Harpz: The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble

International Success

2009-08-28T09:36:00.003+01:00

The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble come 2nd in the Celtic Section at the International Musical Eisteddfod 2009 at Llangollen - Congratulations!

Laura Rose Gee 2nd in the Urdd Eisteddfod

2009-06-01T15:34:00.004+01:00

Congratulations Harpz Member Laura Rose Gee on coming second in the Urdd Eisteddfod Cardiff Bay 2009!

Watch Laura Rose perform at:-

http://urdd.s4c.co.uk/en/cystadlu/dydd-llun/18?clip=33

want to see the Derbyshire Harp Ensemble Live???

Visit Llangollen International Eisteddfod

Harpz New CD

2009-04-19T14:03:00.002+01:00

On April the 18th 2009 - Harpz The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble members met with recording engineer Paul Arden Taylor in the Bottle Kiln at Sharpe's Pottery Museum to record their first Album.

Paul Arden Taylor was amazing and had the patience of a saint as he worked with 6 Harpz members during the day to record 17 tracks!

Harpz members were Helen Naylor, Elin Lloyd, Amelia Rodgers, Beth Neal, Rebecca Mcilroy and Laura Rose Gee.

Many Thanks go to all friends and parents who supported us during this venture and Janet Bryan who conducted for the day.

Special thanks to David Watkins and Dafydd Huw Jones for all the time and effort put in supporting and teaching the group!

Master Class at Pianos Cymru Porthmadog

2009-04-14T15:39:00.001+01:00

David Watkins - world famous virtuoso harpist will be visiting Pianos Cymru on Friday 24th April to give a master class - please come along and join us.

Also this will be the Welsh debut of the Triplett Lever Harps from the USA - so come along and try them out - light refreshments for parents and teachers!

Harps will be availble for sale and rental.

for more information call Helen on 07882 850178/

CD Recording.

2009-04-14T15:37:00.002+01:00

Harpz The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble will be cutting their first CD this weekend with Paul Arden Taylor at Sharpe's Pottery Museum at Swadlincote.

Please wish us all the best of luck - pre order your CDs from Sales@thelittlewelshshop.co.uk

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

2009-03-09T20:46:00.001Z

Harpz will be competing in the Small Celtic Ensemble competition at the 2009 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - they will be performing on Celtic Day Friday 10th July.

Harp Master Class 7th march

2009-03-09T20:40:00.001Z

Harp Master Class with David Watkins
The 7th March dawned bright and sunny in the Derbyshire Dales as The Little Welsh Shop staff treated world famous virtuoso harpist David Watkins to a McDonalds breakfast.During the day David was to see 9 early grades students in our morning session and 6 grades 6 - 8 students in the afternoon session!Lever Harpists played a Telynau Teifi Gwennol and Pedal Harpists played the new Malvern Harp from Pilgrim Harps.The setting was the rural idyll in the foothills of the Derbyshire Dales - a wonderfully informative and enjoyable time was had by all - the day finished off with an impromtu recital by David and then by the Derbyshire Harp Ensemble - it left everyone looking forward to the Derbyshire Harp Festival in October.

Derbyshire Harp Festival 2009

2009-03-05T09:56:00.004Z

The Derbyshire Harp Festival takes place at Derby Grammar School, in the heart of England. This year the dates are Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October.

The festival is organised by professional harpists and harp teachers and welcomes harpists from all over the world.
There are activities to suit every level: from people who’ve never played a harp (but always wanted to!) up to those considering a career as a professional harpist.

We’re delighted to announce the involvement of some of the world’s leading harp specialists, including David Watkins, Viktor Hartobanu, Helen Arnold, Kathleen Loughnane, Lucy Bunce, Elin Y Delyn and Huw Cloggs plus Gareth Green ABRSM examiner.

Exhibitions from Creighton's Collection, Acusound, Pilgrim, Teifi and Triplett Harps.

We look forward to meeting you in October.

For more information contact Helen Harpists@thelittlewelshshop.co.uk

http://www.thelittlewelshshop.co.uk/

HARPZ EVENTS AUTUMN 2008

2008-07-29T12:30:00.000+01:00

Thursday 28th August 10.30 am – 1pmMusic Theory Round Table with Lyn LambertAll Students and Harpz members welcome, a chance to brushUp your theory skills and ask those questions you alwaysWanted to ask! @ 35 Empress Rd, Derby.Contact Helen for further details

Sunday 14th September Harp Day 10am - 5pmMasterclass with Eleanor HudsonEnsemble with Dafydd Huw JonesWelsh workshop with Elin Lloyd for all ensembleMembers. This harp day is compulsory for HarpzMembers.To be held at the Leeke Memorial Hall, Kirk Langley.

