Host Of Harps: Music for Springtime

Host Of Harps: Music for Springtime

Monday 14th April, Assembly Hall, 15.00-16.00

The clarsach has been referred to as Craobh Nan Teud, The Tree of Strings. Isobel Mieras, Rachel Hair and Rosemary McKerchar are delighted to present a forest of strings as students, performers, teachers and organisers of the festival join with ensembles from five branches of The Clarsach Society and The Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble from Ireland for a musical celebration of Spring. The enchanting sound and sight of several hundred strings singing together in this Host of Harps symbolises the spirit of friendship and fun for which our festival is known.

We would love you to join us and perform in this concert.

What’s involved…

  • Host of Harps is open to all levels of harp players and we hope that EIHF participants, performers and tutors will join to perform together on Monday 14th April, from 15.00-16.00 in the Assembly Hall of George Watson’s.
  • Participation is FREE
  • There will be 4 pieces (plus the traditional Auld Lang Syne) .
  • Each piece will have 2 or 3 parts, which could be described as elementary, intermediate and intermediate/advanced level.
  • The pieces will be interspersed with short performances by branches of The Clarsach Society and The Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble.
  • Once registered, you will receive a link to download the sheet music. We will also gradually release videos and/or MP3s which may be useful for practice.

Your commitment…

  • Please choose and practise a part in each piece in advance of EIHF 2025. Feel free to use sheet music during the performance but bring your own music stand if you can (there will be a limited number available to borrow for those coming from overseas).
  • We ask that you try to attend at least one of the 3 rehearsals during the festival. The Monday one, immediately prior to the performance, will be especially useful to attend. These rehearsals are to ensure that everyone understands how each piece works in performance- e.g. repeats, dynamics tempo etc.
  • We are happy to answer any queries from you prior to the Festival.

Rehearsals…

  • Saturday April 12th 16.30 – 18.00
  • Sunday April 13th 9.00 – 10.30
  • Monday April 14th (Final rehearsal) 13.00 – 14.15,

Performance…

  • Monday April 14th 15.00 – 16.00,

How to register…

  • Email office@harpfestival.co.uk with “HOST OF HARPS REGISTRATION” in the subject line and we’ll email you a link to download the sheet music.
  • Please be aware that our office staff are currently busy with the launch of the festival, so you may not receive a reply right away.