Fiona Rutherford Tops Scottish harpist expertly playing in Contemporary and Celtic styles

Fiona is from Edinburgh. She began playing the harp aged 14 and has been privilaged to study with Sophie Askew, Isobel Mieras and Savourna Stevenson. At 16, she gained a place at 'The City of Edinburgh Music School' where she was part of an inspiring learning environment, with exposure and involvement in a wide range of musical styles. Fiona became increasingly interested in composition work, and has since been earning much recognition as a composer/performer of new music for the Scottish harp. From 2005-2008 she studied Composition at Dartington College of Arts, earning a First Class Honours degree. Fiona particularly enjoyed the emphasis that Dartington placed on collaboration work - frequenty performing alongside writers, theatre-makers and choreographers, as well as other musicians. After completing a Mmus in Composition with Nigel Osborne, Fiona is now a freelance musician and composer based in Edinburgh. She has composed music for two feature films and several acclaimed theatre productions, including the award-winning 'The Inheritance'. Her instrumental compositions have been performed by groups such as Mr Mcfall's Chamber, Drake Music Scotland and the London Sinfonietta. Fiona's recent album 'Sleep Sound' showcased her writing for harps, strings, piano and vocals and was described as "a masterful work.." (Songlines Magazine). It received radio play on several stations such as BBC 6 Music (Cerys Matthews, Radcliffe & Maconie), Radio Scotland and Swedish National Radio. Fiona is extremely passionate about teaching the harp and has many private pupils besides serving on the music staff at George Watson's College and Cargilfield school. Fiona regularly performs solo or with singer-songwriter/double bassist Amy Duncan. As a wedding/function harpist Fiona has performed throughout Scotland and beyond at venues such as Edinburgh Castle, Iona Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel. She has performed to HRH Prince Charles and several other well known names such as Jonathan Dimbleby and Jack McConnell. She is a versatile and modern player who is very happy to chat to you about your event to make sure the music enhances your occasion just as you would like it. She is also happy to learn requests!