Saturday 4th OctoberSenior Harpz Recital (all those in the Thursday eveningGroup) in the kiln at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Swadlincote.7.30pm as much support as possible would be lovely.The kiln is "one of the most acoustically superior and intimatevenues in the country".

Derbyshire Harp Festival 200831st Oct – 1st Nov with Festival Concert on 31st OctHarpz and Junior Harpz will feature along side David Watkins, Elin y Delyn and many more.

Sunday 7th December 2pm @ St Michael’s Church Harpz Advent Carols

eisteddfod rehearsal gallery

2007-08-15T16:10:00.001+01:00

Some images of the Harp

Ensemble rehearsing at the Clive Morley Harps Stand at the National Eisteddfod in Mold this year! Harpists included Helen Naylor (director) Kristina Kennedy, Amelia Rodgers, Ben Richards, Elin LLoyd, Ruth Martin and VIi Fletcher!

Look out for us at the Gwyl Cerdd Dant!

Aoyama Vega 46

2007-08-15T16:09:00.001+01:00

Helen-Elizabeth Naylor's New Harp - Morley Harps AOYAMA Vega 46

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru 2007

2007-08-15T16:04:00.000+01:00

Telynorion Cwm Derwent comes 4th at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and has a fantastic time in the process!!

Summer Serenade 2007

2007-05-24T15:34:00.000+01:00

Harpz Summer Serenade 2007

Featuring:-

Harpz - The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble

Junior Harpz

Soprano Maria Tiraski and Pianist Hilary Griffiths

Sunday July 1st @ Town End Farm, Kirk Langley, 2pm (if inclemant weather it will be in the Leeke Memorial Hall, Kirk Langley)

Proceeds to Guide Dogs for the Blind, Borth Church Organ Fund and The Leeke Memorial Hall

Tickets £7.50 to include refreshments.

for more information e mail Helen@morleyharps.com

Junior Harpz

2007-05-06T20:03:00.000+01:00

The first rehearsal of Junior Harpz on the 22nd of April was a fantastic success and the 8 members of Junior Harpz will be joining the main ensemble to perform in the annual summer concert on July 1st at Town End Farm, Kirk Langley, Derbyshire

New students for Junior Harpz always welcome contact me on 01332 540540

The next rehearsal will be on Sunday 17th June 2-4pm at the hall in Kirk Langley.

JUNIOR HARPZ

2007-03-22T12:09:00.000Z

JUNIOR HARPISTS AND MUMS AND DADS!!
DONT FORGET THAT JUNIOR HARPZ WILL BE STARTING ON APRIL 22ND AT 2PM AT KIRK LANGLEY VILLAGE HALL.

THIS IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS OF HELEN NAYLOR UNDER THE AGE OF 15.

COME ALONG AND JOIN THE FUN! AFTERNOON TEA INCLUDED!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2007

2007-03-22T12:05:00.000Z

DATES FOR HARPZ MEMBERS DIARIES 2007

24 MARCH ABRSM EXAMS DERBY

22ND APRIL 2PM KIRK LANGLEY VILLAGE HALL - JUNIOR HARPZ

28TH APRIL - CONCERT AT ALREWAS

24TH JUNE - LEAMINGTON SPA COMPETITIVE FESTIVAL

FIRST FULL WEEK OF AUGUST - NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES

26/27/28 OCTOBER - DERBYSHIRE HARP FESTIVAL

8TH DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE KILN AT SHARPE'S POTTERY SWADLINCOTE.

DERBTSHIRE HARP FESTIVAL!

2007-03-22T11:55:00.000Z

THE FIRST DERBYSHIRE HARP FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE OCTOBER HALF TERM WEEK 26TH 27TH AND 28TH OCTOBER.

Local Harpists will be joined by students from Thailand and world famous concert artists such as Double Action Harp Duo, David Watkins and Dylan Cernyw for a fantastic concert programme.

The festival will also include, master classes, lecture recitals, have a go at the harp and ensemble playing.

The event will culminate with a competition on the Sunday, lots of classes for new harpists and adult learners!

MAKE A DATE IN YOUR DIARY!

sponsored by

CLIVE MORLEY HARPS LTD

ASHBOURNE YOUNG MUSICIANS OF THE YEAR

2007-03-22T11:50:00.000Z

CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA MCILROY ON BECOMING THE ASHBOURNE YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR!

Harpz member and student of Helen Naylor last night came 1st in her age category and overall winner of the ashbourne young musician of the year competition playing Codiad Yr Ehedydd - The Rising of the Lark on her Morley Harps Etude 46 Concert Harp.

Rebecca looks forward to a full competition shedule later this year competing in both the Urdd Eisteddfod (europe's largest youth festival) and The National Eisteddfod!

Junior Harpz

2007-01-18T16:26:00.000Z

New for 2007

Following the continued success of Harpz The Derbsyhire Harp Ensemble - we are hoping to start Junior Harpz this term! This will cater for players of pre grade 1 - 3 who are also under the age of 12! If anyone is interested please e mail Helen on Helen@morleyharps.com

Hands on The Harp

2007-01-18T16:11:00.000Z

Ever felt like having a go at the harp?? well now you can!

Sunday March 4th there will be a hands on the harp workshop from 10am until 12 noon at Kirk Langley church Hall with The Little Welsh Shop Harpists, Helen Naylor and Kathryn Lewis.

Suitable for ages 7 - 70 this should be a fun and informative morning covering the basics of harp technique and including some fun ensmble playing.

£20.00 for the morning to include use of a harp for all delegates and morning coffee!

Contact 01332 540540 for more information!

Master Class With David Watkins

2007-01-18T15:59:00.000Z

Sunday March 4th at Kirk Langley Church Hall there will be a harp master class and short recital with world famous virtuoso harpist David Watkins.

If you are studying the harp why not come along and play for David? - it could be a great help with exam or competition preparation! Not yet a harpist? Come along and be inspired!

£20.00 for the afternoon including tea and short recital!

EVENTS 2007

2007-01-10T15:46:00.000Z

4th-11th August - HARPZ will be competeing at the National Eisteddfod of Wales near Mold.
There will be an exhibition of harps by Clive Morley Harps all week in the Exhibition Hall. Come along and have a go with Harpz director Helen Naylor!

ABRSM EXAMS Christmas 2006

2007-01-10T15:39:00.000Z

Harp Exams were held at 30 Brompton Rd - the home of Harp Teacher Mrs Helen Naylor on 2nd of December 2006 - once again we had a 100% pass rate and these were some of the comments in a thank you letter from the examiner Mr Gareth Green:

"Just a note to say many thanks for your warm hospitality during my associated board examining visit to your home on December 2nd. It was good to be with you, to enjoy some wonderfully enthusiastic harp playing and to learn a little about the tremendous work you are doing. I must congratulate you on inspiring so much harp playing."

JUNIOR HARPZ

2007-01-10T15:32:00.000Z

NEW FOR 2007!!

JUNIOR HARPZ!!!

Following the Success of HARPZ The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble - Junior Harpz will be opening it's doors to young harpists from pre grade 1 - grade 3.

Initially I hope that the group will meet once a month with the aim of performing in the main Harpz Concert at Christmas. The fun sessions will focus on group playing, and the music skills needed for development into a confident ensemble player!

For More Information Contact Helen Naylor 01332 540540

Christmas Concert in Kirk Langley

2006-12-28T09:49:00.000Z

On 2nd December 2006, Harpz performed a variety of music, both classical and seasonal, in the beautiful setting of St Michael's Church, Kirk Langley. The first half of the programme consisted of classical arrangements such as Bach's "Sheep may Safely Graze". After a short interval the music turned to Christmas with a variety of carols which were accompanied by a willing audience. Seasonal refreshments were provided at the end of what proved to be a very successful concert which raised £524.00 for Kirk Langley Church.

Elaine Naylor, a parishioner of St Michael's, wrote the following message to Harpz:

"Wow - how you've come on - congrats to ALL of you, your hard work, enthusiasm and continued practising - certainly has paid off, the concert was great".

