Harp on Wight International
12th Festival
22nd - 26th October 2026
Harpestry - weaving of sound, colours and emotions.
OPENING CONCERT: MONIKA STADLER
"Between Earth, Sea and Sky"
Thursday 22nd October 2026
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‘My music is very personal, an expression of my soul, my spirituality and my femininity. It is drawn from being connected with nature, from the rhythms of life, from the experience of inner and environmental moods and of silence.’
Monika Stadler is one of the most creative solo harpists in Europe. She studied classical harp at the Vienna University of Music with Prof. Blovsky-Miller (diploma with highest honours), and jazz harp with Deborah Henson-Conant in Boston, USA, where she won several awards at international jazz harp competitions. After engagements with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, she only performs as a soloist, in duet or trio formations, exclusively with her own projects. Apart from her schedule as a performer throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Middle East and Asia, she teaches many jazz and improvisation workshops. |
Monika is a guest professor for jazz harp at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, as well as a staff member of the University of Music in Vienna, Austria, for improvisation and creative playing for all instruments. To date she has released 13 CDs (her own compositions) as well as 12 music books at Creighton's Collection and Musikverlag Doblinger. Her compositions are broadcast on radio and television, and have been played by generations of harpists worldwide. Two of her own compositions have been performed by 66 harpists at the World Harp Congress in Cardiff, 2022. She has written several commissioned works for films, documentaries, harpists and a harp orchestra. Monika offers a program beyond clichés, combining elements of classical, jazz, world and improvised music in her unique style.
‘Stadler has been steadfastly walking on her own path for over 30 years.Worldwide only a few harpists play with such genre diversity.’ (Austrian radio station Ö1)
‘Stadler has been steadfastly walking on her own path for over 30 years.Worldwide only a few harpists play with such genre diversity.’ (Austrian radio station Ö1)
CONCERT: TRISTAN LEGOVIC
"Breton Harp Rewoven"
Friday 23rd October 2026
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Originally from Brittany, Tristan Le Govic is a harpist, researcher, and educator whose work bridges tradition and innovation. He holds a PhD in musicology from the University of Rennes and is a gold medallist in Celtic harp, as well as a graduate of the DEM (Diploma of Teaching Music) specialising in traditional Breton music. Deeply rooted in his culture yet
shaped by years spent in Ireland, Scotland, and Sweden, his artistic voice reflects a vibrant dialogue between Celtic and Nordic musical worlds. As a soloist and ensemble musician, Tristan brings the Celtic harp to life on stages across Europe and beyond. He has performed at leading festivals such as the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, the Rencontres Internationales de la Harpe Celtique of Dinan, and Yaouank in Rennes, as well as at the Glasgow Celtic Connections, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, and the Somerset Folk Harp Festival. From Germany to Spain, from Scandinavia to North America and even Russia, his performances reflect a commitment to sharing the expressive richness of the harp with diverse audiences. |
Alongside bassist Tangi Le Hénanff and drummer Alan Quéré-Moysan he explored new creative territory. Together, they were awarded the Nevez Flamm trophy, which honours innovation in the Breton folk dance music. Their album Dañs captures the energy and inventiveness of this collaboration, blending rhythmic drive with the melodic subtlety of the harp.
Tristan is also an active publisher and advocate for harp repertoire. He has released numerous collections of sheet music, most
notably Antologiezh Telenn Breizh (The Breton Harp Anthology), a landmark three-volume publication showcasing leading
Breton harpists such as Alan Stivell and Kristen Noguès. Through his editions, teaching, and writing, he contributes to preserve, document, and renew the living tradition of the Celtic harp.
Tristan is also an active publisher and advocate for harp repertoire. He has released numerous collections of sheet music, most
notably Antologiezh Telenn Breizh (The Breton Harp Anthology), a landmark three-volume publication showcasing leading
Breton harpists such as Alan Stivell and Kristen Noguès. Through his editions, teaching, and writing, he contributes to preserve, document, and renew the living tradition of the Celtic harp.
CONCERT: SHELLEY FAIRPLAY
"Three Strands: Passion, Sorrow and Joy"
Friday 23rd October 2026
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Shelley Fairplay is a harpist, composer and educator based in Wales. Her work spans concert performance, ensemble leadership and international harp education. She began her journey with the harp in 1991 and went on to study music at Cardiff University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (BMus/MMus).
As a performer, Shelley presents a range of concert programmes including Harp Revelry, The Three Strands: Passion, Sorrow and Joy, and HarpOsphere. Her performances weave together original compositions, traditional melodies and arrangements of classical and popular repertoire, combining Celtic, pedal and electric harps with creative use of effects such as looping. Shelley performs throughout the UK and internationally, with appearances taking her as far as America and Hong Kong. Shelley is also the founder and musical director of the ensemble Dynamic Harps, whose performances feature her arrangements of film, pop, show, classical, jazz and Celtic repertoire. She also writes music for the ensemble in a variety of styles, with pieces now enjoyed by harp groups around the globe. |
Alongside her performing career, Shelley is the founder of Fairplay Harp School, an online harp school supporting harpists around the world through structured courses, live teaching and a vibrant learning community. Shelley is a sought-after workshop leader and guest tutor at harp festivals and events, including the Somerset Folk Harp Festival (USA), Clarsach Society events and harp weekends. She also organises and teaches her own harp retreats and immersive learning experiences for harpists. Through both performance and teaching, she is dedicated to opening the world of the harp to more people and inspiring musicians to explore its extraordinary expressive possibilities.
PERFORMANCE PLATFORM:
BETHANY CASWELL & YIN WAH NATALIELO
Saturday 24th October 2026
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Bethany Caswell is a British classical harpist whose performances have taken her to many of the UK and Europe’s leading concert venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, and Berlin’s Konzerthaus. She appears regularly as both a soloist and chamber musician across the UK. An award-winning musician, Bethany received First Prize at the UK Harp Competition in 2026, leading to invitations to give solo recitals at the Harp on Wight Festival, Wales International Harp Festival, Benslow Music and the Salvi London showroom. Her recent performances and accolades continue to establish her as one of the UK’s emerging harpists.
A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Bethany has given world premieres of new works for harp and voice, alongside performances in newly commissioned chamber opera and collaborative projects. Alongside her solo work, she is an experienced orchestral musician and has performed at major festivals including the BBC Proms, Snape Proms and Young Euro Classic. Bethany graduated from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with First Class Honours and was awarded the Concert Recital Diploma for exceptional performance, studying with Imogen Barford. Prior to this, she studied at the Purcell School for Young Musicians as a Samuel Gardner Memorial Trust Scholar under Charlotte Seale. Her performances have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Television, and she has received guidance from distinguished harpists including Isabelle Perrin, Alexander Boldachev, Gwyneth Wentink and Sioned Williams. |
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Described as a “highly expressive, all-rounded musician, ” Hong Kong harpist Natalie Lo has performed internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. She entered the Bachelor of Music program at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) at just 16, and is currently completing her Master of Music at the Royal Academy of Music, London, under Skaila Kanga.
Natalie has appeared in solo and duo recitals across Japan, Italy, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. She was featured as one of the “Stars of Tomorrow” at the 12th USA International Harp Competition and performed at the 14th World Harp Congress “Focus on Youth” in Cardiff. As a concerto soloist, she has appeared with the SAR Philharmonic Orchestra, helping raise over HKD $2 million for the Hong Kong Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, and was Winner of the HKAPA Concerto Competition. |
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Alongside her classical career, she is active in crossover and contemporary performance, having collaborated and performed with leading pop artists including Alan Walker, Hins Cheung, Sandy Lam, Jay Fung, and Johnny Yim. She is also expanding her artistic language through jazz harp studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Park Stickney.
She is the founding member of The Harp Collective Duo with Huw Boucher, which won Gold at the Hong Kong International Harp Competition and made its Hong Kong recital debut to great success. The duo explores transcriptions and creates original arrangements, expanding the harp duo repertoire with fresh interpretations.
