Harp Fest Day 1

I am currently in Woking at the Harp Fest 2012 organised by the Clarsach Society. After a rubbish journey around the M25 I got here just in time for the first session. Around 12 lever harps and one pedal harp were already set up and we rehearsed two pieces with Sue Rothstein, all good fun and sounded lovely by the end. Sue was encouraging and helped the group through the sections of the piece.

After tea we were treated to a concert by the International Harp Ensemble, a group of around 18 mostly young harpists. There are normally 32 members but a few are on holiday. Their programme featured many short works in a variety of styles, all well played. Some of the members play other instruments (double bass, percussion, voice) and so a few arrangements used these as part of the ensemble. They are going on tour to France in August. I was delighted to realise that I knew their director, Louisa, as she was the harpist in my County Youth Orchestra. It's a small world! There are more about them here: www.internationalharpensemble.co.uk

They regularly go on tour and this year are heading to the south of France. The harps travel in a trailer, driven by Louisa's dad, while all the players travel with their parents and families, usually flying.