Five young musicians from the Isle of Man made a hugely successful and popular appearance a major international music festival at the weekend.

The Manx harp group Claasagh, featuring Arabella Ayen, Ruby Grant, Lucy Gilmore, Mera Royle and Elyse Grant, made several appearances at the prestigious Edinburgh Harp Festival, held the previous Easter weekend and attracting harpists from all over the world, such as the Paraguayan virtuoso Ismael Ledesma, Canadian Mairi Rankin and the Moscow Harp Orchestra

The small group performed at a Children’s concert, alongside the Scottish National award winning harpist Abigail Cavanagh, before taking to the stage to lead a mass gathering of harpists through a set of Manx tunes, under the title ’Mannin Aboo’.

Elyse also performed a series of dances to accompany the music.

The players were also able to take part and participate in workshops and courses, led by some of the world’s finest harpists and teachers.

Claasagh are led by the Scottish and Manx harp player and composer Rachel Hair, who said that it was a pleasure to watch the girls take part in the events.

’It’s been so much fun having Claasagh here in Edinburgh,’ said Rachel.

’It was great to see them excited about meeting other harp players and introducing them to different kinds of harp music performed.

’It was equally great to see them enjoying taking part in their different harp workshops and seeing the look on their faces when they see the huge amount of harps assembled for their final performance. There was over 100 harpists!’

’It’s also been rather fun seeing them trying to persuade their mums and dads to buy them another harp from the huge selection of harps available at the harp makers exhibition!’ she said.

’I really hope that we can come again!’

Claasagh also received praise from the organisers, who said that the Manx contingent added to the spirit of the festival.

’It has been an absolute joy to have Claasagh at our harp festival,’ said festival co-ordinator Mary Scott .

’Their performance at our children’s concert was a highlight for many as they showcased their tradition through their beautiful interpretations of Manx folk tunes.

’It was also a real treat to have one of the girls dance as part of the concert.’

The Edinburgh Harp festival put the participation of the Isle of Man, and that of Cornwall, firmly in the spotlight. The front cover of the programme featured a lavishly Celtic-designed cover, adorned with stylised Manx cats, the Tower of Refuge and the Laxey Wheel.

The Isle of Man was also represented by Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin.

Claasagh’s festival appearance was supported by Culture Vannin and the Isle of Man Arts Council.

by Mike Wade

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