Celtic harpist Rachel Hair has been nominated for the prize of ‘Music Tutor of the Year’ in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Dundee. Deemed the most prestigious awards ceremony in the traditional music calendar, sixteen awards will be presented to the best Scottish trad talent in a televised ceremony on the 3rd December.

Rachel, who is based in Glasgow, comes to the Isle of Man each month to teach the Celtic harp using Manx traditional music through lessons organised by Culture Vannin. Rachel has been teaching young Manx harpists since 2011 and currently has over 20 students from around the Island. Many of them are in her Manx harp ensemble Claasagh who perform at community events throughout the year, and they will next appear in the Rotary Top Talent concert at the Gaiety Theatre on the 26th November.

Rachel Hair has produced two books of Manx music arrangements for harp; Claasagh 1 & 2, which are now played by Celtic harpists around the world. She has also included several Manx melodies on her solo albums, and in 2014 composed a harp ensemble suite to celebrate the life and work of Manx artist Archibald Knox.

Rachel does so much to spread the word about Manx music and culture, that it would be great if the Island could get behind her in these awards. If you would like to vote for Rachel, the closing date is Friday 18th November:

https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/voting/  

And if your child is interested in learning to play the harp, they can join the waiting list for lessons. More details at www.manxmusic.com or get in touch with Culture Vannin’s Manx Music Development Officer, Dr Chloe Woolley to find out more: manxmusic@culturevannin.im or tel. 694758.