Natalie also collaborates with international artists such as Marc Grauwels and Sei Murai, and in 2025 released Après un Rêve under Da Vinci Classics with flutist Aaron Leung — a flute and harp album featuring French Romantic repertoire.
She is a freelance orchestral harpist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and other leading orchestras. Her competition achievements include 1st Prize at the Concours Français de la Harpe, Gold Medal at the Hong Kong International Harp Competition, and the National Prize at the World Music Competition.
As an educator, Natalie has received Outstanding Tutor Awards at international music competitions and is a Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund Scholar, as well as a recipient of multiple HKAPA scholarships and the Director’s Award.
She is the founding member of The Harp Collective Duo with Huw Boucher, which won Gold at the Hong Kong International Harp Competition and made its Hong Kong recital debut to great success. The duo explores transcriptions and creates original arrangements, expanding the harp duo repertoire with fresh interpretations.
Natalie also collaborates with international artists such as Marc Grauwels and Sei Murai, and in 2025 released Après un Rêve under Da Vinci Classics with flutist Aaron Leung — a flute and harp album featuring French Romantic repertoire.
She is a freelance orchestral harpist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and other leading orchestras. Her competition achievements include 1st Prize at the Concours Français de la Harpe, Gold Medal at the Hong Kong International Harp Competition, and the National Prize at the World Music Competition.
As an educator, Natalie has received Outstanding Tutor Awards at international music competitions and is a Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund Scholar, as well as a recipient of multiple HKAPA scholarships and the Director’s Award.
CONCERT:
ARIANNA SAVALL AND PETTER UDLAND JOHANSEN
Saturday 24th October 2026
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Arianna Savall, born in Basle (Switzerland) in 1972 into a family of Catalan musicians, began her piano studies with Susanne Hockenios, and classical harp studies with Magdalena Barrera. In 1991, she also began singing lessons with Maria Dolors Aldea at the music school in Terrassa, where she completed her singing and harp studies. Arianna began studying the performance of music from earlier periods with Rolf Lislevand at the Toulouse Conservatory (France) in 1992, and joined a number of other courses taught by Andrew Lawrence-King, Hopkinson Smith, and her parents Montserrat Figueras and Jordi Savall.
Late 2009 saw the release of her second album, also her own work, ‘Peiwoh’ (Alia Vox), which pays tribute to the harp through the eastern legend of the same name. With this latest project, she began an intense tour of Europe, with guest appearances at the Festival Música Viva of Vic, Ribermúsica (Barcelona), MDR Musiksommer, All’Improviso (Poland), Philippe Maillard Productions (Paris), and Espazos Sonoros (Santiago de Compostela). The critics refer to her as ‘The Fairy of the Harp. |
Awards, 2011, with the song ‘Si tornes’ (‘If you come back’) from the album Peiwoh (EDR Discos). She has also been awarded the ‘World Music from Catalonia 2011’ distinction by the Government of Catalonia. With Hirundo Maris, she performs at numerous harp festivals, including the Festival de Dinan (Brittany), Seduced by Harps (Belgium) and the Ostrava Ada Balová Festival (Czech Republic). Her ensemble has also opened some of these festivals, such as the International Harp Festival of Sentmenat (Catalonia)
where they are regular guests, and Arp Sanati Dergi in Istanbul (Turkey). Arianna performs with several other harpists, including Myrdhin and Zil (Brittany), Robin Huw Bowen (Wales) and Sirin Pancaroglu (Turkey). Arianna Savall teaches historical harp and chamber music at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and gives masterclasses internationally, sharing her passion for the harp and its rich historical traditions. She has given several courses and makes regular trips to Austria (Handenberg) and France for this purpose, besides teaching at El Musical, the school of music at Bellaterra.
where they are regular guests, and Arp Sanati Dergi in Istanbul (Turkey). Arianna performs with several other harpists, including Myrdhin and Zil (Brittany), Robin Huw Bowen (Wales) and Sirin Pancaroglu (Turkey). Arianna Savall teaches historical harp and chamber music at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) and gives masterclasses internationally, sharing her passion for the harp and its rich historical traditions. She has given several courses and makes regular trips to Austria (Handenberg) and France for this purpose, besides teaching at El Musical, the school of music at Bellaterra.
