sePTeMber 2014 - Edinburgh International Harp Festival
Transcripción
sePTeMber 2014 - Edinburgh International Harp Festival
Edinburgh International Harp Festival 4-9 April 2014 Why settle for a plain harp� when you can have a Pilgrim harp?� WELCOME FÀILTE Welcome to the 33rd Festival where you can enjoy traditional harp music from many parts of the world, including Brittany, Germany, Paraguay, and Wales. Each year we plan to feature a Celtic Nation. In order to celebrate Homecoming Scotland 2014 we’ve turned the spotlight on the host nation. There’s traditional and contemporary music and also collaborations between performers from Scotland and other countries. Concerts such as The Hall of the Chieftain will feature Scottish and Gaelic music. A dancing theme threads its way through the concerts, workshops and courses in delightfully contrasting forms. As well as the customary Ceilidh Dance there’s Breton, baroque, percussion and bellydance. The new programme format was popular and has been retained. An alternative range of classes, workshops and seminars are scheduled on Monday. We’re delighted to work in partnership with Drake Music Scotland and a new commission will be performed by a talented ensemble including disabled musicians. Another exciting new feature is a short course to encourage potential or novice harp teachers. The Harpmakers Exhibition provides endless hours of browsing and a unique shopping experience for those seeking anything and everything harp related. We are grateful to the exhibitors for their continued support and to all our generous sponsors as well as those who have made individual donations. I look forward to meeting you all and to welcoming our distinguished Festival guest Professor Edward Witsenburg. Mary Scott, Festival Co-ordinator Let us create a harp especially for you.� Pilgrim Harps, Stansted House,� Tilburstow Hill Road, South Godstone,� Surrey RH9 8NA� Tel: (01342) 893242� email: [email protected]� Edinburgh International Harp Festival Hon Secretary of The Clarsach Society Fàilte chun 33mh Fèis far am faigh sibh toileachas bho bhith ag èisteachd ri ceòl traidiseanta na clàrsaich à iomadach pàirt den t-saoghal nam measg A’ Bhreatainn Bhig, A’ Ghearmailt, Paraguay, agus a’ Chuimrigh. Gach bliadhna bidh sinn a’ feuchainn ri àite a thoirt dha dùthaich Ceilteach. Gus Tilleadh Dhachaigh na h-Alba 2014 a chomharrachadh tha sinn air aire shònraichte a thoirt air an dùthaich aoigheachd againn fhìn. Tha ceòl traidiseanta agus co-aimsireil againn agus cuideachd co-obrachadh eadar chluicheadairean à Alba agus à dùthchannan eile. Ann an cuirmean leithid Talla a’ Chinn-feadhna gheibhear ceòl Albannach is Gàidhlig. Tha tèama dannsa a’ ruith tro nan cuirmean, nam bùthanobrach is nan cùrsaichean ann an cruthan a tha iomsgarach is dòigheil. A bharrachd air an Dannsa Cèilidh àbhaisteach tha ceòl Breatannach, Baroque, Faramachd agus Dannsa Mionach. Chòrd an cruth prògraim ùr ri daoine agus mar sin chaidh a chumail. Gheibhear raon eile de chlasaichean, bhùthan-obrach is cho-labhairtean air a’ chlàr Diluain. Tha sinn toilichte a bhith a’ co-obrachadh le “Drake Music Scotland” agus thèid coimisean ùr a chluich le còmhlan tàlantach, nam measg luchd-ciùil ciorramach. Is e feart ùr inntinneach eile a th’againn cùrsa goirid airson feadhainn a tha a’ miannachadh teagasg na clàrsaich ionnsachadh, a bhrosnachadh. Aig Taisbeanadh Luchd-dèanaidh Chlàrsaichean faodar uairean a-thìde a chaitheamh a’ coimhead agus a’ feuchainn ionnstramaidean agus tha cothrom ceannach ann air stuth sam bith co-cheangailte ri clàrsach. Tha sinn ann an eisimeil luchd-tasibeanaidh airson cho taiceil sa tha iad agus airson gach cuid buidhnean-maoineachaidh agus daoine fa-leth a thug taic-airgid seachad. Tha mi a’ coimhead air adhart ri ur coinneachadh agus ri bhith a’ cuir fàilte air ar n-aoigh ainmeil aig an Fhèis, an t-Àrd Ollamh Eideard Witsenburg. Màiri Scott, Co-òrdanaiche na Fèis Rùnaire Urr. Comunn na Clàrsaich EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 1 THE CLARSACH SOCIETY COMUNN NA CLÀRSAICH Highland Branch Isle of Lewis Branch North East Scotland Branch EDINBURGH Branch The Clarsach Society is the organisation that underpins the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. Established in 1931 at the close of the National Mòd in Dingwall, the founding principle of the Society - to advance the clarsach and its music, and to preserve its place in the national life of Scotland - is still at the heart of what we do today: Branches There are twelve regional branches of the Society across the UK and one special interest Wire Branch. Branches meet regularly to share music, plan workshops, or other events that meet the needs and enthusiasm of members in each area. Harp hire Members can hire good quality instruments at an affordable monthly rental. Through this scheme, some of the best-known performers and teachers - many of whom feature in the Festival - were enabled to take their first steps in successful careers. Young Composer Award Award Award To encourage the development of new music for the clarsach, the Society administers an annual award for young composers aged between 16 and 25. The prize is £500 plus the opportunity to premiere the composition at EIHF. This year’s Young Composer will be announced, their piece performed and the award presented at the closing concert on Wednesday, 9 April (p. 20). Annual scholarship Our annual scholarship is designed to benefit and encourage promising players at all levels who have limited resources. The scholarship can be used towards the cost of tuition or instrument hire. 2 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Wire Branch Argyll Branch Glasgow Branch Dumfries and Galloway Branch National Office Northumbrian Branch Transpennine (Yorkshire & NoRthern England) Branch Wales Branch Bristol & West of England Branch Tuition support To facilitate learning in areas where there is a lack of formal tuition, the Society supports branches by contributing to the cost of tutors’ travel. In a new initiative, delivered as part of the Festival, the Society is supporting FREE courses and workshops designed to encourage competent players to take the next steps in sharing their knowledge and skill so they may supplement tuition in these areas and beyond (pp. 28 & 34). International Pan Celtic Festival To celebrate and strengthen our cultural links with Celtic peoples, the Society nominates and supports a clarsach player to represent Scotland at the International Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland. London & South East Branch The Royal National Mòd Since the establishment of the Society at the close of the National Mòd in 1931, we have continued to work with the Mòd to offer a wide range of clarsach competitions and produce a folio of prescribed music and guidance for competitors each year. During the Festival, you’ll find members of the Society at our Information Desk located in the café. Open daily between 9am and 5pm, we’d be happy to introduce you to the Society and answer any of your questions. Jennifer Port, Convenor of The Clarsach Society, invites everyone attending this year’s festival to meet the committee and branch members at our Opening Gathering on Friday, 4 April at 7:00pm. We hope to see you there. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 3 OUR SUPPORTERS Homecoming LUCHD-CUIDEACHAIDH EIHF gratefully acknowledges the continuing support received from Camac Harps, Holywell Music, Jack Hayward Insurance, Pilgrim Harps, City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland, An Comunn Gàidhealach, Ardival Harps, Celtic Music Radio, Harps North West, Peter Green & Co., Solway Harps and branches of The Clarsach Society. It is also with great pleasure that we are joined by additional sponsors, supporters and partners in 2014 including, Drake Music Scotland, Tim Hampson and Telynau Teifi. The Clarsach Society and EIHF also wish to thank the countless number of friends and volunteers who help us along the way. Principal Sponsors In this year of Homecoming, our featured nation is Scotland. We welcome home widely-travelled Scottish harpers Catriona MacKay, Alison Kinnaird, Mary Macmaster and Patsy Seddon (Sileas), Rachel Newton, Maeve Gilchrist and also Fraya Thomsen and Gillian Fleetwood (The Duplets). Edinburgh International Harp Festival Dance 4-9 April 2014 We explore the special relationship between harp and dance - Baroque with Andrew Lawrence-King and percussive/improvisation with Maeve Gilchrist and Nic Gareiss. There will also be the chance to dance different styles, including, Breton, bellydance and ceilidh dance. Festival outreach With support from the City of Edinburgh Council, we have been able to bring Catriona McKay and harp student, Ada Francis together in an informal Mentoring Scheme, which aims to provide the opportunity for an inspired and fruitful collaboration between a brilliant, experienced performer and a talented young player. Edinburgh Branch New Music Funders Don’t miss the chance in Wednesday afternoon’s concert to hear the premier of a unique and exciting new piece composed by Fiona Rutherford. Commissioned by EIHF in partnership with Drake Music Scotland, it combines acoustic sound with music technology in the hands of disabled musicians and harp ensembles (p. 19). Media Partner Help for new teachers Celtic Music Radio, Scotland’s leading music station, will be providing pre-festival coverage and broadcasting highlights of this year’s Festival. Available to listen online at www.celticmusicradio.net and on 1530AM across Glasgow. Sponsors, Supporters and Partners Branches of The Clarsach Society An Comunn Gàidhealach Ardival Harps Drake Music Scotland Harps North West Peter Green & Co. Solway Harps Tim Hampson Telynau Teifi 4 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Glasgow London & South East Northumbrian Transpennine Wales Branch Supporting We know there are folk out there who would make excellent teachers or harp group leaders, and we aim to encourage and fill them with confidence. In a FREE weekend course, Dare to teach, Isobel Mieras and Wendy Stewart share long experience and gently invite you to explore your teaching potential (p. 28). Seminars and forum for all teachers With so many wonderful teachers joining us at the Festival, take the chance of a great meeting of minds at Monday’s FREE series (p. 34). EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 5 How to Book Contact us Tickets for all events can be purchased through Hub Tickets. If there is anything you’re not sure about, give us a call on +44 (0) 131 554 0212 or email [email protected]. • Online: www.harpfestival.co.uk • By telephone: +44 (0)131 473 2000 (Monday - Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm) • By post or in person: Hub Tickets, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE Please note: a transaction fee of £1 will be added to all advance bookings. Payment can be made by all major credit cards (except Diners). Tickets can be delivered to the Festival Office and be available for collection on arrival at Merchiston. If you prefer your tickets to be posted to you, this will incur an additional charge of £0.80 per order. During the Festival, tickets for all events may be purchased, subject to availability, from the Festival Box Office at Merchiston. Concession tickets EIHF aims to be open, accessible and affordable to all. Concessions are available for certain events – ticket price in ORANGE - on event listing. Available to: • Under 18s • Full-time students • Unwaged • People over 60 • Disabled people and companions. • EIHF Participants* *People who have booked a course costing £62 at EIHF 2014. Ticket discounts Young people Under 16s can enjoy up to 50% off on selected concerts. Ticket price RED on event listing. Concert series Benefit from a 12% discount when you purchase one ticket for each of the concerts excluding the Opening Gathering (C1), Heather Yule’s Storywalk (C2, C3) and the ceilidh with Bella McNab’s Dance Band (C9). Ticket prices: £106 (full) • £94 (conc.) • £56 (U16s) For queries about course levels please call Isobel Mieras on +44 (0)131 445 2022. HARPMAKERS’ EXHIBITION LUCHD-DÈANAIDH CHLÀRSAICHEAN During the Festival there will be an exhibition of harps made in the UK and overseas. This offers an opportunity to try instruments made by different makers and perhaps even to purchase or rent a harp. In addition there will be music, CDs and harp-related goodies on sale. Exhibition Opening Hours: Saturday: 9:30am – 6:00pm Sunday: 9:30am – 5:30pm Monday: 9:30am – 6:00pm Tuesday: 9:30am – 6:00pm Wednesday: 9:30am - 12 noon During the festival you can reach us on +44 (0) 7794792951 EIHF is very grateful to all exhibitors who create such an exciting event. Further information on exhibitors is available from our website www.harpfestival.co.uk and will also be made available at the Festival. KEEP IN TOUCH At the time of publication the following have reserved space at the Exhibition: Keep in touch and join us online. You can link directly to all online activity from our website homepage www.harpfestival.co.uk ACCUSOUND www.accusound.com KILLARNEY HARPS AFFAIRS OF THE HARP CLIVE MORLEY HARPS LTD YOUTUBE Watch great videos of Festival happenings and interviews. BLOG Read behind-the-scenes chat and guest writings on the Festival blog. Some exhibitors may not be present throughout the Festival and some may amend their opening times so please check this with them. www.killarneyharps.com www.affairsoftheharp.com www.morleyharps.com ALAW MUSIC MARK NORRIS HARPS www.alawmusic.com www.norrisharps.com ARDIVAL HARPS MICHAEL PARFETT CONSERVATION STUDIOS www.ardival.com www.michaelparfett.com CREIGHTON’S COLLECTION PILGRIM HARPS www.cccd.co.uk www.pilgirmharps.co.uk FACEBOOK Hear about the latest news and updates and share your experience with other Harp Festival fans. EARLY GAELIC HARP EMPORIUM SALOPIAN STRINGS [email protected] www.silverspearinstruments.co.uk TWITTER Follow us on Twitter for up-to-theminute news and share your views about events. TIM HAMPSON HARPMAKER STARFISH DESIGNS www.earlygaelicharp.info www.salopianstrings.co.uk PETE GRASSBY, THE MELODEON REPAIRER SILVER SPEAR, HARPS AND DULCIMERS www.harpmaker.eu www.starfishdesigns.co.uk JACK HAYWARD INSURANCE TELYNAU TEIFI www.JackHayward.co.uk www.welsh-harps.com HOLYWELL MUSIC TELYNAU VINING HARPS www.holywellmusic.co.uk www.camacharps.co.uk INTERNATIONAL JAZZ HARP FOUNDATION www.jazzharp.org Group bookings We are delighted to offer a 12% discount on bookings of 8 people or more. Safety Notice: To reduce the chance of instruments being damaged, please DO NOT bring shoulder bags, rucksacks and similar objects into the Exhibition areas. 