HILA RADIO  playlists feature music from different genres and artists in the vast world of harp. Our aim is to provide people the opportunity to listen to all sorts of harp music; from classical to Celtic, jazz to Christmas, competition pieces to specific composers.

Scroll below and take a listen. There’s lots of playlists to choose from and we continue to create more. Play them all! And if you have an idea for a playlist, let us know.

Most titles are available for purchase through the artist or a reputable download web site.  We try and share a link for each piece in these playlists, but sadly, many recordings are becoming less and less available. When in doubt or if a link does not work anymore, be sure and contact the artist directly

HAPPY LISTENING!

THE SOULFUL STRINGS: THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS. WITH DOROTHY ASHBY (PARTIAL)

The Soulful Strings, created by musician / producer, Richard Evans, were made up primarily from members of the studio house band for the Chess/Cadet recording label, which included Lennie Druss (flute), Phil Upchurch (guitar), Cleveland Eaton (bass/cello) and Dorothy Ashby (harp). This Christmas vinyl was the Chicago label's highest-charted record coming in at #35 nationwide.

This 1968 recording on Cadet called "The Soulful Strings: The Magic of Christmas" featured a number of musicians, including Dorothy Ashby on harp. Though these 3 pieces from the album show Ashby as featured, the tracks leave you yearning to hear more with Ashby as solo. Perhaps more Dorothy Ashby gems could be found hidden on other Chess/Cadet records...

Snowfall

Harp: Dorothy Ashby
Written By Thornhill

The Little Drummer Boy
Flute: Lenard Druss
Harp: Dorothy Ashby
Written By: Davis, Onorati & Simeone

Merry Christmas Baby
Harp: Dorothy Ashby
Written By: Baxter & Moore

CHRISTMAS WITH JOE LONGSTRETH AND JOHN ESCOSA (PARTIAL)

Listen to 6 tracks from the 1963 recording, "Christmas with Joe Longstreth and John Escosa". Featuring harpists, Joe Longstreth (b.1920 - d.2003) and John Escosa (b.1928 - d.1991). Recorded in Fort Wayne Indiana at Carriage Records. Side one of the vinyl was The Christmas Story according to St. Mark, written and narrated by Longstreth with solo harp performed by Escosa. Side two were Christmas carols performed by the harpists together. Arrangements by Escosa.

     

SUMMER PLAY: AHS 2021 NATIONAL COMPETITION

This playlist is a sampling of some of the repertoire harpists performed during the 2021 American Harp Society 24th National Competition held in Los Angeles, California. The competition is held biennially with harpists from age 12 to 30 years competing within 5 divisions. 

The 2021 winner in the Young Professional Division title and also named AHS Concert Artist for 2021-2023 went to Elizabeth Yeoh-Wang. 

More information about  titles included in this playlist are shown below (Read more). 

Image: :"The Green Dress" by Elanor Colburn (1866–1939) director of the Laguna Beach Art Association from 1926 to 1929. 

A'Cluich Na Clàrsaich: 2017 Edinburgh International Harp Festival

This more than 60 min. playlist brings together some of the harpers and harpists highlighted during the 2017 Edinburgh International Harp Festival, an annual celebration and gathering of some of the harping world’s greatest and most innovative players. 

The annual event is organized by The Clarsach Society in Edinburgh. The festival year 2017 saw a number of young Celtic talent and featured a breath-taking range of music from the oldest traditions to the most experimental sounds. 

More information about  titles included in this playlist are shown below (Read more). 

'TIS A GIFT: A THANKSGIVING GIFT OF SONG

Harp graces it's bell-like tone to the music and songs of America and its immigrant people from parts of Britain and Ireland.

Voiced with dulcimer, hurdy-gurdy and guitar, this poetic mix is a Thanksgiving gift of song. Musicians include Kim Robertson, Shelly Phillips, Michelle Sell as well as the talented Gourd Music artists. Share the beauty of the harp and other instruments with friends and family this year. 

More information about  titles included in this playlist are shown below (Read more). 

Image: Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog by American Portrait artist Amni Phillips 1788-1865)

CONTE DE NOEL: HOLIDAY MUSIC WITH HARP IN MIND

This holiday playlist shares some of the beautiful Christmas music composed or arranged with harp in mind. Composers such as Tournier, Rutter, Britten and Jolivet took full advantage of the harp's clear presence in music written specific for this wintry season. 

More information about  titles included in this playlist are shown below (Read more). 

Image:"Simon and Canadian Geese #2" by American artist, Amanda Blake

CRISP WITH SNOW: HARP WITH A WINTRY FEEL