CONCERT: KERYDA
Sunday 25th October 2026
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Sara Evans, harpist and harp maker, has been bathed in Celtic music since her childhood. She has been studying the harp close to 20 years, learning from various international harpists. She plays in different bands, collaborations and performances in nature. Today she has built her own style of harp playing in which rhythm, invention and subtlety come together.
Damien Papin also plays in many bands from blues to funk, afrobeat to trans and traditional music from around the world. His passion for music, his innovative approach and study has made his style unique. He is a multi- instrumentalist, with bass, mandoline, bouzouki, drums and flute, he captures and shares the universal language. Both are musicians from the Pyrenees. As Duo Keryda, with harp and double bass they play various styles of music, and they have always been inspired by nature. In 2018 they came across a device which can capture the electrical activity of plants and translate it into audible musical notes. Through improvising with this device Sara and Damien have discovered a fascinating interaction, like a new language. They are part of a research team in France, and have co-created the official music Label for plant music: ‘Musique Botanique’. The duo now travels and plays with plants to share their recent discoveries and speak at conferences, concerts and workshops about the acoustic bio-communication with plants. They bring a new consciousness towards the plant world. |
This performance will be a unique experience in which plants are on stage, sharing their wisdom. And together we will discover a fascinating interaction between plants and their direct environment, through music.
CONCERT: MARIANNE GUBRI
Sunday 25th October 2026
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Marianne Gubri is a French harpist, composer, and sound artist based in Italy. With more than twenty five years of experience, she has developed a distinctive musical language that bridges Celtic heritage, Ancient music, modal improvisation, and contemporary soundscapes. Her work explores the harp as a living, resonant instrument capable of evoking deep emotional and imaginative landscapes.
Marianne has released more than ten albums and original scores, and performs internationally in concerts and festivals across the world. Her projects range from solo harp performances and thematic programs to immersive experiences combining voice, drones, electronics and natural sound textures (Immarama, Arcana, Vita Nuova, Believe, Ankaa, Menhir…). |
Marianne is the founder of Resonantya, an international platform dedicated to intuitive, creative, and harmonizing harp playing. She offers training in harp improvisation and an integrative approach to harp therapy, welcoming students from different countries who seek to deepen their musical expression and their relationship with sound.
Alongside her artistic career, Marianne works in hospitals and wellness centers, integrating harp therapy into contexts of care and well-being. Her approach combines musical sensitivity, listening, and the transformative potential of resonance.
In 2026, she published ‘Resonances: The Harp, A Path of Harmony and Transformation’ , a book that reflects her artistic and pedagogical journey, presenting the harp as both a musical instrument and a path of inner exploration.
Alongside her artistic career, Marianne works in hospitals and wellness centers, integrating harp therapy into contexts of care and well-being. Her approach combines musical sensitivity, listening, and the transformative potential of resonance.
In 2026, she published ‘Resonances: The Harp, A Path of Harmony and Transformation’ , a book that reflects her artistic and pedagogical journey, presenting the harp as both a musical instrument and a path of inner exploration.
CONCERT: FRAN BARSBY
"From Screen to Strings"
Monday 26th October 2026
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Fran Barsby is an exciting and versatile harpist, celebrated for her expressive performances and passion for bringing the harp to new audiences. She has performed at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and St. John’s Smith Square, and has appeared across Europe with ensembles, chamber groups, and orchestras. For a decade she was Resident Harpist for Pilgrim Harps, and she continues to captivate audiences at festivals and events throughout the UK.
Fran performs a wide range of repertoire and is particularly passionate about bringing the harp into the 21st century. Through the PoppyHarp Composers Project, she collaborates with composers and harpists to create fresh, innovative music that pushes the boundaries of the instrument. Alongside her performing career, Fran is a dedicated educator and advocate for the harp. With over 12 years of teaching experience, she works with students worldwide both in person at the PoppyHarp Studio and online. Her thriving PoppyHarp Harp School continues to grow, with the recent relaunch of her Online Harp School and the introduction of PoppyHarp Harp Exams in 2026. |
Fran directs the flourishing Hampshire Harp Ensemble as part of the Southern Music Project and is a committee member and webmaster for the UK Harp Association, where she is committed to promoting and progressing the harp. She also hosts the PoppyHarp Inspire Podcast, sharing stories and ideas from across the harp world.
