The Meeting of Friends, the first recording by a new harp partnership, is released on Tuesday 7th October.
Leading Scottish harper Karen Marshalsay met Cheshire-based composer/harpist Lauren Scott through online harp ceilidhs during lockdown designed to keep harp players from across the world in touch with each other and playing together to rase their spirits in a difficult time. What started as a means for harpists to meet online and play during Lockdown quickly became a way to support each other during Covid times through the joy of shared music.
Their friendship has continued and they recorded together for the first time a few weeks ago.
Composed by Lauren during the summer of 2024, The Meeting of Friends features Karen playing the wire-strung clarsach from the Gaelic tradition and the distinctive-toned bray harp of the lowlands together with Lauren playing the modern lever harp, creating an intriguing blend of sounds and musical styles.
It was recorded by Rob Buckland in Cheshire just before both players released new solo CDs, with Lauren’s Night Lotus coming out on 29th August and Karen’s Eadarainn a’ Chruit : Between Us the Harp following on 5th September.
“We had a great time recording the music,” says Karen. “It’s had some early radio plays. The response has been really encouraging and we’re hoping to work together again soon when our respective schedules allow.”