A mesmerising evening of music from two of classical music’s leading harpists
Two world leading harpists come together in the Stratos Harp duo, joining their passions for the expansion of pedal harp repertoire for one innovative programme.
Louise Thomson and Anne-Marie O’Farrell first came together as part of the inaugural Manchester Harp Festival where they gave the world premiere of O’Farrell’s arrangement of Schubert’s iconic Fantasie in F Minor, originally for piano duet, now written for two pedal harps. They share a passion and curiosity for expanding pedal harp repertoire, which has led to their highly innovative and attractive programming, , featuring works by Damase, Debussy, Philip Hammond and Caroline Lizotte.
Louise Thomson is a versatile and accomplished harpist who has performed across the UK both solo and with leading ensembles. Her innovative and virtuosic approach enables her to explore the pedal harp’s capabilities in full. This exceptional talent has taken her across the UK to prestigious concert venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Cardiff’s St David Hall, and to leading ensembles such as the Hallé and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2022, Thomson was selected to perform at the World Harp Congress in collaboration with presenter Polly Ives.
Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell is a leading lever harpist of her generation. Hailing from Dublin she has performed all over the world as a solo artist, accompanist and in ensembles. On lever harp, she is particularly recognised for her expansion of repertoire and levering techniques. Her work resulted in the world’s leading harp makers, Salvi Harps, redesigning their lever harps to become concert instruments. She has performed with numerous orchestras including the Irish Baroque Orchestra and the RTE National Symphony Orchestra. As a musician experienced in performing at state events, she was called upon to play during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland and has performed for numerous presidents including President Bill Clinton.
Doors 7pm, show start 7.30pm.
Full programme TBA.