6 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 7 FRIDAY 4 APRIL THE QUEST AND THE RETURN THROUGH DANGEROUS LANDS OF MUSIC AND ENCHANTMENT OPENING GATHERING STORYWALK AND COME AND TRY HARP SESSIONS C1 • MEMORIAL HALL • 7.00PM - 10.00PM SATURDAY 5 AND SUNDAY 6 APRIL Free but numbers limited so tickets will be available on the door only from 6.45pm. Join Heather Yule, spellbinding storyteller and harper, on a mystery storywalk around Merchiston Castle campus. Through story, riddles and rhymes we will journey on a magical quest to discover the key to happiness. Then, after many puzzles are unlocked and we find our way safely through the enchanted lands, we will return victorious to the Stronghold of the Harpers. The storywalk ends with a come-and-try session where you will have the chance to try the harps and learn a simple tune. A fun, entertaining and participatory event. Join us for an opening reception and musical gathering featuring short performances by some of this year’s artists and tutors, interspersed with the music of one of Scotland’s finest accordionists, Freeland Barbour. Come and meet friends old and new, and ceilidh into EIHF 2014. Note: Wine will be served at the reception and bottled water available to purchase at the gathering. The Festival Corner Room bar will open early at 9:00pm. 20% D IS C O U NurTses C2a C3a C2b C3b Theatre £9 (one accompanying adult goes free) C2a Saturday 5 April 10am – 11am (5 – 8 years old) C3a Saturday 5 April 2.15pm – 3.15pm (9 – 14 years old) C2b Sunday 6 April 10am – 11am (5 – 8 years old) C3b Sunday 6 April 2.15pm – 3.15pm (9 – 14 years old) ginner co On Child Be le (T1a & T1b) Yu er th t with Hea rchase a ticke when you pu See page 24 t. for this even ils on both ta for further de s. course Supported by: 8 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Peter Green & Co EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 9 SATURDAY 5 APRIL SATURDAY 5 APRIL SIÂN JAMES BLAS AR GYMRU / A FLAVOUR OF CYMRU HALL OF THE CHIEFTAIN WITH JOHN PURSER CLOTILDE TROUILLAUD BLAZ EUS BREIZH / A FLAVOUR OF BRITTANY C4 • MEMORIAL HALL • 3.00PM - 4.00PM • £11.00 • £9.00 • £5.00 Siân will perform a programme of traditional Welsh songs sung to her own harp accompaniment, presented in her own unique style. During her performance you will learn about ‘llatai’ or messenger songs; hear examples of Welsh macaronic songs and tongue twisters and be mesmerised by the beauty of her arrangements and voice. C5 • MEMORIAL HALL • 7.30PM - 10.00PM • £14.50 • £12.50 • £7.00 Clotilde presents music from her native Brittany, an area of rich Celtic culture. Since 1998, Clotilde has been a major player in the Breton scene often collaborating with musicians to create works for festivals including Fest-Noz (Night Parties), which always feature dancing, a theme of this year’s EIHF. Clotilde also plays with the trio Fileuses de Nuit (Night Spinners) but today we will have the pleasure of hearing her solo. With a star line-up, John Purser presents an evening in the Chieftain’s Hall. Alison Kinnaird, Allan MacDonald, Bill Taylor, Christine Primrose, Mary Macmaster and Patsy Seddon (Sileas) and Steve Byrne step back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries to rediscover the spellbinding music that was performed for monarchs and clan chieftains in some of our greatest castles. Epic song and Fenian Lay, ancient lament, music of praise and music of love, will transport you back in time and even into myth. We will honour the rich tapestry of Scotland’s music, from east and west, north and south, from Angus to the Hebrides, from Unst to the Borders - all as it might have been heard by some of the leading characters in our history. Emphasising the leading role of the clarsach, this is a rare chance to experience a truly authentic world, with ballad and song in Scots and Gaelic, accompanied by clarsach and pipes, and with instrumental solos, ranging from pìobaireachd to dance. Supported by: 10 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Supported by: Harps North West EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 11 SUNDAY 6 APRIL SUNDAY 6 APRIL ANDREW LAWRENCE-KING IN A HEAVENLY WAY – EVA CURTH WITH EDWARD WITSENBURG BAROQUE TRIPLE HARP AND STEVEN PLAYER: BAROQUE GUITAR AND DANCER MAEVE GILCHRIST AND NIC GAREISS C6 • MEMORIAL HALL • 3.00PM - 4.00PM • £11.00 • £9.00 • £5.00 C7 • MEMORIAL HALL • 7.30PM - 10.00PM • £14.50 • £12.50 • £7.00 German virtuoso harpist, Eva Curth, combines many influences in her colourful way of playing. She easily connects genres and styles and will present pieces from J.S. Bach, Marcel Tournier, Bernard Andrès and Carlos Salzedo. In the second half of the concert she will be delighted to play in duo with her former teacher, the great harpist Edward Witsenburg. They will perform works by John Thomas, Anne Macdearmid and some Sunday afternoon surprises! Andrew Lawrence-King and Steven Player of “The Harp Consort” present Chorégraphie, music for Louis XIV’s dancing masters as published by Raoul Auger Feuillet in 1700. Hear some of Jean Baptiste Lully’s grandest orchestral pieces, including the famous Passacaille from Armide, arranged for solo harp. See the dances as performed at the court of the “Sun King,” who himself played heroic roles and witty grotesques in masques and ballets. Chorégraphie is one of the crowning achievements of the French Baroque. Supported by: 12 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Supported by: Michigan born percussive-dancer, Nic Gareiss and Scottish harpist Maeve Gilchrist met while teaching at the Shasta Fiddle Camp in Northern California. They continued their musical relationship with spontaneous collaborations at festivals and chance meetings and later toured together as part of Darol Anger’s band, The Furies. At Celtic Connections in Glasgow this year, Nic and Maeve made their debut performance as a duo to great acclaim and have been picking up steam with the show ever since. Sharing a deep respect for traditional music and culture while drawing on contemporary elements of music, dance, rhythm and improvisation, Nic and Maeve have emerged from the vibrant new acoustic scene as innovators in their fields. The percussion and drive of Nic’s footwork combined with Maeve’s melodic and improvisational sensibilities make for an explosive duet that delights both the ears and the eyes. Edinburgh Branch EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 13 MONDAY 7 APRIL MONDAY 7 APRIL NORTH ATLANTIC TRIO THE DUPLETS FAMILY CEILIDH WITH BELLA MCNAB’S DANCE BAND C8 • THEATRE • 7.00PM - 8.15PM • £11.00 • £9.00 • £5.00 North Atlantic Trio combine Scottish, Irish, oldtime Appalachian and bluegrass music with their own original compositions in a unique cross-genre bricolage. Formed around a fireplace in Glasgow, this unusual marriage of harp, dobro and esoteric percussion has been warmly received by audiences at festivals throughout Europe and across Scotland. The trio recently released their debut album, Some Part of Something, which has been critically acclaimed as a “flawless coming together of crossgenre, mixed influence, multicultural music…sublimely melodic and intensely gorgeous” (Folkwords.com). C9 • MEMORIAL HALL • 8.15PM - 11.00PM • £8.00 • £4.50 The Duplets are looking forward to playing in the always-fantastic Harp Festival atmosphere. Gillian Fleetwood and Fraya Thomsen’s shared passion for music, ancient and modern, finds expression in their Scottish harp and song duo, The Duplets. Much in demand for workshops and commissions as well as performances across the USA, UK and Europe they are often lauded for note-perfect flair and musical poise. “The Duplets showcase the instrument’s versatility to spellbinding effect” (The Scotsman). Supported by: 14 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Bella McNab’s Dance Band will lead you through dances from Scotland and beyond, guided by their caller, with swingy sounds of multiple fiddles, guitar and double bass, playing reels, jigs, marches and waltzes. Get some advance practice at the Ceilidh Dance workshop with Annabelle Oates (W8, see page 33 for details). Glasgow Branch EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 15 TUESDAY 8 APRIL AN AUDIENCE WITH EDWARD WITSENBURG TUESDAY 8 APRIL TEA CONCERT ELINOR EVANS / ADA FRANCIS / LENA LOZANO C10 • THEATRE • 11.00AM - 12.00PM • £9.00 • £5.00 What was the life of a harpist like sixty years ago? Who was Rosa Spier and what about her role in the Dutch musical scene during the last century? What has been Phia Berghout’s importance as a harp pedagogue? The First Harp Contest in Israel in 1959. What did it bring about in the international harp world? The teaching of the eminent harpist and composer Marcel Grandjany. These questions – and others - will be answered during the informal talk, An Audience with Edward Witsenburg. All the above-mentioned musicians and musical events have had a profound and lasting influence on Witsenburg’s development as a professional harpist. 16 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 C11 • CAFÉ • 3.00PM - 4.00PM • £11.50 This year’s ever popular concert features three fine, young harp players, two from Scotland and one from France. Elinor won The Clarsach Society Young Composer Award with her piece The River’s Journey, which she premiered at EIHF 2013. Currently a final year student at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she is already building a reputation as a popular solo performer. Ada has been surrounded by music since her birth. Born into a family of musicians she took up the clarsach at the age of six with Isobel Mieras. Ada is an emerging talent whose playing demonstrates a sureness of touch and sensitivity that belies her years. Lena grew up near Quimper in Brittany and was introduced to the Celtic harp by Marin L’Hopiteau. Her love of traditional Breton music and dance is evident in her beautiful performances. She plays in several bands and sometimes plays with Galician gaita player Carlos Nuñez. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 17 TUESDAY 8 APRIL WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY ISOBEL MIERAS FEATURING A SPECIAL COMMISSION FROM FIONA RUTHERFORD WITH RHONA SMITH, AMY MOAR AND GEORGE WATSON’S COLLEGE ENSEMBLE LAMMERMUIR HARPS SIXTO CORBALÁN, ARPA PARAGUAYA CONTEMPORÁNEA CATRIONA MCKAY AND OLOV JOHANSSON, SCOTTISH HARP AND SWEDISH NYCKELHARPA DIRECTED BY HEATHER YULE MOD 2013 PRIZE-WINNER MAIRI-LOUISE MACDONALD C12 • MEMORIAL HALL • 7.30PM - 10.00PM • £14.50 • £12.50 • £7.00 Sixto is a powerful and expressive player of the Paraguayan harp. From a young age he has been learning from the masters, acquiring the knowledge and techniques that gave him the wings to fly with his music. The most notable technique is the use of two “keys” (llaves) on the left hand, introduced by Nicolas Caballero, which allow the harp to be played chromatically. While developing a fresh style of arranging traditional Paraguayan music, his constant search for renewal and expansion is also reflected in his own compositions. Taking his music beyond the borders of his own country with tours in America, Asia and Europe, Sixto is giving new vitality to traditional rhythms, mixing them up with other genres and achieving in this way to position the Paraguayan folk music within today´s path of world music. Catriona & Olov met in 2002 when Väsen and Fiddlers’ Bid shared a concert in Stockholm. A new sound was experienced that had to be explored further! They have toured extensively in recent years with their unique collaboration of Scottish harp and Swedish nyckelharpa. The two harpers have developed a common core which gives rise to melodic richness and engaging interplay. Two evolved musicians who combine experience of different traditions with an instinct to find and expose the sounds that allow their harp shaped music to energise and inspire. “…utterly reshapes our perception of the instruments’ potential… A radiant excursion into uncharted terrain.” (Irish Times) C13 • MEMORIAL HALL • 3.00PM - 4.00PM • £9.00 • £5.00 The concert will feature the premiere performance of Fiona Rutherford’s unique new composition, commissioned by the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in partnership with Drake Music Scotland. This inclusive, yet flexible piece, created for two disabled musicians, small harp ensemble and larger harp orchestra, explores the sound world and texture of the Scottish Harp through acoustic instruments and music technology. Using a combination of standard and new notation methods, it will aim to break boundaries and inspire. Lammermuir Harps is a small harp ensemble of mixed ages based around East Lothian. They will present a selection of traditional tunes arranged by Heather Yule. Mod prize winner, Mairi-Louise MacDonald from Skye will play traditional Gaelic airs and dances. (supported by An Comunn Gàidhealach) In partnership with Drake Music Scotland. The Festival Orchestra and members of na Clarsairean, the orchestra of the Edinburgh Branch of The Clarsach Society will perform a new suite incorporating new and traditional music by Isobel Mieras. Supported by: 18 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 19 WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL RACHEL NEWTON AND THE SHEE LATE NIGHT SESSIONS SEISEANAN ANMOCH WINNING ENTRY 2013 YOUNG COMPOSER AWARD C14 • MEMORIAL HALL • 7.30PM - 10.00PM • £14.50 • £12.50 • £7.00 Festival Corner Room (Chalmers West) Our late night sessions ensure there is even more music to enjoy after our evening concerts. A different musician leads the session each night and everyone is welcome to join in – bring your harp along or any other instrument, or just relax with a nightcap whilst soaking up the atmosphere. This year we’re releasing a different tune each month, available to download from our website (www.harpfestival.co.uk), so you have plenty of time to build your late night repertoire. This tune will get you started. LUNCHTIME OPEN PLATFORM ÀRD-ÙRLAR AIG ÀM BIDH 12noon – 2pm daily. Want to share your talents with us in an informal atmosphere? To sign up for a 10 minute slot in our Lunchtime Open Platform, visit The Clarsach Society