Lever harpist and composer releases 'Dr Neil's' for harp and strings inspired by Edinburgh garden

Lever harpist from Aberdeenshire Rachel Groves is releasing her debut single, ‘Dr Neil’s’, an original composition for harp and string quartet, on 3rd May, under new local female run label 'Folk and Flow Promotions'. Named after Dr Neil’s Garden in Duddingston, Edinburgh, the music is inspired by Scottish traditional music with influences from global folk, classical and jazz to create an evocative and textural exploration of these instruments.

Lying hidden behind an Edinburgh churchyard, between the shores of Duddingston Loch and the slopes of Arthurs Seat, Dr Neil’s Garden was created by Drs Andrew and Nancy Neil for themselves and their community. During the six years Rachel lived in Edinburgh, it became a haven from city life for her. ‘Dr Neil’s’, scored for lever harp and string quartet, evokes a sense of both the gentle serenity and flourishing life which is found in this place.

Growing up in Aberdeenshire, Rachel is a lever harpist and composer whose style combines love of traditional music with a curiosity to bring this versatile instrument into new spaces and contexts. She is particularly interested in reimagining elements of folk music in contemporary and improvisatory contexts, interdisciplinary art performance and cross-cultural exchange. A graduate from University of Edinburgh and Berklee College of Music, the piece is a reflection of the melting pot of musical styles Rachel has found herself surrounded by over recent years.

Rachel will be celebrating the release with a concert at Fogo Kirk, Scottish Borders, on 10th May at 7.30pm. Featuring the premier of 'Dr Neil’s' as a three part suite for harp and strings, she will be joined by musicians from Edinburgh, the Borders and beyond, and will be supported by new cross border folk band Sitka and local borders musicians Harris Playfair and Heather Cattanach. Tickets can be bought online or on the door. They are priced at £10 and include refreshments during the interval.