Fran holds an Honours degree from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and a Master’s in Research in Education from the University of Bath, studying with leading harpists including Catherine White, Eleanor Turner, Gabriella Dall’Olio, Louisa Maria Cordell, Charlotte Seale, and Anne Hughes Chamberlain.
Fran holds an Honours degree from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and a Master’s in Research in Education from the University of Bath, studying with leading harpists including Catherine White, Eleanor Turner, Gabriella Dall’Olio, Louisa Maria Cordell, Charlotte Seale, and Anne Hughes Chamberlain.
CONCERT: ADRIANO SANGINETO
"Harp Revolution"
Monday 26th October 2026
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Adriano Sangineto is an acclaimed Italian harpist and composer, internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to the contemporary lever harp scene. His dynamic stage presence and genre-defying compositions have brought his music to audiences worldwide, from Europe to
New Zealand, the United States to Australia, and across Russia and China. With over two decades of experience, Adriano has redefined the expressive potential of the Celtic harp. Through his solo shows Arpa Creativa and Harp Revolution, he transforms the instrument into a rhythmic and percussive force, pushing its harmonic and melodic boundaries in ways that challenge traditional expectations. A regular guest at leading international harp festivals as both performer and educator, Adriano’s artistic voice is both accessible and visionary. His approach bridges folk roots and experimental sounds, creating a sonic language that is distinctly his own. |
In 2024 and 2025, Adriano was selected with his group Ensemble Sangineto to showcase at Folk Alliance International, one of the most prestigious global events for folk and acoustic music. These appearances led to several high- profile engagements, including a performance at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Adriano has released four solo albums, eleven albums with his trio, and has collaborated with numerous international artists. Notable partnerships include ongoing projects with actor Christian Poggioni, renowned Italian singer Antonella Ruggiero, songwriter Lorenzo Monguzzi, and Galician flautist Carlos Núñez.
Adriano has released four solo albums, eleven albums with his trio, and has collaborated with numerous international artists. Notable partnerships include ongoing projects with actor Christian Poggioni, renowned Italian singer Antonella Ruggiero, songwriter Lorenzo Monguzzi, and Galician flautist Carlos Núñez.
HARPCATCHER: BELLA BROWN
"Strings Through Time: A Journey of Harp Music"
Tuesday 27th October 2026
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Bella Brown is an internationally acclaimed award winning harpist based in the Isle of Wight and Oxford. With over 12 years of dedicated study and 3 years of professional experience in the events industry, she has established herself as a versatile and captivating performer.
Bella has been a member of the National Youth Harp Orchestra of Great Britain since the age of 8 and has performed in 10 countries across 3 continents, enchanting audiences with her artistry. Classically trained, Bella brings a refined technical foundation to her performances while also embracing a modern pop repertoire, creating a unique and engaging musical experience that appeals to a wide range of audiences. She performs on a stunning custom-made Pilgrim harp, adorned with intricate hand-painted designs and elegant golden rings, adding a striking visual element to her performances. |
THE CLOSING EVENT FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL IS OUR TRADITIONAL HARPCATCHER DINNER WITH HARPIST BELLA BROWN
VENUE: MICHELANGELO RESTAURANT
30, St.Thomas Street, Ryde PO33 2DL
Tel: 01983 811966, Booking Essential
3 Courses, Harp-themed Menu, £49
VENUE: MICHELANGELO RESTAURANT
30, St.Thomas Street, Ryde PO33 2DL
Tel: 01983 811966, Booking Essential
3 Courses, Harp-themed Menu, £49
Harp On Wight is sponsored by
Ryde town council, The UK Harp Association and Wightlink Ferries
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www.harponwight.co.uk |