information desk located in the café. The Shee are a six-piece ensemble featuring electroharp, accordion, fiddles, mandolin and flute with three strong lead vocalists and clog dancing. Without the usual percussion or guitar as backing instruments, the band find innovative new arrangement techniques to produce an individual sound that sets them apart from the rest. 20 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Rachel Newton, singer and harpist in The Shee, will perform a solo set with music from her debut album, The Shadow Side, as well as some material from her New Voices commission and soon to be released second album Changeling. The winner of The Clarsach Society Young Composer Award 2013 will be announced, their piece performed and the prize presented. COURSES GUIDE TO COURSE LEVELS AND TEACHING METHOD STIÙIREADH MU ÌREAN CÙRSA AGUS MODH TEAGAISG Please read very carefully the guidelines to course descriptions and standards. It is essential that you book appropriate courses – for your satisfaction, for the success of your course and the sanity of our tutors! If in ANY DOUBT, please check with your teacher or call us for advice about levels (+44 (0)131 445 2022). Please note that this number is to be used only for advice about courses – bookings must be made via Hub Tickets (www.hubtickets.co.uk) or see page 6 for full details). Most courses start on Saturday, 5 April and run for four days: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There are also two weekend only courses of two sessions a day, and one special weekend course for teachers of two sessions each day. There are three 2-day courses: Tuesday, Wednesday. Beginners’ courses for children run for three days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Each class will last 1½ hours, or as otherwise stated in the course description. As last year we offer four longer “one off” classes on Monday These will last for 2½ hours. Elementary: You can already perform simple tunes, require further help in consolidating basic technique and wish to work slowly and Levels and standards: before choosing courses please carefully. read course descriptions carefully. Elementary/Intermediate: As Elementary but you feel Harps are provided for beginner courses only. For all ready to stretch your boundaries. other courses, participants must bring their own harp, Intermediate:You already have good technique and can stool and music stand. work at a moderate pace. What we mean by: Intermediate/Advanced: As Intermediate, but you are Beginner: You have no experience of playing the harp. ready and willing to work at a faster pace. Post-beginner: You took last year’s beginners’ class, have Advanced: Your technique is good and you wish to had relatively few lessons and/or require work at a good pace to stretch yourself. help with basic technique. Mixed abilities: For all levels, except Beginner. Cost: 4-day courses £62, shorter courses pro rata – see course descriptions for details. COURSE TIMETABLE CODE LEVEL TUTOR TOPIC METHODTIME CODE LEVEL FOUR DAY COURSES - SATURDAY, SUNDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY T2 Beginners Helen Macleod Adult beginners E+M T3 Beginners John MacDonald Ùlpan - Gaelic language Post-beginner Christine Edwards Adults E+M T4 T5 Elementary Rachel Newton Scottish for 5-11 yrs E+M T6 Elementary Clotilde Trouillaud Breton music E+M T7 Elementary Karen Marshalsay Introduction to pibroch on E+M wire-strung harp T8 Elementary Wendy Stewart Scottish E+M T9 Elementary Sixto Corbalán Traditional and contemporary M+E Paraguayan music T10 Elem/Intermediate Christine Edwards Popular music on the harp E+M T11 Elem/Intermediate Eva Curth Pedal harp: knowledge, tricks and M+E new possibilities T12 Elem/Intermediate Siân James Welsh traditional tunes/Alawon fy ngwlad M+ E T13 Elem/Intermediate Maeve Gilchrist Independent hands E+M T14 Intermediate Eva Curth Traditional German music M+E T15 Intermediate Catriona McKay Catriona explores more top tunes E+M M+E T16Intermediate Andrew Lawrence-King Playford’s country dances T17 Intermediate Siân James Singing and playing -- at the same time M+E T18 Intermediate Corrina Hewat Stonking Scottish Tunes E+M T19 Intermediate Bill Taylor The music of Rory Dall for M wire-strung clarsach T20 Intermediate Alison Kinnaird Scottish E+M T21 Intermediate/ Sixto Corbalán Traditional and contemporary M+E Advanced Paraguayan music T22 Intermediate/ Clotilde Trouillaud Breton E+M Advanced T23 Intermediate/ Corrina Hewat Making your own Music E+M Advanced T24 Intermediate/ Anne Macdearmid Music from the Highlands and Islands M Advanced T25 Advanced Maeve Gilchrist Improvisation in Folk Music E+M T26Advanced Andrew Lawrence-King The noble art of French Baroque dance M+E T27 Mixed Abilities Rachel Newton For young people aged 12 to 17 years E+M T28 Mixed Abilities Wendy Stewart Song and Harp E+M T29 Mixed Abilities Isobel Mieras Festival Orchestra M+E T30 Mixed Abilities Eddie McGuire Composition M+E 22 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 TUTOR TOPIC METHODTIME WEEKEND COURSES - SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 1.00 - 2.30 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 9.00 - 10.30 1.00 - 2.30 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 4.30 - 6.00 9.00 - 10.30 9.00 - 10.30 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 9.00 - 10.30 9.00 - 10.30 1.00 - 2.30 9.00 - 10.30 9.00 - 10.30 1.00 - 2.30 9.00 - 10.30 T31 Elementary Rachel Hair Manx tunes E+M T32 Intermediate/ Gillian Fleetwood Arranging in different ways E+M Advanced and Fraya Thomsen T33 Mixed Abilities Isobel Mieras and Dare to be a teacher! Wendy Stewart THREE DAY COURSES - MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY T1a T1b Beginner Beginner Heather Yule Heather Yule 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 1.00 - 2.30 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 4.30 - 6.00 Child beginners 5 - 8 years Child beginners 9 - 14 years 9.00 - 10.00 10.10 - 11.10 MONDAY COURSES T34 Elementary T35 Elementary T36Advanced T37 Intermediate/ Advanced Catriona McKay Catriona’s top tunes Wendy Stewart Slow sessions Andrew Lawrence-King Il Corago: Action, Action, Action! and Steven Player Maeve Gilchist Dancing and playing the tune and Nic Gareiss E+M E+M M 9.15 - 11.45 2.15 - 4.45 9.15 - 11.45 M+E 2.15 - 4.45 E+M E+M E+M 4.30 - 6.00 9.00 - 10.30 1.00 - 2.30 TWO DAY COURSES - TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY T38 T39 T40 Elementary Intermediate Mixed Abilities Patsy Seddon Helen Macleod Cheyenne Brown Learning by ear for the terrified How to practise! Bluegrass COME AND TRY……. 4.30 - 6.00 1.00 - 2.30 1.00 - 2.30 and 4.30 - 6.00 9.00 - 10.30 and 4.30 - 6.00 9.00 - 10.30 T41a T41b T42a T42b T43a T43b Karen Marshalsay Bill Taylor Kathy Stewart Kathy Stewart Jane Bentley Jane Bentley Wire-strung clarsach Wire-strung clarsach Ukulele Ukulele Percussion Percussion Sat 9.00 - 10.30 Sun 4.30 - 6.00 Sat 1.00 - 2.30 Sun 9.00 - 10.30 Sat 4.30 - 6.00 Sun 1.00 - 2.30 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 23 COURSES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS & FEES MÌNEACHADH CÙRSA IS COSGAISEAN TEACHING METHOD E teaching will be by ear with no written music given out E+Mteaching will be by ear with written music given out during or at the end of the class or course M teaching will be from written music M+Ewritten music will be given at the start of each course. Teaching methods will be sympathetic to all levels of skill in reading/assimilating music BEGINNERS Child beginners Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 1 hour session each day. T1a • 5 - 8 years • 9:00am • Heather Yule • £30 T1b • 9 - 14 years • 10:10am • Heather Yule • £30 Come along and have some fun on the harp. Learn a few easy tunes, how to play chords and discover some exciting musical sounds. A perfect introduction to this versatile instrument. FOUR DAY COURSES Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 1½ hours each day. No session on Monday. Adult beginners T2 • 1:00pm • E+M • Helen Macleod • £62 Don’t be afraid! Come along to a friendly beginners class and learn to play some simple and fun tunes. With a generous helping of technique, this class should provide a solid foundation to any aspiring new harpist. Ùlpan - Gaelic language course for beginners T3 • 4:30pm • John N. MacDonald • £62 A set of four classes on Scottish Gaelic language for beginners. The classes will be delivered by a native Gaelic speaker with an emphasis on the spoken language. POST BEGINNERS Adult post-beginners T4 • 1:00pm • E+M • Christine Edwards • £62 This class is intended for those who have attended a beginners’ class, or are in the early stages of learning the harp. We will focus on developing correct technique and how to use practice sessions most effectively to 24 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 aid progression. We will build a repertoire of some easy tunes – from old to new, traditional to popular – and will also investigate chords and some fun accompaniments for playing together. From the very first steps of playing the harp, Christine will make sure this class is set at a pace suitable for all learners. ELEMENTARY Scottish for 5 to 11 year olds Traditional and contemporary Paraguayan music T9 • 4:30pm • M+E • Sixto Corbalán • £62 In this course the instructor will offer techniques, melodic and harmonic patterns based on two different tunes: one traditional and one contemporary. Objective: the participants will learn about the structure of Paraguayan music and be able to play the basic melody and rhythm of two Paraguayan tunes. exercises that focus on technique, separating hands and rhythmic core. As a harpist, one of the unique aspects of playing the instrument is our two hands – two voices! In utilising them fully, we are embracing our instrument and the textures and musical possibilities are endless. Be amazed at what you can create and also how working in this way will change and strengthen your general approach to the instrument. ELEMENTARY / INTERMEDIATE INTERMEDIATE Popular music on the harp Traditional German music T5 • 9:00am • E+M • Rachel Newton • £62 Come and learn some tunes and arrangements by ear in a relaxed environment with Rachel. We will mainly work on Scottish melodies both old and new and add some harmonies and chords to create a group sound together. Music will be given out at the end of the course. Breton music T6 • 1:00pm • E+M • Clotilde Trouillaud • £62 The class will listen to recordings of airs and dances from different parts of Brittany, discuss the differing styles of dances, songs and marches and learn how to adapt them for the harp with simple harmonisation. Introduction to pibroch on wire-strung harp T7 • 4:30pm • E+M • Karen Marshalsay • £62 A relaxed and gentle introduction to the great music of the Highland pipes, this class will look at the first pibroch Karen learned, The Battle of the Bridge of Perth, working on the ground (ùrlar) and several variations. Techniques, phrasing, and other stylistic features will be discussed along with a general introduction to pibroch. We will also look at ways of incorporating two-handed ‘gurgly’ variations into other tunes, giving them a pibroch-like quality. The class requires the C above middle C to be tuned to C# (no other sharps needed), and will work both by ear and with notation. Scottish T8 • 1:00pm • E+M • Wendy Stewart • £62 Elementary but not boring, simple but effective, sparse yet rich, the choice of beautiful, easy Scottish music is there waiting to be explored. Wendy will teach layered arrangements so everyone can find their level whilst learning some beautiful slow airs and lively dance tunes with background info and further ideas. Recording devices welcome throughout the course. T10 • 9:00am • E+M • Christine Edwards • £62 Everything really does sound amazing on the harp – discover a world of repertoire that you never thought you could play! We’ll investigate some of the latest tunes of the charts, as well as some older hits and music from films. We’ll also have a look at how you can arrange music for yourself, so the next time you hear something you like on the radio, you can make a harp cover that is bound to impress. Pedal harp: knowledge, tricks and new possibilities T11 • 9:00am • M+E • Eva Curth • £62 In this course Eva will share her knowledge and experience of almost thirty years harp-playing and teaching. We will have a look at every important part, e.g. sitting position, hand position, tone forming and relaxation techniques, while also explaining why each is important and what effect each has on the musical output. Eva will train your inner view and imagination and show you how to use this expressively. Please bring the music you are working on to the class, or let Eva know in advance if you are looking for something special. Eva can offer you several pieces suitable for pedal harp playing on every level. (Contact Eva via the Festival Office, [email protected]). T14 • 4:30pm • M+E • Eva Curth • £62 Because of its long history, German music offers many different styles and colours. Its main component is not so much the rhythmic element, but much more lyrical melody. Earliest sources go back to the 12th century, the so called Minnegesang (troubadour song). Its development reached its peak in the 19th century when famous composers transcribed traditional songs to classical art song. It was a very romantic style reflecting the Germans’ love of their country and nature. The abuse of this music and its content by the National Socialism System in the middle of the 20th century was a very big shock. The development and appreciation of this music were stopped because the love of it was suddenly connected with shame. That’s very sad, particularly when there is so much to enjoy! In this course, Eva will travel with you through the different times of German folk song and teach you a few of the most popular and beautiful melodies. Welsh traditional tunes/Alawon fy ngwlad T12 • 4:30pm • M + E • Siân James • £62 An introduction to some of Wales’ most beautiful harp tunes. Some will sound familiar, others less so, but all with evocative names such as Breuddwyd Dafydd Rhys (the Dream of Dafydd Rhys), or Megan a Gollod ei Gardas (Megan who lost her Garters) or Y Waedd (the Cry). Independent hands T13 • 1:00pm • E + M • Maeve Gilchrist • £62 In this course, you will work on strengthening your hand independence through a series of ostinato based EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 25 COURSES Catriona explores more top tunes T15 • 1:00pm • E+M • Catriona McKay • £62 Catriona is delighted to have this opportunity once more to bring some top tunes from her travels to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. Come and learn a few of her latest favourites! As is her style, she will sneak in a few tasty techniques and cheeky tricks to help you push your harping a little further. Join Catriona for a fearless exploration of harp tunes. Playford’s country dances: Celtic choreography meets European elegance T16 • 9:00am • M+E • Andrew Lawrence-King • £62 John Playford’s The English Dancing Master, first published in 1651, was a huge success in its own time. Today, it is a vital source for folk-musicians, dancers and early-music players. But what is this music, published in London City but representing popular, country celebrations? What is this English dancing-master doing with all these foreign tunes: Scots, Irish, Italian, Spanish and French? How can we create an accompaniment for Playford’s tunes? What are the musical priorities in the 17th century? And how can we make the music dance? Singing and playing - at the same time T17 • 9:00am • M+E • Siân James • £62 In this class Siân will introduce you to the art of singing to your own accompaniment. She will start with some very basic chords to accompany a well-known song and gradually develop the concept by utilising different melodic figures and ideas. She will explain how she makes her own arrangements and give hints on making your own. Stonking Scottish Tunes T18 • 1:00pm • E+M • Corrina Hewat • £62 A selection of great tunes to get your fingers around will be taught. The preferred method of teaching is aural, but music will be available at the end of each class with fingering and chords marked. Each day we will tackle different types of tunes with a different decoration each day to add to your repertoire. We’ll go at a moderate pace. A recording device is a useful tool to bring along to capture the “feel” of the tunes. The music of Rory Dall for wire-strung clarsach T19 • 9:00am • M • Bill Taylor • £62 Two celebrated harper-composers both shared the name of Rory Dall, or Blind Rory. One was Irish, Ruairi Dall Ó Catháin, who lived most of his life in Scotland in the first half of the 17th century; the other, Ruairidh Mac Mhuirich, also known as An Clarsair Dall, played 26 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, and died c. 1725. Many tunes in 17th and 18th century Scottish collections for flute, keyboard and lute were attributed to Rory Dall. The course will discuss which Rory composed what, and will present a selection of tunes, including several ports – the great music of the Highland wire-strung clarsach. Scottish T20 • 9:00am • E+M • Alison Kinnaird • £62 This class will cover several types of Scottish music, rhythmic and lyrical, with particular emphasis on the slow air and tunes composed for the harp. Suitable for players with a little experience, we will learn about decoration and basic arranging of traditional tunes. The class will be taught aurally, but music will be given out at the end. INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED Traditional and contemporary Paraguayan music T21 • 1:00pm • M+E • Sixto Corbalán • £62 In this course, Sixto will offer techniques, melodic and harmonic patterns based on two different tunes: one traditional and one contemporary. Objective: the participants will learn the melodic and harmonic patterns of Paraguayan music and the techniques used by Paraguayan harpists to introduce chromaticism to a diatonic instrument: the use of two keys in the left hand. Two different Paraguayan tunes will be taught and the written music will be handed out. Breton T22 • 9:00am • E+M • Clotilde Trouillaud • £62 Using sound recordings, the class will focus on listening, analysing, singing and dancing. We will look at tunes from Haute Bretagne and Basse Bretagne, and how to adapt them for harp as well as how to harmonise and accompany dance music, marches and airs. Making your own Music T23 • 4:30pm • E+M • Corrina Hewat • £62 This course, suitable for lever and pedal harps, is for those of you who can already play from music, can memorise pieces, can play tunes by ear, but have not yet fully embraced making your own music, or have yet to start improvising. We will cover many of the different ways you can access the music within you and transfer it onto the harp, onto the page and into the harp repertoire. A recording device will be useful for capturing your ideas as they happen. The Magic of music from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland T24 • 1:00pm • M • Anne Macdearmid • £62 You will fall under the spell of music from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. There is a wealth of beautiful melodies awaiting you - love songs, laments and lullabies as well as the thrill of the pipe marches and great fiddle tunes - a veritable feast of Scots music. ADVANCED Improvisation in Folk Music T25 • 4:30pm • E+M • Maeve Gilchrist • £62 In this class you will explore all the different routes that improvisation can take. Often people associate improvisation with jazz and blues styles but really, improvisation is used in almost all musical genres in different ways. We will be looking at its use in fiddle music, creating minute improvisations that shape the tune and make it unique each time it’s played. We’ll also look at improvising accompaniments, intros and outros and freeing up our playing so that regardless of what we’re playing, we understand the essence of it, and are therefore able to create and improvise within context. This will be an open and playful course! The noble art of French Baroque dance T26 • 1:00pm • M+E • Andrew Lawrence-King • £62 Allemandes, Courantes, Minuets, Sarabandes, Gigues & Chaconnes from the Versailles court of the Sun King, Louis XIV. French dance styles defined musical fashion across Europe and were imitated in England, Scotland and Ireland. Andrew Lawrence-King shows how to turn ‘true movement’ into swinging rhythms for harp solos, and guides you through fashionable French ornamentation. Music by Lully, Purcell, Couperin, Carolan. MIXED ABILITIES For young people aged 12 to 17 years T27 • 1:00pm • E+M • Rachel Newton • £62 This class is for young people of any ability to come together to work on tunes and arrangements with Rachel. Bring a tune you would like some ideas for, some arrangement ideas of your own, or just come along and try out playing in a group of other harp players. A relaxed class with recordings and/or written music given out at the end. Song and Harp T28 • 4:30pm • E+M • Wendy Stewart • £62 A class for all, whatever level of singing or harping, Wendy will teach Scots, Gaelic, folk and contemporary songs with different layers of accompaniment. You can just sing, just play or take the plunge and aim to do both together by Wednesday! There will be time to discuss your own experiences with singing and playing, and recording devices are welcome throughout the course. Festival Orchestra T29 • 1:00pm • M+E • Isobel Mieras • £62 Your chance to be a performer at EIHF. Students of all abilities are invited to rehearse and perform a new suite by Isobel Mieras and to take part in a specially commissioned work by Fiona Rutherford, both of which will be performed in Wednesday afternoon’s concert. The suite will contain new and traditional material. All music will be sent out in advance. Choose parts to suit your ability, learn the notes, then enjoy the hard work, satisfaction and FUN of rehearsing and performing in ensemble alongside other instrumentalists Composition T30 • 4:30pm • M+E • Eddie McGuire • £62 This is a course for clarsach and harp players who have started composing and want to find more inspiration and techniques to develop their work. Participants are encouraged to complete a short piece during the course. A selection of books, scores and other information showing the wide range of possibilities will be available to consult. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 27 COURSES WEEKEND COURSES – SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MONDAY COURSES TWO DAY COURSES TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY Manx tunes • Elementary One session of 2½ hours (with a break in the middle!) One session per day of 1½hours each. Sat and Sun: two sessions per day of 1½ hours each. T31 • 1:00pm & 4:30pm • E+M • Rachel Hair • £62 The smallest of the Celtic nations, the Isle of Man has been making waves in the Celtic music scene. A synthesis of Irish and Scottish music due to its Iocation in the middle of the Irish Sea, Manx music and the “Claasagh” (Manx Gaelic for harp) have been undergoing a recent revival on the island and beyond. So come help further the cause of Manx music. Awaken your senses and learn some fantastic tunes, both old and new, in the process! T34 • 9:15am • E+M • Catriona McKay • £20 Catriona is delighted to have this opportunity to once more bring some top tunes from her travels to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. Come and learn a few of her latest favourites! As is her style, she will sneak in a few tasty techniques and cheeky tricks to help you push your harping a little further. Join Catriona for a fearless exploration of harp tunes. Arranging in different ways • Intermediate/ Advanced Sat and Sun: two sessions per day of 1½ hours each. T32 • 9:00am & 4:30pm • E+M • The Duplets - Gillian Fleetwood and Fraya Thomsen • £62 The Duplets will teach a handful of their favourite tunes and explore how we can all emphasise and explore different feelings in a melody using arrangement techniques. This course aims to encourage a thoughtful approach to bringing out the characteristics you can find and choose in a melody thus giving you confidence to access the wide palette of options available to you on the harp. Dare to be a teacher! • Mixed Abilities Saturday and Sunday one session per day of 1½ hours each. T33 • 9:00am • Isobel Mieras and Wendy Stewart • FREE Supported by The Clarsach Society Could you be a harp teacher? Could you facilitate your local harp group? Could you share your knowledge, experience and enjoyment in playing? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” or even “maybe” then this could be the course for you. Isobel Mieras and Wendy Stewart will share their long experience of teaching students of all ages and abilities. They will discuss how to use your own particular knowledge and ability to help keen students in your area get started on playing our wonderful instrument. If your local harp group needs a leader, Isobel and Wendy will have tips on keeping everyone playing together -- and still smiling, keeping the joy and motivation of both teacher and student, and finding suitable and accessible repertoire. Thinking on your feet (or ears!) and the thought processes of teaching will be mused over and the embryonic educator lurking in all of us uncovered. 28 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Catriona’s top tunes • Elementary Slow sessions • Elementary Learning by ear for the terrified • Elementary T38 • 4:30pm • E+M • Patsy Seddon • £30 A chance to gain confidence in learning by ear with Patsy who has spent a long and varied musical career developing those skills. In recent years she has trained in, and now delivers Kodály musicianship, which emphasises the inner musician. We will learn beautiful simple melodies, mostly from the Scottish repertoire. How to practise! • Intermediate T35 • 2:15pm • E+M • Wendy Stewart • £20 A one-off class to review how your attempts at session playing have been going and where improvements can be made. Wendy will go over session tunes from the EIHF website plus a few others suggesting chord patterns and riffs to accompany at a slow to middling pace. We’ll also try a wee bit of that all-important key identification and quick lever change! T39 • 9:00am • E+M • Helen Macleod • £30 Are you struggling with a tricky bar that just doesn’t seem to get any easier? Or perhaps you feel that despite regular practice sessions, you’re just not getting any better? Then THIS is the class for you! The art of practice is an important part of any musician’s life, without it we will never achieve our goals. This course is designed to help achieve what at first can seem impossible… and I’ll try to make it as fun as possible! Il Corago: Action, Action, Action! • Advanced Bluegrass • Mixed Abilities T36 • 9:15am • M • Andrew Lawrence-King and Steven Player • £20 Supported by Harps North West An anonymous circa-1630 guide for a theatrical Artistic Director, Il Corago, gives us a fascinating insight into the cross-connections between poetry, music, dance, acting and swordsmanship. In this course, Andrew LawrenceKing and Steven Player explore words and rhythms in the context of historical dance, period fencing, and Shakespeare’s advice to actors. According to the ancient Greeks, to Roman orators, and 17th-century writers, what are the three secrets of great performance? Bring your eloquent hands, your dancing feet, and your swordfighters’ reflexes. T36a is for those wishing to take part as harp players (music is emailed or posted in advance). T36b is for those wishing to take part as dancers. Dancing and playing the tune • Intermediate/ Advanced T37 • 2:15pm • M+E • Maeve Gilchist and Nic Gareiss • £20 In this course, both fingers and feet are welcome as Maeve and Nic will work with their dancers and harpists separately for the first hour before bringing them together to dance the tune. It’s an amazingly effective tool to insert your musical mind into another artistic medium. For harpists to keep the music buoyant and danceable and for the dancers to be able to shape and phrase the music using imitation, ornamentation as well as alternate shoe sounds and textures. This will be a great, fun way to spend a couple of hours! T37a is for those wishing to take part as harp players. T37b is for those wishing to take part as dancers. T40 • 1:00pm • E+M • Cheyenne Brown • £30 When we hear bluegrass harp, we normally think of the harmonica. But we can also get some great sounds out of our harps with strings! Many of the traditional American old-time and bluegrass tunes had roots in Scottish and Irish music. Looking at a couple of old standards from the American old-time and bluegrass traditions, we will add the elements that really make it sound bluegrass-y: the bass keeping the beat, the mandolin chop, and of course the melody itself – all on the harp (with strings). Back by popular demand after last year’s workshop! Come and try ukulele Kathy Stewart T42a • Saturday 1:00pm T42b • Sunday 9:00am £15.50 per session An introductory workshop demonstrating the accessibility and enjoyment of one of the most current and popular instruments, the ukulele. Everyone will receive an easy to follow chord chart, be taught how to follow it, how to tune your instrument, and how to form chords. Guaranteed fun. Bring your singing voices! Come and try percussion Jane Bentley T43a • Saturday 4:30pm T43b • Sunday 1:00pm £15.50 per session Come and get your groove on! We will be creating rhythmic magic with an intriguing variety of world rhythm instruments, from Djembe drums and musical frogs, to the Swiss ‘Hang’ which looks like a flying saucer, and tuned plastic percussion tubes. Whether this is your first experience with an egg shaker, or you are a compulsive table-tapper, players of any ability and experience are welcome – there is room in the music for you. All instruments provided. INDIVIDUAL TUITION Individual Tuition, lever or pedal harp. Our distinguished guest, Edward Witsenburg will be on hand at certain times during the Festival to offer hour long lessons. Bookings for these popular lessons can be made during the Festival at The Clarsach Society Information Desk in the café. (P 3) COME AND TRY CLASSES Come and try wire-strung clarsach Karen Marshalsay T41a • Saturday 9:00am Bill Taylor T41b • Sunday 4:30pm Supported by Ardival Harps £15.50 per session An opportunity to try out the beautifully resonant original harp of the Gaels. While properly played with fingernails of at least 2mm, this is NOT necessary for this taster class. The technique is often called “the stopped style” where finger pads damp certain strings to stop excessive ringing, thus allowing a clear phraseline. Try out a simple tune, touch on its history and feel free to ask questions. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 29 MONDAY 7 APRIL DILUAIN 7 GIBLEAN FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE 9:00am - 10:00am Courses: Child beginners 5 - 8 years 9:15am - 11:45am Catriona’s top tunes - Catriona McKay SEALLADH GOIRID AIR AN FHÈIS Il Corago: Action, Action, Action! - Andrew Lawrence-King and Steven Player Alexander technique - Heather Coates 9:15am - 10:15am Ceilidh dance - Annabel Oates Tuning compensation for the harp - Nicolas Lynch-Aird 9:30am - 10:15am Teaching different ages and abilities, individually and in groups - Helen Macleod and Rachel Hair 10:10am - 11:10am Child beginners 9 - 14 years 10:45am - 11:30am Teaching by Skype - Christine Edwards 10:45am - 11:45am Harmony singing - Corrina Hewat Gut strings - Catherine Dunlop TIMEEVENT CODE 2:00pm - 2:45pm How useful are exams and competitions? - Patsy Seddon and Heather Yule 2:15pm - 4:45pm Slow sessions - Wendy Stewart FRIDAY 4 APRIL DIHAOINE 4 GIBLEAN Dancing & playing the tune - Maeve Gilchrist / Nic Gareiss 3:30pm - 7:00pm Registration Stagefright - Eva Curth 7:00pm - 10:00pm Opening Gathering C1 2:15pm - 3:15pm Bellydance for fun and fitness - Mandy Hunter 10:00pm... Late Night Session - Festival Corner Room (Chalmers West) Tuning compensation for the harp - Nicolas Lynch-Aird 3:00pm - 4:00pm Open forum - your questions to an expert panel - Edward Witsenburg, SATURDAY 5 APRIL DISATHAIRNE 5 GIBLEAN Anne Macdearmid, Corrina Hewat and Bill Taylor 3:45pm - 4:45pm Gut strings - Catherine Dunlop 8:00am onwards Registration Gaelic song - Christine Primrose 9:00am - 10:30am Courses 7:00pm - 8:15pm North Atlantic Trio / The Duplets 10:00am - 11:00am The Quest and the Return through Dangerous Lands of Music C2a 8:15pm - 11:00pm Family Ceilidh with Bella McNab’s Dance Band and Enchantment Storywalk and come and try harp sessions (5 - 8 years old) 11:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 2:30pm 2:15pm - 3:15pm 3:00pm - 4:00pm 4:30pm - 6:00pm 7:30pm - 10:00pm 10:00pm... Welsh traditional song - Siân James Songs of Angus - Steve Byrne Strange Rainbow - Catriona MacKay and Alistair MacDonald Courses The Quest and the Return through Dangerous Lands of Music and Enchantment Storywalk and come and try harp sessions (9 - 14 years old) Blas ar Gymru - Siân James / Blaz eus Breizh - Clotilde Trouillaud Courses Hall of the Chieftain with John Purser Late Night Session - Festival Corner Room (Chalmers West) 09:00am - 10:30pm 10:00am - 11:00am 11:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 2:30pm 2:15pm - 3:15pm 3:00pm - 4:00pm 4:30pm - 6:00pm 7:30pm - 10:00pm 10:00pm... Courses The Quest and the Return through Dangerous Lands of Music and Enchantment Storywalk and come and try harp sessions (5 - 8 years old) Evolution of the Paraguayan harp - Sixto Corbalán Breton dance - Clotilde Trouillaud Keeping your stopping still & an introduction to body percussion - Rick Bamford Courses The Quest and the Return through Dangerous Lands of Music and Enchantment Storywalk and come and try harp sessions (9 - 14 years old) In a Heavenly Way - Eva Curth with Edward Witsenburg Courses Andrew Lawrence-King and Steven Player / Maeve Gilchrist and Nic Gareiss Late Night Session - Festival Corner Room (Chalmers West) W1 W2 W3 C3a C4 C5 SUNDAY 6 APRIL DIDOMHNAICH 6 GIBLEAN 30 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 T1a T34 T36 W7 W8 W9a W15a T1b W15b W10 W11a W15c T35 T37 W12 W13 W9b W15d W11b W14 C8 C9 TUESDAY 8 APRIL DIMAIRT 8 GIBLEAN 9:00am - 10:30am 11:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 2:30pm 3:00pm - 4:00pm 4:30pm - 6:00pm 7:30pm - 10:00pm 10:00pm... Courses (note: T1b starts at 10:10am) An Audience with Edward Witsenburg The musician and the dancer - Maeve Gilchrist and Nic Gareiss Courses Tea Concert - Elinor Evans / Ada Francis / Lena Lozano Courses Sixto Corbalán, Arpa Paraguaya Contemporanea Catriona McKay and Olov Johansson, Scottish Harp and Swedish Nyckelharpa Late Night Session - Festival Corner Room (Chalmers West) 9:00am - 10:30am 11:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 2:30pm 3:00pm - 4:00pm 4:30pm - 6:00pm 7:30pm - 10:00pm 10:00pm... Courses (note: T1b starts at 10:10am) Equilibrium - Pete Sparkes, Fiona Rutherford and Drake Music Scotland W17 The travelling Nyckelharper who never stops exploring! - Olov Johansson W18 Harp and the spoken word: or the Bard in the 21st century - Heather Yule W19 Courses The Festival Orchestra directed by Isobel Mieras featuring special commission C13 by Fiona Rutherford with Rhona Smith, Amy Moar & George Watson’s Ensemble Lammermuir Harps directed by Heather Yule Mairi-Louise MacDonald (Mod 2013 prize winner) Courses Rachel Newton and The Shee C14 Winning entry 2013 Young Composer Award Late Night Session - Festival Corner Room (Chalmers West) C10 W16 C11 C12 WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL DICIADAIN 9 GIBLEAN C2b W4 W5 W6 C3b C6 C7 Edinburgh International Harp Festival reserves the right to amend this programme without further notice EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 31 WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS BÙTHAN-OBRACH SUNDAY 6 APRIL 11.00am - 12.00pm Evolution of the Paraguayan harp Alexander Technique W4 • Sixto Corbalán • £8 A brief overview of the history of the Paraguayan harp will be followed by a description of the developments of the present day, especially the elevation of this traditionally diatonic instrument to a chromatic instrument. Practical examples with traditional rhythms will show how they are adapted to the more widely used chromatic range with use of new techniques such as ‘llaves’ (keys). There will be time for questions and discussion. W7 • 9.15am – 11.45am • Heather Coates • £12.00/£10.00 The Alexander Technique is a way of using our whole self: body, mind and spirit, so that everything we do becomes easier, lighter, less effort. The relevance to harpists - people who rely on mobility and poise in order to perform to a high standard - is obvious. In this workshop you will be invited to observe in playing and in quietness, to release unnecessary habitual tension and to look for better coordination and balance while playing. Breton dance W8 • 9.15am - 10.15am • Annabel Oates • £8.00 The aim of the workshop will be to provide fun participation in this form of popular Scottish social dancing. It is enjoyed by all ages at ceilidhs, weddings, family gatherings, schools etc. You will learn some easy popular dances to the sound of great Scottish music. No partner or experience is necessary– if you can walk, you can ceilidh! W5 • Clotilde Trouillaud • £8 Let’s (re)discover traditional Breton dances: en dro, hanter-dro, gavotte and ridée. Listen to traditional singers and musicians, and learn some easy songs for dancing. Keeping your stopping still and an introduction to body percussion W6 • Rick Bamford • £8 SATURDAY 5 APRIL 11.00am - 12.00pm This workshop is all about relaxing the body and mind. We are going to do two or three easy exercises on being Welsh traditional song able to consider our legs and waist, the abdomen and W1 • Siân James • £8 shoulders as separate entities. We will also work with our In this workshop Siân will delve into the various types senses. This will prepare the way for an introduction to of singing found in Welsh traditional music : llatai work with and play with some everyday rhythms, which (messenger) songs, Plygain carols, ballads and we will make using hands, feet and finger clicks and Cerdd Dant. body. Supported by The Clarsach Society Wales Branch & Solway Harps Songs of Angus W2 • Steve Byrne • £8 Steve will explore songs and poems set to music from his native Angus on Scotland’s east coast which he has enjoyed exploring with a variety of folk choirs and workshop participants over the years. Bring your voice and be prepared to get to grips with the Angus Scots dialect! Strange Rainbow W3 • Catriona MacKay and Alistair MacDonald • £8 Live electroacoustic improvising duo Strange Rainbow combine Scotland’s dynamic and innovative harper, Catriona McKay and electronic music guru, Alistair MacDonald. This workshop allows a window into how they create their Strange Rainbow of live instrumental improvisation and audio transformation. They will perform a Strange Rainbow re-mix of a track from Catriona’s latest solo harp cd Harponium and explain the journey, revelations and joy of making this music. Come along and re-think the possibilities for your own harp playing - a link for a free download of software will be given so you can create your own strange rainbow. 32 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 MONDAY 7 APRIL Ceilidh dance Tuning compensation for the harp W9a • 9.15am - 10.15am • Nicholas Lynch-Aird • £8.00 W9b • 2.15pm - 3.15pm • Nicholas Lynch-Aird • £8.00 This presentation will describe an ongoing research project which is exploring how harp strings behave with changes in temperature and humidity, and whether this knowledge can be used to make pre-emptive tuning adjustments while the harp is being played. Test results will be presented for both nylon and gut strings, and a variety of possible tuning stabilisation approaches will be discussed, with practical considerations for their implementation. factory takes the whole morning, and is well worth a visit, where there is always a friendly welcome. We also go back in history - some 4,500 years! Supported by The Clarsach Society London & SE Branch Stagefright W12 • 2.15pm - 4.45pm • Eva Curth • £12.00/£10.00 Who doesn’t know the situation: we learn a piece, we practice hard and then we are dying to play it in front of other people. Sometimes it’s not working out as well as we want it to. In this workshop, Eva will tell you why and how to handle this situation. You will learn how to create a satisfying experience on stage for your audience and, much more importantly, for yourself! It’s not necessary to bring your own harp as there will be a pedal and a lever-harp available. It would be great if someone feels encouraged to PRACTISE playing in front of others. Supported by The Clarsach Society London & SE Branch Teaching will be in lecture style. At the end of the workshop a handout with hints and advice will be given out. Harmony singing Supported by The Clarsach Society Northumbrian Branch W10 • 10.45am - 11.45am • Corrina Hewat • £8.00 A fun and energising workshop, designed for all of you who need an hour of vocal joyfulness in the day. No need for harps, just a smile and a voice and the ability to laugh! This workshop is for everyone who fancies singing some fun, memorable, quick to learn songs then playing around with them using a mix of harmonies, rhythms and wordplay. Bellydance for fun and fitness Gut strings W11a • 10.45am - 11.45am • Catherine Dunlop • £8.00 W11b • 3.45pm - 4.45pm • Catherine Dunlop • £8.00 This is mostly about gut strings, how they are made by Bow Brand at Kings Lynn, Norfolk, and the dedication it takes to make these strings. You will see pictures of the process, and hear about the importance of getting the right aged cows, and many other things. A trip round the W13 • 2.15pm - 3.15pm • Mandy Hunter • £8.00 As harpists spend long periods of time practising, bellydance provides a fun counterpoint, which increases flexibility of the spine and relieves tension in the shoulders. It also works the whole body, not just the belly. You will learn a short choreography that will be suitable for beginners with no experience and will have some layers added on for anyone who wishes to try something a bit more challenging. Gaelic song W14 • 3.45pm - 4.45pm • Christine Primrose • £8.00 A selection of Gaelic songs will be covered. Knowledge of Gaelic is not necessary but enthusiasm is! EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 33 WORKSHOPS Seminars for Teachers Monday 7 April The travelling Nyckelharper who never stops exploring This series is open to all teachers or potential teachers. Each session will be a discussion and sharing of ideas on an aspect of teaching, led by individuals with relevant experience, finishing with an open forum chaired by Jennifer Port, Convenor of The Clarsach Society. Teaching different ages and abilities, individually and in groups W18 • Olov Johansson • £8.00 Olov will reveal the sound and technique of the Swedish nyckelharpa, and include a short guide to its