1st – 6th April 2016
Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh
From Friday the 1st to Wednesday 6th April, harpists from throughout the world will gather to celebrate all aspects of the harp with a host of concerts, courses and workshops in a welcoming and inclusive environment at what is regarded the friendliest harp festival in the world.
A DOUBLE CELEBRATION
2016 sees the significant milestone of the 35th Edinburgh International Harp Festival and the 85th Anniversary of its organisers, The Clarsach Society.
Harps at 85, devised and presented by Isobel Mieras and Gillean McDougall, will trace the Society’s story from small beginnings to to-day’s powerful influence in the international harping world. Featuring a kaleidoscope of performances from well kent faces including Wendy Stewart, Alison Kinnaird, Sileas, Corrina Hewat, Catriona McKay and the harp ensemble Na Clarsairean, alongside the new voices of the next generation.
CELTIC COUSINS
Continuing the annual focus on the music of a Celtic nation, the EIHF is turning the spotlight on Wales. Leading Welsh triple harpist Robin Huw Bowen will present Extrava-Cambria, featuring harpists Gwenan Gibbard, Elinor Bennett, Meinir Heulyn and Bill Taylor. Combined with harpists from Rhes Ganol (Wales’ Triple Harp Ensemble), The Clarsach Society Wales Branch, and Clerorfa (The Welsh Folk Orchestra) an exciting programme reflecting harping in Wales through the ages will be performed on Bray, Celtic, Pedal, and Triple Harps.
Elinor Bennett, acclaimed international concert harpist, is the 2016 Festival Distinguished Guest. Rooted in the traditional music, language and culture of Wales she will perform a concert programme of music by Welsh composers stretching over 3 centuries.
DELIGHTFUL DUOS
Internationally renowned jazz pedal harpist Park Stickney teams up with flautist Violaine Contreras to perform a programme that will include jazz, tangos and even the odd sonata, effortlessly improvised beyond recognition with much humour. Harmonica player Brendan Power joins Irish harpist Anne-Marie O’Farrell in a stunning exploration of Irish music for harp and ‘mouth harp’ creating a new, exciting and improvisatory context for old tunes. Using the recently revived traditional Turkish harp, the ceng, as well as lever Şirin Pancaroğlu and singer/composer Bora Uymaz, will introduce a unique flavour of Turkish music from early Ottoman to new music rooted in their tradition.
Scotland’s own Catriona McKay returns with her duo partner, fiddler Chris Stout, in a creative collaboration with West-African musicians, guitarist Samba Diabaté and kora player Vincent Zanetti of duo Kala Jula. This festival highlight will capture the spirit of adventure and glowing warmth of two delightful duos combining to perform as one.
AND SO MUCH MORE!!
Full program and tickets at: 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
Eleanor Marshall: Festival Administrator, office@harpfestival.co.uk
0131 554 0212
Studio G43, Out of the Blue Drill Hall
36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG