  |
|
|
Pilgrim
Harps
and the
Edinburgh
International
Harp
Festival When we formed our harp-making business in 1980, one of our first decisions was the creation of a harp festival. We wanted it to provide a taste into the diverse world of harps, so we invited classical, jazz and folk musicians from around the globe and approached other harp makers to join with us in an exhibition of many harps under one roof. We organised harp workshops to show how anyone can learn how to play a harp or help students improve their existing technique. We organised evening concerts at venues around Edinburgh and thus the Edinburgh International Harp Festival was born. It proved an instant success; rapidly taking on a life and momentum of its own. After just a few years we realised that we had something very special in our hands but also we knew we had a difficult decision to make. As the festival had grown so quickly, we knew that to stick with our first love as harp makers we could be in danger of holding back, both the festivals’ progress and our own development, so we handed over the reigns to the Clarsach Society who have organised it so superbly ever since. So what is it that makes the Edinburgh International Harp Festival so special? Well, ‘International’ is a very important part of the name and we applaud the way that the Clarsach Society has continued so successfully in attracting celebrated harpists from many countries and cultures and in building upon the original “world of harps” idea. Another factor is the steady increase of interest in harps that we have witnessed over the past 30 years. Thus each spring, this annual Festival attracts a wide audience to hear the finest players, attend fantastic workshops and exhibitions demonstrating how harps are made. There really is, something to cater to all ages and abilities. Congratulations Edinburgh International Harp festival on your 30th anniversary and to the Clarsach Society. Long may you continue to enrich the harp world with this fabulous event! |
|
|
|
|
|