history, its repertoire past, present and future. He will explain how he came to play and then tour worldwide with his amazing Swedish band Väsen, and how through travelling and making many music connections he found himself playing in an unlikely Swedish & Scottish harp shaped duo with Scottish harper, Catriona McKay. W15a • 9.30am - 10.15am • Helen Macleod and Rachel Hair • FREE (ticketed) Harp and the spoken word: or the Bard in the 21st century Admission is free but advanced booking is advised. W19 • Heather Yule • £8.00 From earliest times music, story and poetry have formed the essence of human communities. In the Celtic countries story and song were vital ingredients in marking the rituals of the calendar year. The poetry in the Gaelic tradition, set to music and carried through the land by the itinerant harpers, had the power to influence even the mightiest of kings. As the world and communities changed the old image of the harper and the storyteller disappeared. But now, just like the clarsach, the art of storytelling is enjoying a revival throughout the world and must find its new place and function in modern life. In this workshop we will be considering the different contemporary approaches to combining the music of the harp with the spoken word. I will also demonstrate and explain my own method. So come along to hear some wonderful stories and to explore the creative world of harp accompaniment. Teaching by Skype W15b • 10.45am - 11.30am • Christine Edwards FREE (ticketed) How useful are exams and competitions? W15c • 2.00pm - 2.45pm • Patsy Seddon and Heather Yule • FREE (ticketed) Open forum - your questions to an expert panel W15d • 3.00pm - 4.00pm • Edward Witsenburg, Anne Macdearmid, Corrina Hewat, Bill Taylor FREE (ticketed) Supported by The Clarsach Society TUESDAY 8 APRIL 11.00am - 12.00pm technology is being used by disabled people to The musician and the dancer W16 • Maeve Gilchrist and Nic Gareiss • £8.00 An intro to percussive dance and a discussion on the musical relationship between dancer and player. Come try out some basic dance steps and hear about how Nic and Maeve came together as artists and started developing a show. Bring questions! WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL compose, play and perform music. Led by Pete Sparkes, Artistic Director of Drake Music Scotland – a charity that works all over Scotland to make music accessible. Using examples from an exciting new commission for EIHF, Pete and Fiona Rutherford will explain how the music was created, how the technology works and how this enables each of the performers to overcome the challenge of public performance. 11.00am - 12.00pm Equilibrium W17 • Pete Sparkes, Fiona Rutherford and Drake Music Scotland • £8.00 This practical workshop will explore how music 34 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Pete will demonstrate how Soundbeams, Skoogs, iPads, and even Brainwaves can be used to play almost any kind of musical sounds with almost any part of the body! Supported by The Clarsach Society Transpennine Branch EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 35 BIOGRAPHIES EACHDRAIDHEAN-BEATHA 1 2 3 7 8 9 4 5 6 10 11 12 1. Rick Bamford Drummer and Percussion player. Currently plays in Infinite Trio, music for piano, bass and drums, and The Sound of Seventeen Big Band. Rick tutors adults in Tai-Chi, a slow moving form of meditation and a martial art. He also works with people wishing to study energy and meditation work. Rick is also Music Technology Officer for Drake Music Scotland. 2. Jane Bentley Jane is a freelance community musician, specialising in music for health and wellbeing contexts. She completed her PhD at the University of Strathclyde, focusing on musical improvisation and interaction, and has since been engaged on two European Union knowledge exchange projects with Musique et Sante, Paris. She now splits her time between doing in-house musical engagement with NHS patients, training other musicians to work in healthcare settings and running broader community-based rhythm workshops. Her biggest-ever gig involved getting 25,000 people to improvise together, and her smallest one – just one! 3. Cheyenne Brown Cheyenne is from Alaska but has been based in Scotland for the past eleven years where she has studied the Scottish harp from both a performance and a research perspective and works to perform and teach the Scottish harp locally and abroad. Her playing style is characteristically free and creative, making much use of improvisation and contrasting textures. She works with several different bands and has recently released the North Atlantic Trio’s debut album Some Part of Something and her critically acclaimed solo album, Parallel Latitudes. 36 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 4. Steve Byrne From Arbroath in Scotland’s eastern lowlands, Steve has been immersed in traditional music since early childhood, and continues to write and arrange songs in his native Scots tongue. Best known as a founder member of innovative Scots folksong group Malinky, he has worked with a variety of artists including Emily Smith, Jim Malcolm, Julie Fowlis and Fred Morrison. A trained ethnologist - as a graduate of the School of Scottish Studies - Steve applies his deep knowledge and love of Scottish traditions to all aspects of his musical career, whether as a performer, teacher or workshop leader. 5. Heather Coates Heather was born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, and now lives in Edinburgh. She qualified as an Alexander teacher twenty years ago having had an interest in the technique for twenty years prior to that. She trained at Fellside Alexander School, Kendal, under Don Burton and subsequently completed post-graduate work with Walter Carrington in London. Since then she has taught the technique privately, for St. Andrews University Music Department and also on workshops including for people with Parkinson’s disease. She is also a musician who teaches cello and singing, and plays cello and piano in a freelance capacity. 6. Tana Collins Tana has been a fully qualified Massage Therapist and member of the Scottish Massage Therapists’ Organisation since 2000 and has been the EIHF’s Masseuse since 2002. During this time, Tana has built up a hugely successful client base, working in a number of businesses and from her home in Edinburgh. Tana uses massage as a tool to help combat poor posture and repetitive strain problems, which are prevalent amongst musicians and computer users. She also has experience in treating common sports injuries; sciatica; back pain; stress and anxiety; sleep problems and mild to moderate depression. 7. Sixto Corbalán Sixto started playing harp at age eight and, although there are no other musicians in the previous generation of his family, he appears to carry music in his blood. The constant search for renewal and expansion led him to learn with the masters. Several awards and recognition for his work have led to performances at international festivals and tours in America, Asia and Europe. His most notable technique is the use of two “keys” on the left hand, which creates an unexpected chromatic range. Combining his native skills with his broad cosmopolitan outlook, Sixto’s music is powerful and harmonious but above all expressive and sensitive. 8. Marianne Cranston Marianne is a qualified member of the Dutch Societies of Holistic Pulsing and Astrology, with wide experience of working in Europe and the UK. Her goal as a spiritual astrologer and holistic pulser is to help clients become attuned with their inner selves, to help build up self-esteem, trust and self-belief. 9. Eva Curth Born in the middle of Germany as daughter of a classical oboe player, Eva started her musical education at the age of four. Piano and voice lessons led to the desire to learn classical pedal harp. She studied harp with Edward Witsenburg and Alice Giles, graduating with distinction from the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. She performs numerous solo and ensemble concerts around the world and worked as solo harpist in several orchestras. In 2011 she decided to leave the orchestra and concentrate on her work as a teacher at the Conservatory in Magdeburg and as a soloist. She is a popular performer at festivals, broadcasts and recordings and has made numerous CDs. 10. Catherine Dunlop Catherine studied at the Royal College of Music under Gwendolyn Mason and went on to do solo and ensemble work, ending up with a job in Singapore (without a harp) for two years. Having given up the harp, she came home, married and had four children. Having been ‘harpless’ for some 50 years, she came back to the harp by chance. That is another story, but now she cannot imagine life without a harp, and is giving recitals, teaching and lecturing, and has also become involved in harp therapy. 11. The Duplets (Gillian Fleetwood and Fraya Thomsen) Brought up in the Scottish Highlands, Gillian Fleetwood and Fraya Thomsen first met in musical workshops in Inverness. Both went on to study in Glasgow where their friendship and musical partnership continued. As The Duplets they debuted with a sell-out concert at none other than the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and have since been bringing their music to audiences and classes in such far flung corners of the world as Brazil, Mexico, USA and across Europe. They aim to make their workshops fun, imaginative and lively. 12. Christine Edwards Christine grew up in Aberdeenshire and is an experienced performer, composer and dedicated harp teacher. She received training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the concert harp and studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College Dublin. Christine holds a Licentiate of the London College of Music Diploma (LLCM) in Irish Traditional Music Performance. She is now specialising in Scottish Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Christine is the music advisor to the North East Branch of The Clarsach Society and directs the North East Harp Ensemble. She also teaches using video-calling software and has pupils all over the country. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 37 BIOGRAPHIES (CONTINUED) 13 14 15 19 20 21 16 17 18 22 23 24 13. Nic Gareiss Michigan-born dancer Nic Gareiss has studied a wide breath of percussive dance traditions and performed as a featured soloist with traditional music luminaries: The Chieftains, Solas, Darol Anger, Dervish, Liz Carroll, Bruce Molsky, Alasdair Fraser and Martin Hayes. His work re-imagines movement as a musical activity, morphing dance into a medium that appeals to both the eyes and the ears. Nic draws from many percussive dance traditions to weave together a technique in service of his love of improvisation, traditional footwork vocabulary, and musical collaboration. Nic holds degrees in anthropology and music from Central Michigan University and recently completed his MA in ethnochoreology at the University of Limerick. 16. Corrina Hewat Corrina is Principal Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She also co-runs Scottish big band “The Unusual Suspects” while also being one of the founders of the Harp Village in Cromarty, musically directing with the British Council, performing at Cambridge Folk Festival among others, running a Song School at Celtic Connections, winning a Women in Music award, and being commissioned to compose new work for touring ensembles. She has designed harmonysong.co.uk to run community-based singing courses across the UK and was awarded Music Tutor of the Year 2013 in the Scots Trad Music Awards. She is also now in a newlyreformed ‘Shine’, who are touring and recording throughout 2014. 14. Maeve Gilchrist Maeve was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. Daughter to an Irish mother and Scottish father she grew up immersed in traditional folk music. At an early age she studied classical piano, pedal harp and clarsach, and received a scholarship from Berklee College of Music, Boston, where she is now employed as a lever harp instructor. Credited as an innovator on her native Celtic harp due to her uniquely chromatic way of using the instrument, Maeve tours internationally both as band leader and soloist, and in collaboration with a variety of musicians spanning the new acoustic and improvisation scenes. 17. Mandy Hunter Mandy has been belly dancing for 20 years and teaching for 18 years. She trained with world renowned professional Fereshteh Hossieni amongst many other well-known professional dancers. She dances mainly Egyptian style and has appeared professionally in Scotland and Turkey and now teaches regular classes on the Isle of Arran. 15. Rachel Hair “One of the UK’s finest contemporary Celtic harpists and tunesmiths” (Songlines), Rachel is a prominent performer in the Scottish Traditional Music scene, having released 3 critically acclaimed albums. She has toured and taught extensively throughout Europe, the USA and beyond, both as a soloist and with her acclaimed trio “The Rachel Hair Trio. Rachel teaches harp at the National Centre of Excellence in Music at Douglas Academy and for the University of the Highlands and Islands. She also journeys once a month to the Isle of Man to teach harp and is at the forefront of the revival of the use of harp in Manx music. 38 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 18. Siân James At an early age, Siân began learning piano, violin and harp, discovering that composing, improvising and creating at the piano and harp brought her enormous enjoyment. Her love of traditional music has now become an integral part of her very being, a wondrous force from which she cannot escape. To date, Siân has released nine albums and has toured extensively for many years, playing concerts in countries as far as Japan and the US as well as all over Europe. 19. Olov Johannson Many regard Olov as Sweden’s greatest craftsman on the nyckelharpa. With his brilliant solo playing, as a member of the group Väsen, and in his duo with Scottish harper, Catriona McKay, he has been largely responsible for the explosion of nyckelharpa playing that has been witnessed recently in Sweden. Olov works actively to pass on his musical inheritance, and has become a role model for many young nyckelharpa players. He gives instruction both at The Eric Sahlström-Institute and through the Royal Music College in Stockholm. Olov has received many awards and scholarships for his achievements as a musician. 