Instrument: Harp

Along with Debussy and Ravel, this lunchtime programme also celebrated Lili Boulanger and young Slovenian composer Nina Šenk.

Sparks were flying on Friday night, and not only from the feet of the Unthank sisters and fellow clog dancing Prommers. Sam Lee said it: “the folking Albert Hall”.

A second concert featuring Jordi Savall at the 2018 Perth Festival comprised much reduced forces - just himself and harpist Andrew Lawrence-King - but was just as rich, varied and captivating.

Xavier de Maistre gave a stunning performance of the Concierto de Aranjuez in the version for harp and orchestra, plus Ligeti and Tchaikovsky's ultra-Romantic Manfred in Belgrade.

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra brought a fresh approach to Mahler's Fourth Symphony and the harp took centre stage for a change with a concerto première.  

A talented ensemble proves pays testament to the heritage, vitality and continuing inventiveness of Finnish folk music. 

An arcane Armenian orthodox chapel, two glittering Greek Orthodox churches, a waterfront palazzo and a sumptuous Austrian villa were fascinating venues for a delightful day of mini-concerts at the Istanbul Festival.