Esther Swift explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world in her performance with pedal harp and voice.

 

A prolific, boldly innovative harpist, composer and singer, Esther works across genres as diverse as classical chamber music and free improvisation, and writes for ensembles large and small. Having studied at Edinburgh’s St Mary’s Music School and the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as with harp pioneer Catriona McKay, she has received numerous prestigious commissions and featured in many international collaborations. 

 

She has travelled to Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Mongolia, and beyond with her music, and shared international, music lead collaborations with musicians and other artists around the world. 

 

She has recently been commissioned by Celtic Connections, Chamber Music Scotland, Manchester Jazz festival and The Edwin Morgan Trust and performed internationally with her band Emergence Ensemble. 

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Esther is currently working on her debut solo studio album, Expectations of a Lifetime, out in June 2024. Supported by Creative Scotland and Help Musicians, the album will be launched at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh on Friday 14th June. 

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