2025 Scottish Performing Arts Classic - Clarsach (Harp)
South Carolina Society Hall 72 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Four outstanding harpists from Ireland, Canada and the United States will perform in the 2025 Princess Margaret of the Isles Memorial Clarsach Competition
The clarsach was the primary instrument of the Gaelic courts until the introduction of the bagpipe in the 15th century and remained central to Gaelic courtly music until the mid-18th century. It also played a key role in the music of the early Celtic church. Harpers were a highly-trained class of professionals who spent years perfecting their art and were held in esteem second only to that of the filidh (or clan poet). There is a difference between playing on a harp with pedals and a harp that does not have pedals. The instruments use different fundamental hand techniques. One is not better than the other, just like piano is not better than organ. The main difference: Repertoire.