20. Alison Kinnaird Alison has been at the forefront of the revival of the harp in Scotland. She is well known as a performer, teacher and lecturer at home and abroad. She has published music and history books and has recorded many albums which particularly feature Scottish harp music. In 1997, Alison was awarded the M.B.E. for services to Art & Music. 21. Andrew Lawrence-King Is one of the world’s leading performers of Early Music and the most recorded harpist of all time. Senior Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia, Professor at London’s Guildhall School and at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, he investigates and teaches early harps, medieval music-drama and baroque opera. His ensembles, The Harp Consort and Il Corago combine state-of -the- art research and period detail with stylish improvisation and entertaining stage presentation. His most recent of many international accolades is the Golden Mask, Russia’s highest music-theatre award. 22. Nicolas Lynch-Aird Nicolas has a doctorate in cybernetics and is an independent research scientist and telecoms IT consultant. When his wife took up the harp he was struck by the tuning problems faced by harpists and thought that it would make an interesting research project to see what could be done to keep the harp in tune, or to at least reduce the tuning variation. That was four and a half years ago, and he expects the project could easily run for at least that long again. 23. Helen Macleod Helen grew up in the west coast of Scotland and began playing the Scottish harp when she discovered her love of traditional music. Helen studied pedal harp at St. Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh and then at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester where she gained her Bachelor of Music Degree in the Harp. She enjoys a busy freelance career, performing with many distinguished groups, ranging in genre from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to pop groups such as Belle and Sebastian. In 2005, Helen formed the duo ‘Hoot’ with flautist Emma Wilkins and her most recent project is the harp duo ‘Symmetry’ with her former teacher, Eira Lynn Jones. Helen now teaches pedal harp and clarsach at her old school, St. Mary’s Music School. 24. Anne Macdearmid A highly respected clarsach teacher and an accomplished singer, Anne’s performance displays her wide range and knowledge of music and superb musicianship. She is a prolific arranger, composer and tutor, and is equally well-known as an adjudicator at festivals and The Royal National Mod. For twenty-five years, she tutored the Heritage of Scotland Summer School in Edinburgh. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 39 BIOGRAPHIES (CONTINUED) 25 26 27 31 32 33 28 29 30 34 35 36 25. Alistair MacDonald Alistair is a composer and performer, who has been working with technology to explore and create sound since the days of reel to reel tape recorders. Much of Alistair’s work is collaborative; he has worked with performers, artists and choreographers from different media and backgrounds, and in different countries, and he makes work for performance, broadcast and installation. Alistair is a member of invisiblEARts, a group of Scottish based composers; teaches composition and directs the Electroacoustic Studios at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, plays in improvising duo, Strange Rainbow with Scottish harper, Catriona McKay, and is a keen tango dancer. 28. Mary Macmaster Recently inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2013 as part of the duo Sileas, Mary is best known for her pioneering work with the metal-strung clarsach and the Camac electro-harp. She is also a fine singer of Gaelic and English language songs. During the last thirty years she has been at the forefront of the revival of the Scottish harp and has been an ambassador for Scottish music, touring throughout the world with Sileas, The Poozies and Donald Hay. Mary has collaborated live and in the studio with many wonderful musicians including, the pipe virtuoso, Kathryn Tickell, English folk legend, Norma Waterson and the amazing Sting. 26. Allan MacDonald From Glenuig in Moidart, Allan is a world famous piper and Gaelic singer. He has played at every major Celtic and piping festival on the planet! His work as a scholar performer reuniting seventeenth century piping with its Gaelic roots is influencing a whole generation. In 1995 he presented a thesis on the relationship between pibroch and Gaelic song to the University of Edinburgh. He is also a composer, musical director and lecturer on Gaelic music. 29. Karen Marshalsay Karen is a master of traditional Scottish harp music, specialising on three Scottish harps; wire and gut-strung clarsachs, and bray harp. With a particular interest in pipe music, playing with Allan MacDonald in his acclaimed pibroch concerts, and for the National Piping Centre’s 2013 Ceòl na Piòba concert, have been highlights in a career which has seen Karen perform in the UK, Europe, America and Australia. Previously clarsach tutor at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music, and wire and bray harp tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Karen published her Key Techniques for Harp in 2012. 27. John MacDonald John is a native Gaelic speaker from South Uist. He has been tutoring adult Gaelic learners in Edinburgh over the past four years. 40 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 30. Eddie McGuire Eddie’s wide ranging career as composer includes acclaimed pieces such as A Glasgow Symphony (for NYOS); opera The Loving of Etain; violin, viola, guitar, trombone concertos and 3-act ballet Peter Pan (with over 120 performances by Scottish Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet). His solo and ensemble works include many using harp, for instance, preludes for harp and clarsach, Harp Octet for the late Sanchia Pielou (who gave him harp technique lessons), The Poet’s Return (commissioned by Hannah Phillips) and Pieces of Eight for The Clarsach Society’s sixtieth anniversary. He plays flute with The Whistlebinkies and the Chinese group Harmony Ensemble. 31. Catriona McKay Catriona is a fearless explorer of the Scottish harp who is widely recognised for her dynamic musicianship and innovative style. She has a long standing duo with fiddle genius, Chris Stout. They explore sounds that connect and challenge through a bold and adventurous dialogue of their native Scottish music. Catriona also plays in Shetland band, Fiddlers’ Bid, with Swedish nyckelharper, Olov Johansson, improvising duo, Strange Rainbow and the Glasgow Improvisors Orchestra. Her latest contribution is a solo CD of newly composed music highlighting her signature harmonic and rhythm harp style. HARPONIUM combines both the strength and delicacy of her harp with bold, warm, characterful harmonium. 32. Isobel Mieras One of Scotland’s most experienced and successful teachers, Isobel has taught and influenced many of to-day’s Scottish harp players. She enjoys arranging, composing and directing na Clarsairean, the Scottish Harp Orchestra, and has taken them to perform at three World Harp Congresses as well as venues in Scotland. Isobel has worked for the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and The Clarsach Society over more than three decades, and was recently appointed President. In 2012, she was inducted to the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame and received the Hamish Henderson Award for services to traditional music. 33. Rachel Newton A founder member of The Shee and the Emily Portman Trio, Rachel is one of Scotland’s busiest folk musicians. As well as being much in demand in her own field, having performed with Karine Polwart, Macmaster/Hay and others, she has also worked in theatre, winning a CATS Award for Best Use of Music in 2009 with the Rowantree Theatre Company. Rachel’s first solo album The Shadow Side was nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ in the Scots Trad Music Awards 2012. Her second album Changeling, based on her Celtic Connections New Voices commission, is due for release later in 2014. 34. Annabel Oates Brought up in Ross-shire, Annabel is a qualified teacher and has been a ceilidh dance tutor for many years. Invitations to tutor in America, Germany and France at various music and dance festivals have given her the opportunity to introduce Scottish Ceilidh Dance to many different cultures. For the last twenty years Annabel, has been a freelance dance caller, travelling the length and breadth of Scotland with various dance bands, encouraging people to ‘get up and have a go’. She has visited every venue imaginable from castles to village halls – all with the intention of encouraging people, of all ages, to enjoy dancing. 35. Steven Player Steven is a dancer, musician, choreographer, actor, teacher and lecturer, specialising in dance from the renaissance and baroque periods. He has appeared worldwide with leading period ensembles, including The Harp Consort and is renowned for his spontaneous, humorous and highly skilled performances. 36. Christine Primrose From Carloway in the Island of Lewis, Christine has been singing for as long as she can remember. She has toured in America, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Europe. She is Head of Gaelic Song at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye, where she teaches short courses and full-time classes on the BA (Hons.) Gaelic & Traditional Music Programme. She has won many awards for her singing, amongst them ‘Gaelic Singer of the Year’ at the Traditional Music Awards in 2010. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 41 BIOGRAPHIES (CONTINUED) 37 38 39 43 40 41 42 44 37. Fiona Rutherford Fiona is from Edinburgh. She learned to play the harp with Sophie Askew, Isobel Mieras and Savourna Stevenson. She studied at The City of Edinburgh Music School and went on to gain degrees in Composition at Dartington College of Arts and Edinburgh University. She has written for theatre and film, including acclaimed feature films The Inheritance and The Space Between, and her instrumental pieces have been performed by groups such as London Sinfonietta and Mr McFall’s Chamber. Fiona was one of the New Voices Composers at Celtic Connections 2012, and her new CD Sleep Sound showcases her writing for nine piece ensemble. 40.Kathy Stewart As an American who has lived in the Borders for thirty years, Kathy is a singer-songwriter, composer, piano instructor, performer and recording artist. Co-founder of Borders-based Junior Acoustic Music, she continues to facilitate vocal workshops for all ages and abilities and presently teaches at Merlin Academy of Traditional Music in Melrose. 41. Wendy Stewart Wendy’s relaxed but incisive style of teaching brings praise and results in equal measure. Through her layered arrangements and measured pace, she can bring a group of mixed ability learners together in confident, relaxed harmony. It’s been the usual mix of musical adventures this past year, 38. Patsy Seddon Patsy, as part of the duo Sileas, was inducted into the Scottish from helping to start the most southerly Feis in Scotland and teaching traditional song in local schools to bolstering her Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2013. One of Scotland’s community choir somewhere between tenor (ladies) and most innovative harp players, she has also been part of the soprano. A new solo CD and teaching book is planned for groups The Poozies and Clan Alba and has recorded over twelve CDs. Her latest project is the trio Madge Wildfire. Patsy the Spring! is an active teacher including each EIHF (except the first), at 42. Bill Taylor Feisean, at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Kodály Bill is a specialist in the performance of ancient harp music musicianship for NYCoS. She has an honours degree in Celtic from Ireland, Scotland and Wales and is one of very few Studies and was Musician in Residence at the School players investigating these repertoires on medieval gutof Scottish Studies at Edinburgh University. strung harps, wire-strung clarsachs and Renaissance harps 39. Pete Sparkes Pete has worked with Drake Music Scotland since 2005, initially as an Associate Musician, then Education & Training Officer. He was appointed as Artistic Director in December 2009. His particular specialism is working creatively with children and adults with additional support needs – including the use of music technology and other innovative tools like Figurenotes notation. He was Education Officer of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra from 2002-2005. As a freelance project leader he devised and delivered creative projects with many different participant groups for various organisations including: Drake Music Scotland, Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Artlink Central and Jessie’s Fund. 42 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 with buzzing bray pins. He is one of the foremost interpreters of music in the Robert ap Huw manuscript and he has made two solo recordings of this repertoire using historical harps. Bill performs and teaches in the Highlands and works with Ardival Harps in Strathpeffer. He performs and records with Canty, Graindelavoix, Quadrivium and Sinfonye. 43. Clotilde Trouillaud Clotilde has appeared as a performer and composer in countless Festivals in her native Brittany since 1998. Inspired by this experience, she now plays with the trio “Fileuses de Nuit” (night spinners) and with other musicians at “Fest-Noz.” (Night Parties). In 2011, she recorded her first solo album Solo described by reviewers as being quiet and delicate but with intensity and the capacity to surprise. She is a teacher in a music school in Brittany and regularly performs and teaches in France, across Europe, the United States and Japan. 44. Edward Witsenburg The Doyen of Dutch harpists, Edward’s career spans more than sixty years. He continues the tradition set forth by celebrated Dutch harpist, Rosa Spier, famous for her expressive playing. After ten years in various symphony orchestras he devoted himself to solo performing and to teaching at the Royal Conservatoire in the The Hague for forty years and as Professor at the Mozarteum in Salzburg for fourteen years. Now much sought after internationally to teach and give masterclasses and concerts, he has made many recordings using instruments from his private collection. For six years, Edward was Chairman of the Dutch Harp Association. He was made a knight in the Order of OranjeNassau in recognition of his services to music. The Clarsach Society is proud to have him as its Honorary Life Associate. 