The Early Music Shop at Salts Mill in Saltaire is hosting its first Harp Weekend as part of the Saltaire Festival .

The event will include recitals, tuition, workshops, an illustrated talk and representatives from Camac Harps France offering harp advice.

For anyone contemplating learning or buying a harp or just longing to hear one performed, this weekend is the ideal opportunity to talk and listen to expert technicians, performers and teachers and learn more about this beautiful instrument.

Recitals take place on Friday and Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8, at 7pm in the 25 Trees Gallery at Salts Mill. Workshops for both adults and children take place throughout the weekend. There is an illustrated talk on the Saturday from 3pm to 4pm.

Heather Sager, of the Early Music Shop, said: “On Friday evening Louise Thomson, EMS harp tutor, will perform on Camac lever and pedal harps. Her programme includes Gershwin’s An American In Paris and Rhapsody In Blue.

“Louise has been teaching pupils at the Early Music Shop showroom at Salts Mill for nearly a year now and demand is increasing for the next academic year.

“There is no age limit to those wanting to play the harp.”

She added: “On Saturday evening, renowned harpist Sarah Deere-Jones will perform medieval music on reproduction historic harps, as well as her own compositions and arrangements of virtuoso classical, jazz and traditional music for lever harp. Sarah will be joined by Phil Williams on guitar and gazuki.

“The weekend is not just about listening to the harp. There are also hands-on events with workshops for all. On Saturday we have workshops for adults interested in medieval and Tudor harp with Sarah between 10am and noon. Between 1pm and 3pm, Louise will hold a workshop for children, and at 3pm Sarah will give an illustrated talk on the history of the harp.”

“On Sunday morning Sarah will offer morning and afternoon workshops on lever harp. These will be suitable for beginners. Harps will be supplied to participants at all the workshops.”

  • Further enquiries and bookings can be made on (01274) 288100 or e-mail sales@earlymusicshop.com or visit earlymusicshop.com/More/HarpWeekend.aspx.