Harp On Wight
Testimonials
"Volevo ringraziare te e tutto il comitato organizzativo per avermi fatto trascorrere uno dei migliori weekend di festival di sempre: un festival molto ben organizzato, dalle molteplici sfaccettature, dove l'ospitalità e l'accoglienza sono sempre tenute con un certo riguardo. Che meraviglia! Mi sono divertito, ho assaporato il valore dell'amicizia e della musica in condivisione! Mi sento onorato di aver dato il mio piccolo contributo al festival, essendomi arricchito di nuove conoscenze e di nuovi stimoli.
Ringrazio te, soprattutto, per l'entusiasmo che hai impiegato nell'organizzazione e per avermi invitato al festival "a scatola chiusa", fidandoti della parola di Vic. Che dire? Mi auguro di tornare ancora sul'isola, e magari di godermi ancor di più la vostra compagnia!
Ti mando gli spartiti delle tre musiche che abbiamo visto durante il workshop. Ti ringrazio anche per questo supporto!
Un abbraccio e buona conclusione del festival!
A presto!"
English translation
"I wanted to thank you and all the organizing committee for having made me spend one of the best weekend festivals of all time: a very well-organized festival, with many facets, where hospitality and hospitality are always kept with some respect. I have enjoyed, enjoyed the value of sharing friendship and music! I am honored to have given my little contribution to the festival, being enriched with new knowledge and new stimuli. Thank you, above all, for the enthusiasm that you have employed in your organization and for inviting me to the "closed box" festival, trusting Vic's word. What to say? I hope to go back to the island, and maybe even more enjoy your company! I'm sending you the scores of the three music we saw during the workshop. Also thank you for this support! A hug and good end of the festival! See you soon!"
Adriano 2017
Ringrazio te, soprattutto, per l'entusiasmo che hai impiegato nell'organizzazione e per avermi invitato al festival "a scatola chiusa", fidandoti della parola di Vic. Che dire? Mi auguro di tornare ancora sul'isola, e magari di godermi ancor di più la vostra compagnia!
Ti mando gli spartiti delle tre musiche che abbiamo visto durante il workshop. Ti ringrazio anche per questo supporto!
Un abbraccio e buona conclusione del festival!
A presto!"
English translation
"I wanted to thank you and all the organizing committee for having made me spend one of the best weekend festivals of all time: a very well-organized festival, with many facets, where hospitality and hospitality are always kept with some respect. I have enjoyed, enjoyed the value of sharing friendship and music! I am honored to have given my little contribution to the festival, being enriched with new knowledge and new stimuli. Thank you, above all, for the enthusiasm that you have employed in your organization and for inviting me to the "closed box" festival, trusting Vic's word. What to say? I hope to go back to the island, and maybe even more enjoy your company! I'm sending you the scores of the three music we saw during the workshop. Also thank you for this support! A hug and good end of the festival! See you soon!"
Adriano 2017
Comments from students on the harp making course:
"Excellent harp making workshop. No-one could fail. Accommodates all wood-working abilities. Very good value."
"I was really pleased to find this affordable way of building a personalised harp. Build your own harp? What a fantastic idea. Well worth it, but be warned it is a lot of hard work!"
"Perfect tuition!"
"Harp making workshop was excellent - a unique opportunity -very well organised."
"Wonderful event for Isle of Wight."
"This was a valuable learning experience with a fabulous creation at the end of it."
"I would like first to congratulate you and all the staff for the festival. The programme this year was really nice, with a lot of different styles and a lot of discovery. It was nice to meet Adriano and I hope that we will meet again perhaps in Dinan.
Thank you very much, I'm ready for the next time!"
Sylvestre Charbin (Harpmaker and leader of the harp making course) 2017
"Excellent harp making workshop. No-one could fail. Accommodates all wood-working abilities. Very good value."
"I was really pleased to find this affordable way of building a personalised harp. Build your own harp? What a fantastic idea. Well worth it, but be warned it is a lot of hard work!"
"Perfect tuition!"
"Harp making workshop was excellent - a unique opportunity -very well organised."
"Wonderful event for Isle of Wight."
"This was a valuable learning experience with a fabulous creation at the end of it."
"I would like first to congratulate you and all the staff for the festival. The programme this year was really nice, with a lot of different styles and a lot of discovery. It was nice to meet Adriano and I hope that we will meet again perhaps in Dinan.
Thank you very much, I'm ready for the next time!"
Sylvestre Charbin (Harpmaker and leader of the harp making course) 2017
"I hope that the Festival was a triumph. I certainly enjoyed the concerts and workshops. The musical talent on display was very impressive."
Michael Dunkason (Photographer) 2017
Michael Dunkason (Photographer) 2017
"This was my first time attending the festival and it was a revelation to me.
I made two day trips on the ferry from Portsmouth - on Friday and Tuesday - and those trips were very well worth the effort.
The workshop for Absolute Beginners was great - Fran was lovely and friendly and encouraging and made it easy for us, while having other harpists present like Merlynna was great for added individual help as needed. After the workshop I felt positive about the possibility of learning to play the harp. And I enjoyed looking at the different harps on display in the exhibition. (I liked one of the Silver Arrow ones!)
The concert with Anne Denholm was magnificent. It was a great privilege and a pleasure to attend. And the homely touch of tea at the interval was just lovely - giving people a chance to mingle also.
Inspired by Anne’s playing of jazz, I returned on Tuesday evening (last night) for the jazz fusion concert with Chube. Although I was worried I would not be able to tolerate the volume and intensity of the electronic instruments and drums, I actually thoroughly enjoyed the group and their sound. (I did stuff my ears with tissue paper to protect my hearing though!) I was sorry to have to leave before their last number in order to get to the evening ferry. Any my goodness, having a selection of gluten-free delicious cakes + tea / coffee at the interval was like hitting the jackpot!
I loved the Methodist Church concert venue especially, more so than the All Saints church, which is really lovely too but in a different style and conveying a different ambience.
I had such a lovely time that next year I would like to return and stay on the island for a few days."
Martina Flavin 2017
I made two day trips on the ferry from Portsmouth - on Friday and Tuesday - and those trips were very well worth the effort.
The workshop for Absolute Beginners was great - Fran was lovely and friendly and encouraging and made it easy for us, while having other harpists present like Merlynna was great for added individual help as needed. After the workshop I felt positive about the possibility of learning to play the harp. And I enjoyed looking at the different harps on display in the exhibition. (I liked one of the Silver Arrow ones!)
The concert with Anne Denholm was magnificent. It was a great privilege and a pleasure to attend. And the homely touch of tea at the interval was just lovely - giving people a chance to mingle also.
Inspired by Anne’s playing of jazz, I returned on Tuesday evening (last night) for the jazz fusion concert with Chube. Although I was worried I would not be able to tolerate the volume and intensity of the electronic instruments and drums, I actually thoroughly enjoyed the group and their sound. (I did stuff my ears with tissue paper to protect my hearing though!) I was sorry to have to leave before their last number in order to get to the evening ferry. Any my goodness, having a selection of gluten-free delicious cakes + tea / coffee at the interval was like hitting the jackpot!
I loved the Methodist Church concert venue especially, more so than the All Saints church, which is really lovely too but in a different style and conveying a different ambience.
I had such a lovely time that next year I would like to return and stay on the island for a few days."
Martina Flavin 2017
"A Festival offering the most close contact with the artists during and after the concerts.
Great music! From day one you just play, play, play, Italian, modern, Welsh. I particularly liked the "ears-on" approach of Adriano and Robin!
Fran is an excellent teacher and made my first experience of playing the harp an absolute joy!"
Claire Phelan 2017
Great music! From day one you just play, play, play, Italian, modern, Welsh. I particularly liked the "ears-on" approach of Adriano and Robin!
Fran is an excellent teacher and made my first experience of playing the harp an absolute joy!"
Claire Phelan 2017
"This is our second year attending the festival and found everyone very friendly and helpful with lots of inspiration! This year's event perfect!
If you don't go to any other part of the festival, don't miss the concerts."
Felicity Merchant 2017
If you don't go to any other part of the festival, don't miss the concerts."
Felicity Merchant 2017
"I thoroughly enjoyed the music workshops - really helpful and inspirational - we all had great fun!"
Wendy Redvers Harris 2017
Wendy Redvers Harris 2017
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"I am writing to you to thank you for organising the Harp on Wight festival. I came over from the main land and made a harp in 6 days, it was amazing. I am often on the Island so it was great to find something so exciting happening there. I promised to send you some photos, I have them here. I also took photos of the whole process of making a harp and will send them too.
The course was excellent and Sylvestre did an outstanding job getting everyone to make a harp in 6 days. What was most amazing is that every one produced a very good instrument in such a short time. Three of us on the course have done a lot of craft work before however three of the people there had not, and yet they all achieved success. It has been good to add the harp to the list of instruments I have at home and I am enjoying learning how to play it. " Joe Apicella 2016 |
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"Enjoyed my first visit to the Isle of Wight and would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome. I would very much like to support the Festival in 2017. Many thanks."
Sandy (Silver Spears) 2016
Sandy (Silver Spears) 2016
"Harp on Wight is terrific new harp festival, with easy access to venues, accommodation, shops and restaurants, right in the heart of the seaside resort town of Ryde. It has loads to offer anyone with an interest in harps, with classes, workshops, talks, concerts and an exhibition all geared to a wide variety of players from beginner through to professional. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, great organisation, fun students – it’s got a lot going for a young festival. I really enjoyed myself at the third festival in 2016, and I hope it keeps going strong!"