45. Heather Yule Heather is an established harp teacher in Scotland. She has taught and performed on the clarsach throughout Scotland and at various events in the USA and Cape Breton, Canada. She also performs in Europe and North America as a traditional storyteller, combining harp music and stories in a unique way. 45 TIME TO RELAX GABHAIL FOIS The Festival programme offers a wealth of musical choices and perhaps you will want to indulge and enjoy some relaxation through massage or relaxation therapy. Here’s what is available: MASSAGE / TANA COLLINS Bookings to be made at The Clarsach Society Information Desk in the café. Neck and Shoulders (optional arms/hands) – popular with those whose tension is mainly in their upper body. Musicians will benefit in particular as will anyone with poor posture or emotional tension which tends to sit in the shoulders. Back, Neck and Shoulders – those with mid or low back discomfort including sciatica sufferers will benefit as will anyone who wants a relaxing or stimulating full back work out. Indian Head Massage – a real stress buster which promotes clarity of thought and calm. No oils used on head. Neck and Shoulders with Indian Head Massage this seated massage is a wonderful combination. No oils used on head. Thai Foot Massage – a blissful experience benefiting mind and body. Rejuvenating Facial Massage – combines pressure point work with lymphatic drainage to give that youthful fresh-faced feel. RELAXATION THERAPY - HOLISTIC PULSING / MARIANNE CRANSTON Bookings to be made at The Clarsach Society Information Desk in café. Holistic Pulsing is also known as the power of gentleness. The specific rhythm, together with the caring and respectful rocking and stretching invites the body to let go of tensions and blockages from deeper levels. Relaxation is the door to depth and contact with your inner self. Holistic Pulsing doesn’t impose anything, but invites the body to let go of tensions at increasingly deeper levels, while you are lying on a massage table. There is no need to undress. Your balance is restored and your body starts to function better. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 43 Affairs of the Harp external pub 1-2 10/12/13 08:58 Page 2 The Camac family of 34 string lever harps Unique gifts for harpists now available from Affairs of the Harp. Tee shirts Aprons and tea towels Tote bags Stationery Excellent quality. Superb artwork. Quality gifts at affordable prices Available only from www.affairsoftheharpshop.com or by phoning 01727 872372 www.affairsoftheharp.com for the largest selection of secondhand harps Aziliz Kadiou AL I C L E SP TIVA ! FES I CES PR Hermine Cambria Distributor of Camac harps in the UK and Ireland 116B Pantbach Road, Birchgrove, Cardiff CF14 1UE 00 44 (0)29 2062 0900 www.camacharps.co.uk www.welsh-harps.com [email protected] 01559 363 222 The UK’s Leading Harp Specialists for: Pedal and Lever Harps Sheet music and CDs Extensive range of strings Comprehensive range of harp accessories Harp rental packages available 58 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH 4 Deryn Court, Wharfedale Road, Pentwyn, Cardiff CF23 7HA t. +44 (0)20 7928 8451 e. [email protected] www.holywellmusic.co.uk Harps from The Early Music Shop Camac Pedal & Lever Harps EMS Student Lever Harps Strings & Accessories Interest Free Credit over 18 months! Salts Mill Victoria Rd Saltaire BD18 3LA Tel: 01274 288100 E: [email protected] WWW.EARLYMUSICSHOP.COM Harp Village Friday 19th - sunday 21st sePTeMber 2014 Cromarty This year’s harp Village will feaTure CorrinA HewAT, MAry MACMAsTer, PATsy seddon and HeATHer yule. 3-day residential harp Village in the beautiful surroundings of the stables and Old Brewery in Cromarty on the Black isle. The harp Village will include an evening concert on friday, saturday evening session and workshops covering a range of ability levels all day saturday and sunday. For more information about booking, please contact Cromarty Arts Trust phone: 01381 600354 email: [email protected] www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk An Comunn Gàidhealach ORGANISERS OF THE ROYAL NATIONAL MOD Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail | The Royal National Mod 2 0 1 4 INBHIR NIS 10 – 18 DÀMHAIR | INVERNESS 10 – 18 OCTOBER 2 0 1 5 AN T-ÒBAN 9 – 17 DÀMHAIR | OBAN 9 – 17 OCTOBER 2 0 1 6 NA H-EILEANAN AN IAR 14 – 22 DÀMHAIR | WESTERN ISLES 14 – 22 OCTOBER Na Mòdan Ionadail | Provincial Mòds LEÒDHAS ÀIRD NAM MURCHAN LEWIS DÙN ÈIDEANN SRUIGHLEA EDINBURGH CATAIBH IS GALLAIBH EAST KILBRIDE SUTHERLAND & CAITHNESS INVERNESS AN T-EILEAN SGITHEANACH AN T-ÒBAN DAIL RIATA UIST LOCH ABAIR PEAIRT IS AONGHAS NA HEARADH HARRIS MULL DALRIADA TAOBH SIAR ROIS LOCHABER PERTH & ANGUS SKYE OBAN NA DREÒLLUINN ISLAY UIBHIST GLASGOW INBHIR NIS STIRLING CILLE BHRÌDHE AN EAR ÌLE GLASCHU ARDNAMURCHAN WESTER ROSS BARRAIGH IS BHATARSAIGH BARRA TAOBH AN IAR-DHEAS ROIS SW ROSS For Provincial Mòd dates and more go online: www.ancomunn.co.uk REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC001282 LAIDL AW LA IDLNO AW RTNO H RTH LAIDL AW LA IDLSO UTSO AW H UTH VISITING THE FESTIVAL Parking Parking at Merchiston is free but limited. There may be a short walk to the venue from some of the parking available on campus or on adjacent roads. Staff will be on hand to direct traffic during busy times. A loading bay is available to the right of the main building to upload and unload harps, and disabled parking is available to the left of the main building. Please note that vehicles must be parked in designated areas and should not obstruct any entrances or exits. Parking is not permitted adjacent to the Theatre or Napier Building. S ER M AL EST CH W ERS M AL EST CH W m da rp Pe Ha ENGLISH BLOCK ENGLISH BLOCK ER PI ING NAILD kers’ rt) a BU ma (p RoomsRooms 1 to 4 1 to 4 m eda P rp Ha NG DI IL t) BU s par N om n ( SO Ro itio e RT tice hib tor BE Prac rs’ Exarp S e H RO ak l 6A -H re to pS ar b Clu S ER M AL EST CH W WC EVANS Bldg. EVANS Bldg. ROGERSON Bldg. DEN S ER M AL ST CH EA T L AR OO H SCT L AR OO H SC rp n Ha ibitio h Ex o ssr 10 Cla 5 to DOW NG DI IL t) BU s G par N omINn ( SO RoLDitio e ) RT ticeUIhib tor art BE raNc B’ Ex mrps Sn (p RO TSPOakeres Rl oHoa itio re R m ticda hib to BEarp racPe ’ Ex rp S RO H Pakers l Ha WC WC NORTH MAIN GIN G MA DIN LAIDLAW BUIL BUILDIN SOUTH ay ay B ing B Load Loading n ption Rece ceptio Permit Permit EIHF EIHF Re Only Only ENGLISH BLOCK ENGLISH BLOCK Permit Room Room RE1 RE1 Permit Only Only ar Ha b- b-H Clu lu 6A 6A C E TR G EA IN TH ILD BU s om LAIDLAW MAIN DING BUIL PublicPublic Parking Parking On Driveway On Driveway As Directed As Directed By car AA Route Planner - www.theaa.com RAC Route Planner - www.rac.co.uk g Bay tion p Rece Load There is a bus stop right outside the entrance to Merchiston. Lothian Buses No. 10, 18 and 45 pass here. Standard fare £1.50 (correct at the time of printing) Permit Only ENGLISH BLOCK Permit Only Room RE1 ENGLISH BLOCK Lothian Buses: 0131 555 6363 Route Planner - www.lothianbuses.com Rooms 1 to 4 T L AR OO H SC Public Parking On Driveway As Directed GROUND FLOOR By train Edinburgh’s main railway terminal is Waverley Station. From here you can take a taxi or bus to Merchiston. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. FIRST FLOOR LOCK SH B ENGLI Room 1 RE BLOCK SH ENGLI Room 1 RE tion Recep on ti Recep ti Recep e Stag LOCK SH B ENGLI m 1 to 4 Roo n l k g Hal Dinin Info, Des c, g, etc ch So Clarsa ting, Dinin Mee e Kitch ry Serve 58 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 all H orial Douglas Kerr Annette Lambourne John Macleod Mary Macmaster Anthony Spiers Laurina Strachan Sheona Ure 4-9 April 2014 Accommodation All prices are per room per night and include breakfast Laidlaw House Single room, en-suite: £46.00 Double / Twin room, en-suite: £82.25 Note: Laidlaw House has 6 rooms adapted for people with disabilities. Shared Facilities Accommodation Single room: £31.45 (rooms are not secure / no key available) Booking form available on the reverse. Completed forms should be sent to: Alison Hanna, Merchiston Events & Hospitality, Merchison, Castle School, 294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU. Tel: +44 (0) 131 312 2258 Email: [email protected] Venue information and access There are steps to access Reception, the Memorial Hall and Café. Due to the nature of campus buildings some courses and workshops will have restricted access. Up e and Offic Lounge ’ Tutors Festival team brary Old Li Mary Scott Co-ordinator Patsy Seddon Joint Artistic Adviser Isobel Mieras Joint Artistic Adviser Up Michelle Kelly Festival Administrator Eleanor Marshall Administrative Assistant Rachel Hair Media and Merchandise Katie Harrigan Fundraising and Sponsorship Stephanie Harrison-Boond Stewarding and Stage Management on Hall orial al Ha Mem Memori e e Up Stag Serv Up Edinburgh International Airport is only 15 minute taxi ride from Merchiston, while Airlink 100 express bus service runs every 10 minutes from the airport to Waverley Bridge, next to Waverley Railway Station in the centre of Edinburgh. ll Stag l k g Hal Dinin Info, Des c, g, etc ch So Dinlin Clarsa ting, k g Hal Mee Dinin Info, Des c, g, etc ch So Clarsa ting, Dinin Mee ery en Kitch ery en Serv Kitch Up By air LOCK SH B ENGLI m 1 to 4 CK Roo BLOCK LISH BLO SH m1 ENG ENGLI m 1 to 4 RE Roo Roo e andegaend Offic OLo icn unge ’ ffu TutorsTutors’ Lo brary brary Li ld O Old Li Edinburgh International Harp Festival By bus in EIHF WC EVANS Bldg. s om ssr 10 sro 0 CONCERT AREAS Merchiston Castle School Cla 5 toClas to 1 WC WC 5 ACCOMMODATION AREAS 294 Colinton Road Edinburgh e e or Midlothian EH13 0PU St Stor p r p ROGERSON Bldg. o rs’ ) ’ ke art ers rt) ma (p ak a rpB n rpm n (p Ha ibitio io a h H hibit x E Ex DEN DOW T IL BU oms S ER M AL ST CH EAERS M AL ST CH EA BU DEN DOW R IE G ER E P IN I G TR G RE NAILDNAPLDIN Getting to Merchiston EA IN AT NG TH ILDHE DI BU UI ROGERSON Bldg. A’ TADHAL AIR AN FHÈIS Mem Harpmakers’ Exhibition Lead Steward Up Gaelic Adviser Stage Management Merchandise The Clarsach Society Information Desk Finance A stairlift is available for wheelchair users to access the Memorial Hall - please advise the Box Office when booking. For more details or assistance accessing other areas of the campus, please contact us in advance of the Festival on +44 (0) 131 554 0212. The Theatre is fully accessible. Accessible toilets are located in the adjacent Napier and Robertson buildings. Both buildings are locked at the close of the Harpmakers’ Exhibition each day at 5:30/6:00pm. If you require access after this time, please speak to a member of our stewarding team. Please advise the Box Office when booking if you require a wheelchair space at one of our events. Accessible accommodation is also available on campus – please see adjacent note on accommodation for booking details. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 / 59 Eat and drink Merchiston - Booking Form Festival Café - an array of tasty meals, snacks and drinks are available daily – the perfect place to eat, drink and chat with friends. Harp Festival, 4 - 9 April 2014 Festival Bar & Late Night Sessions – our late night sessions ensure there is even more music to enjoy after our evening concerts. Bring your harp along (or any other instrument!) or just relax with a nightcap whilst soaking up the atmosphere. Note: the Festival Bar and Late Night Session will not open on Monday, 7 April. Name(s): Address: Email: Tel: Harp store DATES REQUIRED Harps may be stored, at the owner’s risk, in the 6A Club (opposite the Theatre Building). Information will be provided at the Festival about access arrangements. All instruments and cases must be clearly named and insured by the owners. EIHF and The Clarsach Society do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to any personal effects sustained during the Festival. Thursday 3rd April Friday 4th April Monday 7th April Saturday 5th April Tuesday 8th April Sunday 6th April Wednesday 9th April ROOM REQUIREMENTS Harp hire LAIDLAW HOUSE EN-SUITE FACILITIES Single Room B&B @ £46.00 per room per night Twin Room B&B@ £82.25 per room per night Double Room B&B @ £82.25 per room per night NON LAIDLAW HOUSE SHARED FACILITIES Single Room B&B @ £31.45 per room per night Rooms not secure as no keys available PAYMENT Total cost nights at £ per night Total £ Payment method I enclose a cheque for £ (cheques to Merchiston Castle School) Credit / Debit Card: Card type Visa Mastercard Card number Name on Card A small stock of lever harps are available for hire at the Festival. These are generally intended for those coming from abroad who may have problems in transporting a harp to the Festival. Bookings for harp hire require to be made in advance and payment can be made at the Festival Office on arrival. Call us on +44(0)131-554 0212 or email [email protected] for more details and bookings. Private lessons and practice rooms Private lessons are available from a wide range of tutors and on all harps – details available during the Festival. Cost £30 per hour. Practice Rooms are available to students but must be pre-booked. Bookings for lessons / practice rooms should be made at The Clarsach Society Information Desk in the café. Open 9am – 5pm daily during the Festival. Stewarding Stewards play an important role in the smooth Maestrorunning of the Festival. Volunteer stewards are very much welcomed! In return for stewarding events complimentary vouchers are issued for concerts or workshops (conditions apply). For further details please email: [email protected] Expiry date Security code 34th Edinburgh International Harp Festival Merchiston Events & Hospitality, Merchiston Castle School Provisional dates 10 - 15 April 2015 294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU Tel: +44(0)131 312 2258 Fax: +44 (0)131 441 6060 60 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Book online www.harpfestival.co.uk Book by phone +44(0)131 473 2000 Book in person or by post Hub Tickets, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE 62 / EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL HARP FESTIVAL 2014 Illustration: © Luke Best / Heart Scottish Charity Number: SC011819