Red Rory McGlip and the Fairy Harp
Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2026 – Young Performers’ Concert
On Saturday 11 April, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival’s Junior Ensemble took to the stage at George Watson’s College for Red Rory McGlip and the Fairy Harp. Harper and storyteller Heather Yule recited the traditional tale, and the ensemble added a world of sound with music co-created with the young performers. The concert also featured a performance of clarsach and Gaelic song by Royal National Mòd prizewinner Isla Ovenstone, a teenager musician from the Isle of Lewis.
In the lead-up to the concert, Elinor Evans and Neil Wood led the group of 30 young performers in two days of fun-filled rehearsals. This gave the young harpers time to get to know one another, try out musical ideas together and explore how their playing could help bring he story to life. On Saturday morning, they had a chance to share music they’d helped shape with a festival audience of nearly 200 – comprising of family, friends and international performance artists and guests.
A warm thank you to the Royal Celtic Society for supporting the Young Performers’ Concert again this year. Your continued support gives young harpers the time to make music together, the chance to hear their own ideas take shape, and a festival stage to share what they’ve created.
