The prospect of an afternoon’s workshop getting to know the harp was intriguing. As was the thought of the concert to follow which would feature only harp music. What took everyone by surprise last Saturday was, firstly, the number of people turning up to have a try and secondly, just how captivating the harp sounded. It was a real delight!
The afternoon was led by Ailie Robertson, multi-award winning composer and harpist. Ailie runs inperson and online courses and amongst many other compositions, last year wrote a piece for the Taynuilt Community Choir.
Over 15 people, including some visitors to the area, joined in the “try the harp workshop” which lasted just over an hour. This was a bigger take-up than anticipated and more harps had to be quickly tuned! Ailie first introduced the various notes and taught this group of absolute beginners some bars of “Baa Baa Blacksheep”. Then, and this was really rather miraculous, somehow coached the group through the old Highland Lullaby, “I left my baby lying there”.
There then followed a break for cake! The audience and workshop participants all enjoyed a chat over a hot drink and home-baking.
In the final part of the afternoon, the highly accomplished Ailie played several lovely pieces, demonstrating how wonderful the harp could sound. The music rippled through the interior of the Kirk, round the columns and down the aisles. A magical sound in a perfect setting.
Ailie played most of the concert herself but had also invited along some of her recent pupils who have completed their first year with her. This proved a real inspiration to several of those who had had their first try earlier. These recent pupils have styled themselves “The Little Pluckers”. Clearly harpists have a sense of humour.
