Top Tips For Hiring A Harpist
Need a soloist to inject a bit of elegance to your wedding? Harpists hands-down win the aesthetic prize.
In addition to being a visually stunning instrument that photographs incredibly well, they can provide a very soothing and sophisticated atmosphere. They are particularly suited to intimate wedding ceremonies or more background music for any event. Have a listen to samples of some of our harpists here!
As a soloist, the harp doesn’t require any accompaniment as it can handle multiple lines of harmony (not unlike a piano, just plucked instead of struck). Because of this, harpists have quite a selection of repertoire available to them including: Disney, classical, contemporary, Bollywood, and even folk.
Have a listen to one of our harpists, Llywelyn: -
Here is Llywelyn’s sample repertoire list to give you a good idea of the variety you have available: -
If you have a special song in mind let us know so we can put some feelers out to find the sheet music! Alternatively, we have an in-house arranger who could write out just about anything specifically for you.
Noa - harpist @ London Fashion Week
Stuck for ideas?
Here are some of our suggestions of the best pieces for harp: -
Wedding March - Mendelssohn
Flower Duet – Delibes (Lakme)
Claire de Lune – Debussy
Ave Maria – Schubert
Bridal Chorus – Wagner (Lohengrin)
Canon in D – Pachelbel (Yes this can also be played on harp, too!)
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
Kissing You – Des’ree
Songbird – Fleetwood Mac
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Music of the Night – Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera)
The most common booking for a harpist would be a wedding ceremony and drinks reception (typically a 2-hour booking, depending on distance between locations). The most important and personal music requests of your whole day will be for the ceremony. Here the harpist would typically play: -
Guests arrival (10 – 15 mins / 5-7 pieces) – optional
Entrance (1 piece)
Signing of the Register (2 pieces, perhaps with an optional 3rd to ensure the time is covered)
Exit (1 piece)
Guests depart (5 – 10 mins / 2 – 3 pieces) – optional
While harpists are beautiful soloists, many harpists also work with duo partners. Common line-ups could be with flute or violin, although the repertoire available will be more restricted.
Harpist FAQS
Can they play outside?
Yes they certainly can! Just so long as they have sufficient cover from the elements and have a solid, flat floor to play on (not grass!).
Can they use a PA system?
This might be a good option to consider for bigger gatherings / venues. Let us know in your enquiry if this is a requirement.
How much space do they need?
Ideally, they would need 3m x 5m, but generally the more space the better so they are not cramped! Let your venue know to prepare space for a harpist – they should be used to harpists and their needs.
What if they need to cancel?
The beauty of booking through an agency like us is that we have lots of amazing harpists on our books who we can get in contact with to replace your original player without any change to your booking!
Do they need anything from me?
The harpist will come with all of their own equipment. The only thing to keep in mind is if they are using a PA system, they will need a plug nearby. They will also need parking close to entrance – so they don’t need to lug their heavy harp too long a distance! Ideally there should be good lighting where they are positioned for reading their sheet music.
Can they accompany a guest singer?
Yes – a harp can be a really lovely accompaniment for a singer! We would need to find the sheet music for the song, in the right key for the singer, and if a rehearsal is needed this can be factored into the booking time (eg. A run-through before the ceremony).
Can they move between locations?
Although it is a heavy instrument the harp can be moved short ways – perhaps keep some ushers nearby to lend a hand!
Thinking about hiring a harpist? Drop us an enquiry here – we’d love to hear from you!