4 Harps
Since their formation in 2000, 4 Harps have been heard in numerous venues and festivals in the UK and across Europe, delighting audiences with their dynamic performances and innovative repertoire. Book this heavenly harp quartet for your next event.
Biography
Since their formation in 2000, 4 Harps have been heard in numerous venues and festivals in the UK and across Europe, delighting audiences with their dynamic performances and innovative repertoire.
The quartet has featured on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’, BBC Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night is Music Night’, BBC Radio 4’s ‘Woman’s Hour’, Classic FM, and Welsh television channel, S4C. They have performed at The World Harp Congress in Dublin, The Fairfield Halls, St George’s, Bristol, Champs Hill, and at London’s King’s Place.
4 Harps’ debut album, ‘Fireworks and Fables’, was released in 2009 showcasing their own arrangements of impressionist works by Ravel and Saint-Saëns, as well as new works by the group’s own composers. Well received by critics, it led to broadcasts on national and international radio.
December 2013 heralded the release of the group’s second album, ‘4 Harps at Christmas’, an ambitious project which included a 14-date concert tour of venues in London and the South-East.
2015 saw the ensemble celebrate their 15th anniversary as a group. Alongside a full concert diary, they marked this milestone by premiering an exciting new commission, Tetra, composed by four female British composers. In addition, they also founded the British Harp Chamber Music Competition (the only competition of its kind in the UK) to encourage other young harpists to perform chamber music and to champion the harp in a chamber music setting.
They were also featured in a BBC video that captured their performance of Shostakovich’s famous Waltz No.2, which went viral, counting over 6 million views across the world to date.
The quartet was also delighted to have recorded their CD ‘Dance’ with Dutch label STS Digital, released in early 2018 and featuring an energetic mix of dances by different composers. Later that same year, they celebrated the CD’s release by performing a short set of music from the album in a live performance for Classic FM.
4 Harps is perfect for: Weddings, corporate events, product launches, openings, music events, festivals, receptions, ceremonies, hotel and restaurant entertainment, awards ceremonies, private functions
Read moreTestimonials
“IMPECCABLE ENSEMBLE AND EXCELLENT ARRANGEMENTS”
BBC Music Magazine
“The rendering of the danza del corrigador from de falla’s three cornered hat is alive with warmth, neat prhasings and gorgeously varied articulations…..A wonderful listen”
Alex Rider, United Kingdom Harp Association
“There was never a moment where i felt the group were missing a different instrument – the range of genres and sounds they covered was incredible.”
Rebekah Chilvers, Lynn News
“With some famous and fantastic classics, and some new and unusual sounds, there was something for any audience in this set….This was a programme of variety and surprises, with the superb playing by the quartet making for an exciting evening.”
Young Festival Critics, Newbury Spring Festival
“This is another splendid disc from 4 Harps….These are four talented artists, their playing is technically superb and delivered with a wide range of colours which makes the harp so attractive.”
MusicWeb International
” ….the group’s spot-on ensemble playing….4 Harps possesses a luminous sound, clean and clear like a cloudless summer day, yet they are fully able to add depth in their fortes without losing one bit of that radiance.”
Harp Column Magazine
“The girls radiated warmth and elegance, and the happy audience acclaimed it as one of the most delightful ever of the festival’s musical evenings.”
The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald
“Sparklingly energetic arrangements…The ‘4 Harps’ do the arranging themselves, with versatility and imagination…Ensemble is watertight and there’s a real rhythmic élan to the playing which keeps you listening.”
BBC Music Magazine
“It’s a warm and comforting sound, perfectly suited to the mood of the season and chilled out evenings around the fire.”
Classic FM CD review
“Between each sensitively layered piece the girls displayed their heartening camaraderie and musical savvy with ad-lib narration and sassy quips….. A nest of warbling nightingales, 4 Harps gave us a bounteous evening perfumed with delightful musical flutterings.”
South Wales Evening Post
“They are a great example of an ensemble that knows what it’s doing and does it very well. They are serious about the quality of their performance and the musical integrity of their arrangements….”
Camac Voice
“….no gimmicks, no stunts, no fancy costumes beyond elegant evening wear – just engaging chat and rather lovely music.”
Lichfield Gazette
“They were among the most accomplished of guest performers, and utterly charming to work with, and their visit will long be remembered and discussed. Indeed, I can think of no aspect that could have been improved — and how rarely can one say that”
Bramley and Little London Music Festival
“Dynamic performances, a varied and innovative repertoire and four engaging personalities: A star!”
Newbury Today
