must be the friendliest of Festivals.
While our concerts present some of the world’s finest harpists playing music from deep-rooted traditional to contemporary electro acoustic, in the course of 5 days these same performers will teach students of all ages and abilities from all over the world, then chat with them over a meal, a drink or in late night sessions on our beautiful campus at Merchiston Castle School.”
Patsy Seddon, Joint Artistic Advisor of the EIHF, said:
“The Edinburgh International Harp Festival is the highlight of the year for many, harpers and non-harpers alike. On seeing the wonderful programme of concerts, courses and workshops on offer one harper said to me ‘well that’s my holiday sorted!’
I have been at every festival except the first – that makes 33 in total, and am constantly amazed and delighted to see yet another fabulous range of performers, teachers and styles represented. I feel like a child in a sweetie shop – so hard to choose!”
Jennifer Port, Convenor of The Clarsach Society, the organisation that runs the EIHF, said:
“The Edinburgh International Harp Festival continues to draw an exciting and wide ranging array of tutors and performers, which is reflected in the buzz and excitement shown by all who attend. Each year, the EIHF goes from strength to strength and I’m looking forward to hearing more great harp music over the 5 days. As Convenor of The Clarsach Society, I hope some attendees of the EIHF will see the benefit of becoming a member of the Society and join their local branch.”
ENDS
Full program at: harpfestival.co.uk
Festival Tickets: 0131 473 2000
Hub Tickets, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
For further details, interview requests, photos etc:
Rachel Hair: Media co-ordinator, mailto:%20media@harpfestival.co.uk
Michelle Kelly: Festival Administrator, mailto: office@harpfestival.co.uk
0131 554 0212
Studio G43, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG