artist Alys Howe - Celtic Harp

Taking the sound of the harp to new places is what Canadian musician Alys Howe is all about. With performances that explore new stylistic territory, Alys’ playing will shake your belief that harp music can only be soothing. Drawing upon her classical roots, Alys also immersed herself in the ancient modalities of the Scottish and Irish harp traditions, training in Scotland (RSAMD), Ireland (University of Limerick), and Cape Breton (Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts) to weave three strands from the Celtic traditions into a unique new soundscape. With an approach dedicated to promoting multiculturalism in the music she loves, Alys has appeared in many different concert venues, on radio, television, and documentary programs; as a soloist, in ensemble - live or in the studio. Her debut recording, "phosphorescence" (2005), combines innovative arrangements of traditional material with new compositions, and features songs in both Scots and Gaelic. Demonstrating her masterful understanding of the techniques developing among contemporary harp players, Alys has won awards of distinction (including two Mod Gold-Medals, The Watkins Fellowship, and Canada Council for the Arts). A dedicated teacher and tradition-bearer, Alys has shared her love of this multi-faceted instrument, the harp, with students world-wide. Exploring her instrument with passionate energy and dexterity, the music of Alys Howe will open your ears to the diverse contemporary sounds of the harp.

Alys Howe Musician