Over the weekend of 24th-26th July, people from around Scotland and much further afield will descend on the Festival Village of Moniaive to enjoy the UK’s biggest autoharp event of the year.
The autoharp is a folk instrument related to the zither which has a very gentle beginner’s learning curve. Its engaging sound has attracted people of all ages (and with all levels of previous music experience – including those who have never played a musical instrument before).
In recent years there has been a growing interest in this instrument, and a community of players has grown up in the southwest of Scotland. Events in Moniaive over the Scottish Autoharp Weekend will support everyone from experienced autoharp players to absolute beginners – with some loaner instruments available for people to try out in the Beginner’s Workshops.
Saturday the 25th will be an especially full day with autoharp workshops and demonstrations, followed by an evening concert featuring world-class performers on the autoharp. This year’s special guest is Patrick Couton, who is joining us all the way from Nantes in France, but we will also be joined by a range of outstanding tutors from the UK.
Friday evening and Sunday afternoon’s pub music sessions in The Craigdarroch Arms Hotel are free of charge, as is the Sunday morning Gospel Autoharp Service in St Ninian’s Kirk.
The event has been organised by the DG-based Southwest Scotland Autoharp Group under the auspices of the UK Autoharps society (full details including programme of events can be found on the UKA website at http://www.ukautoharps.org.uk/events/uka_scottish.htm ).
Moniaive will be buzzing with hands-on music over the autoharp weekend, so if you fancy an alternative to the large crowds and outdoor venue of The Wickerman, this is an ideal spot to join in the music. Book online or join us on the day!
Contact Programme Organiser Nadine White for further information: [email protected] or 01988 501077.
