Harpist Pippa Reid-Foster will be performing in the Mackintosh Club in Helensburgh next week.
Brought up in Helensburgh and Kilcreggan, Pippa is one of four finalists in this year’s Princess Margaret of the Isles senior clàrsach competition.
She will be appearing in the Sinclair Street venue on Friday May 31 as part of its Famous Four ‘o’ Clock concert programme.
A graduate of 2014 from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Pippa is not only an accomplished performer and composer but is also passionate about passing on her skills to a new generation of musicians and composers – she was nominated as tutor of the year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2017.
Pippa sees Scotland’s beautiful and dramatic landscape as essential inspiration for her music and is known for her innovative contemporary music, showcasing the varied tonal palettes of the clàrsach.
Since releasing her first solo album Driftwood Harp in 2016, her focus has moved towards a more minimal compositional style incorporating electronic looping and effects whilst still retaining strong references to her Scottish roots.
Her composition ‘Murmuration’ was premiered in the Distil Showcase concerts, giving her the opportunity to perform with renowned ensemble McFall’s Chamber.
She has performed at many festivals including the Edinburgh International Harp Festival and Glasgow’s Celtic Connections.
Pippa has adjudicated at the The Royal National Mòd, and she teaches courses at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival each year.
At the Helensburgh event will be sharing some of her favourite pieces of music of varying styles – Scottish traditional, film, minimalist and a lot of her own contemporary compositions, including work from her current project which will use loop pedals to create various layers and effects as she plays.
The Princes Margaret of the Isles competition takes place at Armadale Castle on Skye on June 8 at 2.30pm – Pippa’s performance will be streamed live from the Facebook page of Armadale Castle.
The event is part of Clan Donald Gaelic Arts Week.
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