Bill Taylor 2016
Bill Taylor 2016
"We arrived to Paraguay the last Saturday, and would like to say Thank you for all the attention and the opportunity to
perform in the Isle of Wight. It was really a nice experience to know and enjoy a little bit the south of Great Britain.
Also it was nice to know Anna and your friend, really a good team!
Congratulations for all the good job you are doing with harp in that area!
Muchas Gracias!"
Sixto and Juanjo 2016
perform in the Isle of Wight. It was really a nice experience to know and enjoy a little bit the south of Great Britain.
Also it was nice to know Anna and your friend, really a good team!
Congratulations for all the good job you are doing with harp in that area!
Muchas Gracias!"
Sixto and Juanjo 2016
"What a fantastic experience. This festival was one of the best events I have ever attended. From the outstanding concerts, to the smooth running of the courses, the friendly staff and fantastic staff behind the scenes, this festival is incredible. I highly recommend it to everyone that likes the harp, no matter how much experience you have, there is something for you. I cannot recommend attending this festival enough."
Fran Barsby 2016
Fran Barsby 2016
"I had a wonderful time teaching and performing at the Harp on Wight Festival. It was an honour to be invited to such a lovely harp festival. The festival team were very welcoming and organised, and the accommodation & hospitality were well thought-out. The venue for the harp exhibition and my concert was a beautiful and atmospheric church. The workshop facilities were in another nearby church, and it was great to have everything within walking distance. Dinner or drinks at Michelangelo's was a lovely end to some of the days. It's great that this young festival have such an enthusiastic team of organisers/volunteers to keep everything running smoothly! I hope they have many more successful festivals!"
Cheyenne Brown 2016
Cheyenne Brown 2016
"Thanks for once again working so very hard to bring so much harp magic to the Island. What a wonderful variety of people you brought together – all with such amazing talent, each making their beautiful harps sing in completely different and awe-inspiring ways, and some of them even showing us how to make ours sing better too. The organisation and sheer hard work of your team is so dedicated, and so very much appreciated. Many thanks again."
Sarah Wright – Harp Student 2016
Sarah Wright – Harp Student 2016
"Harp on Wight was a very enjoyable and friendly festival. The organising team and volunteers were extremely helpful and easy to work with, and the festival had a diverse and interesting programme held in lovely venues. The atmosphere of the festival was a delight and the setting of the Isle of Wight is beautiful. I'm looking forwards to returning in 2017! "
Ben Creighton Griffiths 2015
Ben Creighton Griffiths 2015
"Thank you for inviting me to perform at the Harp on Wight festival, I loved my trip to the island and the concert was so much fun for me. The festival was wonderful and so well organised and I hope the team are all pleased with how it went. I would love to return again one year and would be happy to give a workshop in the future! Thank you so much for offering to share my retreat information. It is a really fun weekend in the summer-a few of the harpists who come regularly were at Harp on Wight and we always have lots of fun."
Keziah Thomas 2015
Keziah Thomas 2015
"I would like to thank you again for this amazing
opportunity to play at the Harp On Wight's Festival!
Zita and I really enjoyed playing and spent some time
To look around this beautiful island.
Thank you again!"
Clara Garde 2015
opportunity to play at the Harp On Wight's Festival!
Zita and I really enjoyed playing and spent some time
To look around this beautiful island.
Thank you again!"
Clara Garde 2015
"Harp on Wight turned out to be a very special festival and a wonderful week. Some personal highlights for me were meeting some lovely new harpists and harp makers, the relaxed pace and intimacy of the classes, the stellar concert performances in historic churches, the delicious meals at Michelangelo, my first ride in a hovercraft and finally, the few extra days I stayed to see the rest of the beautiful Isle of Wight, complete with local guide (thank you Vic!). Perhaps my favourite moment of the week was playing a duet during my concert with Anna Sacchini, who unexpectedly turned out to be a Master Sitar player. It was such a surprise and an honour to be able to play with her. What fun!"
Kim Robertson 2015
Kim Robertson 2015
"The dream of harp child Anna Sacchini, and her fellow harp children, the other players, and "interested others" of the Festival Committee, was realised last year with the inaugural Harp on Wight Festival, and it showed just how widespread the dream of the harp children truly is. People from all walks of life gathered to celebrate, share, and generally revel in the delights of the harp. A thousand years of harp music, from the worlds of "early", Celtic, classical and pop music, performed by wonderful, world class musicians (and me!) showed that the harp isn't just a big gold thing that sits at the back of orchestras and plays the occasional glissando (you know, that sound everyone associates with harps!). A pair of truly stunning compositions won a very well supported "New composition for Harp" competition, and a group of people took a workshop and built their own harps. All in all, a wonderful achievement, and all brought about by the drive, passion and commitment of the harp children."
Mike Parker 2014
Mike Parker 2014
