Premiere to be held at 2010 Edinburgh International Harp Festival 9 – 14 APRIL
The Clàrsach Society is delighted to announce that the winner of the Competition for Young Composers is Fiona Rutherford. The competition was open to composers aged between 16 – 25 years. They were invited to present an original piece of music lasting approximately ten minutes, suitable for the solo clàrsach (lever harp) or the clàrsach and up to three other instruments.
The judges were delighted by the standard of writing from all the competitors. “While Fiona is a worthy winner with her vibrant new composition, it is really encouraging to see how many young clarsach players also write original material for the instrument”. The Clarsach Society hopes to make this an annual award”
Fiona’s composition is called 'Toccata for the Scottish Harp. She commented “My piece is, I hope, a small contribution towards the celebration of this instrument. I wanted to write a piece which would showcase the range of the instrument and the technique of the player, whilst remaining melodic and fun. I love the sound of the harp and the double bass together so have used the Double bass to add rhythm and accompaniment. I hope people enjoy it!”
Fiona was the composer for award-winning feature film 'The Inheritance' (2007) and has recently completed a score for upcoming film 'The Space Between', which is due for release later this year. Last year she collaborated with illustrator Catriona Wallace on a book of new harp music entitled 'The Scottish Harp: New Times and Tunes.'
Toccata for the Scottish Harp will be premiered on Monday 12th April at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. The festival will feature an international line-up of concerts, collaborations, ceilidhs and classes in an exciting mix of traditions and instruments both old and new.
The Clàrsach Society gratefully acknowledges the support of Pilgrim Harps and Starfish Designs who have generously donated the prize money for this competition.
www.clarsachsociety.co.uk Scottish Charity No. SC011819
“Full details of performances, ticketing packages, exhibitions and workshops are now available from the Festival programme and our website www.harpfestival.co.uk “
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