Author: Rachel Hair

It’s finally here! The 2025 Edinburgh International Harp Festival brochure is available to view online HERE.

What’s inside the brochure?

• Full details of all concerts, ceilidh, courses and workshops.
• Information on our venue, George Watson’s College.
• Details on our free to attend events including the Harp Makers’ Exhibition, Open platform, Sessions and more.

Paper copies will be available from our Edinburgh office, branches of The Clarsach Society and at the festival.

*IMPORTANT*
Our online box office will open on Tuesday 4th February at 10.00 
(Please do not attempt to book any events before then as it will not be possible)

We hope that this sneak peak of the 2025 festival, a few days before the box office opens, will help you plan your visit and your purchases accordingly. 

The Clarsach Society and Edinburgh International Harp Festival are proud to announce that the 2024 winner of the Iain Macleòid Young Composer Award is Vishak Ramaprasad.

Vishak, hails from Bangalore and is based in the UK following his studies in composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he was supported by the prestigious ABRSM Queen’s Silver Jubilee Scholarship.

One of the Britten Sinfonia Opus 1 Composers for 2024, and a member of the ABRSM Composer Mentorship Programme, he has written for groups including the Britten Sinfonia, Red Note Ensemble, National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and the GAIA duo. 

As a media composer and producer, his portfolio ranges from reality shows and podcasts, to commercials and theatre productions. Having contributed to over 15 Indian films, he has now signed to the major Indian entertainment company Viacom 18.

Vishak blends Indian traditional music with jazz, Western classical, pop and sonic arts, giving him a truly unique global style. Enthralled by the resonance of the Raagas on the harp, his award winning new suite Parasmai for celtic harp will be performed at EIHF 2025 by Scottish harpist Maya MacAdam.

The judging panel was highly impressed by the outstanding quality of the entries and extends congratulations to all participants.

We are proud to launch the artwork for the Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2025. We’ve been working with local designer and illustrator Jenny Proudfoot for 12 years and we’re just thrilled with what she’s produced this year!

Can you work out the connection between some of this years artists and what is featured in her design?

Our 2025 brochure (also featuring Jenny’s design) will be available to view online this Friday, 31st January. Paper copies will be available in Edinburgh, from branches of The Clarsach Society and at the festival.

A wee message to you all from Isobel Mieras MBE, with whom we are so thankful to, and continues to be driving force behind our festival…

To me, it has been a great privilege to assist in organising this Harp Festival for the last 41 years. In that time I have worked with wonderful teams of volunteers and administrators, all of whom have contributed to nurturing and developing it from modest, but significant, beginnings into the internationally respected Festival of today.

Since 2001, I have filled the post of “Artistic Adviser” to the Festival. Truthfully that should be “Artistic Advice Taker” as so many of the fine performers we have featured over the years have been recommended by well-travelled colleagues, to whom I am eternally grateful.

For the last 12 years I have had the joyful experience of working alongside Patsy Seddon who joined me as “Joint Adviser.” At the end of EIHF 2024, I stepped back, knowing that future Festival programmes are in her safe hands. I am so grateful to everyone I have met –amazing performers, wonderful musicians, talented young players, inspiring teachers, dedicated volunteers and, of course, those who attend and support the Festival.

My special thanks go to Mary Scott, our Festival Co-ordinator for her constant quiet support. While confidently handing over much responsibility to Patsy, I guess I am really not stepping back as much as to one side, as, believe it or not, I am not yet ready for the knitting and the rocking chair (horrible stereotyping!).

I remain on the organising committee to help and support if required and hope to see you next April at a new and exciting Edinburgh International Harp Festival.

Isobel Mieras

We received some wonderful news today from our friends at Drake Music Scotland…

“In recognition of European Folk Day, We’re delighted to share a new documentary about Rhona Smith’s (Drake Music Scotland musician) recent involvement with the Edinburgh International Harp Festival . Working with Stephanie Humphrys and Ali Gillies – this film by Tom Swift Films follows the creative journey to performance in April 2024.

Thanks to the Tasgadh fund (Creative Scotland) and PRS Foundation for supporting our work with disabled artists.”

The short documentary film depicting the creative journey of the two musicians preparing for a performance at our festival back in April is well worth a watch.

VIEW IT HERE

The Iain Macleòid Young Composer Award is The Clarsach Society‘s annual competition named in memory of John Macleod.

Composers between 16 & 30 years of age, including non-harp players, are invited to submit an original piece of music (single movement or suite), 8-10 minutes in length, for either solo clarsach (lever harp) including wire strung harp, or clarsach and up to 3 other instruments and/or voices.

The award is £1000 plus a premiere performance at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival 11-15 April 2025.

The deadline for entries is 1st November 2024.

For full details on how to apply, and the competition rules, please visit the website of The Clarsach Society HERE.