Success in the Cerdd Dant Festival of Wales

2006-11-23T18:23:00.000Z

The Derbyshire Harp Ensemble once again had a taste of success last saturday when a trio made up of Harpz director Helen-Elizabeth Naylor, with students Rebecca McIlroy of Ashbourne and Siwan Doyle of Nottingham came 3rd in the competition for a group of harps in the Gwyl Cerdd Dant Cymru - the Cerdd Dant Festival of Wales, A musical form unique to Wales is the Cerdd Dant "Cerdd Dant" literally means "the music of string", the "string" refering to the national instrument of Wales, the harp. This traditional form of singing derives from the way Welsh travelling poets or bards, use to perform their own work to their own harp accompaniment. The harp they would use would be the smaller "Celtic" harp, so much easier to carry around than the pedal concert harp used these days for most Cerdd Dant singing. But the essential point is that this tradition is one of presenting poetry to music; in Cerdd Dant, everything starts and ends with the words. And very often, the words are written "Cynghanedd", the strict code of alliteration and rhyme which is also unique to the Welsh tradition.

From left to right: Rebecca, Helen, Siwan

As for the music, what makes Cerdd Dant (or "penillion" singing as it is sometimes called, which means "the singing of verses") unique is that the harp plays a melody, either a traditional air or a tune composed for the purpose, and the singer sings a counter melody with it. The harp melody is chosen to reflect the nature of the poetry, and the counter melody is composed as a perfect vehicle for the words; indeed the Welsh word for the process of composing the counter-melody is "gosod", which means "setting" the words to music, again emphasising the central importance of the poetry. '

The Gwyl Cerdd Dant is an annual festival held in different parts of Wales each year, with compeitions in all kinds of traditional music such as playing the harp, folk dancing singing etc and this year HARPZ the Derbyshire Harp Ensemble went to along to try their luck playing a medly of 3 tradtional Welsh Airs, they had the honour of coming 3rd and were featured on the S4C broadcast.

Forthcoming events for Autumn/Winter Season

2006-09-02T13:20:00.000+01:00

29th October: the ensemble will be having a masterclass with David Watkins. Date and time to be confirmed.

5th November: the ensemble will be performing at St Anselm's School, Bakewell.

2nd December: Christmas concert! This will be a really special occasion including carols, readings and some solo performances. Not to be missed!

Filkins Festival

2006-07-18T08:57:00.000+01:00

On a hot July day in the beautiful setting of the grounds of Morley Harps Workshop, Harpz gave a concert with the virtuoso harpist David Watkins.

Harpz entertained the audience for the first half of the concert with pieces such as English Country Garden, Raggle Taggle Gypsies and Pachelbel's Canon, after which David gave a fantastic recital including Glinka's Nocturne as well as his very own compositions, Nocturne and Fire Dance from "Petite Suite".

Results of Leamington Spa Competitive Festival

2006-07-09T21:50:00.000+01:00

A group of six harpists (Helen, Hilary, Janet, Lauran, Ruth and Christina) competed in the Leamington Spa Competitive Festival on Sunday 9th July. They played two pieces: Migildi Magildi and Nos Da Nawr.

Although they didn't win, the adjudicator, Caryl Thomas, described the Harpz as "very exciting" and and found it "a very enjoyable performance." Well done!

The Summer Serenade at Kirk Langley

2006-06-26T20:19:00.000+01:00

The ensemble played a varied repertoire at the annual Summer Serenade in Kirk Langley, with pieces ranging from Pachelbel's Canon to the Dr Who themetune! Solos were also performed by Rebecca, Siwan and Tess. Afterwards, everyone went to the marquee for refreshments and numerous visits to the chocolate fountain! A good day was had by all and the audience was very complimentary.

Siwan and Vi

Tess

Tess, Lauran and Hilary

Helen and Vi retuning during the interval!

The group enjoy rapturous applause after the encore!

Past Events events for the Harp Ensemble

2006-06-24T12:27:00.000+01:00

25 - 30 June: Helen Naylor, Ensemble leader, will be attending the Festival for Irish Harp in Co. Louth, Ireland.

Sunday 9 July: Harpz will be competing for the "Harps Galore" shield at the Leamington Spa Competitive Festival. The two competition pieces are "Migildi Magildi" (Traditional Welsh Melody, arranged by Valerie Aldrich-Smith) and "Nôs Da Nawr" (Welsh Lullaby by Catrin Edwards).

Sunday 16 July at 2p.m.: Harps Galore Garden Party as part of the Filkins Festival sponsored by Clive Morley Harps Ltd. Come and see the combined forces of the Cotswold Harp Ensemble and the Derbyshire Harp Ensemble performing together for this one off treat! Also starring world famous virtuosos harpist David Watkins. All proceeds are going to the St Fillica's Society.