​Composers P​roject

formally the 'Future Blend Project'

Composers Projects:

2024

2019

2018

2017

2016

Harpists in Residence

The PoppyHarp Composers Project is lucky to have 5 incredible Harpist in residence. Each year composers have the chance of working with one of these incredible harpists: 

Fran Barsby (Engalnd)
​Bethan Conway (Wales)
Rosanna Moore (Ireland)
Sophie Rocks (Scotland)
​Eirca Sinclair (England)

Fran Barsby

​"I run PoppyHarp and the PoppyHarp Composers Project. But I’m also a busy performer! I can’t wait to get to know another set of composers next year. I’ve missed running this project so much! I enjoy an eclectic career as harp teacher, busy performer and I am a committee member for the UKHA. 
I can’t wait to get stuck into another composers project! 
Formally 'The Future Blend Project' was a huge part of my life and I absolutely love working with composers to expand repertoire for the harp. Bring on 2024 and the 5th PoppyHarp Composers Project!"

Sophie Rocks

​Sophie is a performer, programmer and curator with a passion for bringing brand new music to the forefront in both public and community settings. Sophie’s personal highlights have included being featured as a soloist on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’, being one of the United Kingdom Harp Association’s Emerging Artists 2020, reaching the quarterfinals of the Dutch International ‘World Harp Competition’ 2022, and showcasing her critically acclaimed show, ‘Notes from Shetland to Shanghai,’ at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity in Canada and the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.
This year Sophie has been touring Scotland with her clarsach trio, The Willow Trio. With funding from Creative Scotland, they created ‘The Swan of Salen’, a Scottish multimedia adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.  Additionally, as the founder of the hugely successful concert series, Sophie is currently programming the third season of ‘Music at the Green’ a genre defying showcase based in Glasgow’s West End. Sophie is currently working on her new programme, 21st Century Harp and is delighted to be back working with composers on new music!

Dr Rosanna Moore

Bio coming soon. 
​https://www.rosannaharp.com/

Bethan Conway

​“I’m Bethan, a harpist and pianist based in North Wales. I teach and perform in North Wales and across the North West. I enjoy lots of chamber music and orchestral playing and am principal harp for NEW Sinfonia. It’s my first time taking part in the PoppyHarp Composer’s Project and I can’t wait to get involved! My favourite part of being a musician is getting to work alongside other wonderful musicians and to meet new people. So I’m really looking forward to working with composers on exciting new pieces and to promote new music for the harp!”

Erica Sinclair

“I'm Erica, and I'm a harpist and clarinettist based in Worcestershire. I'm usually running up the miles on my car driving all over the Midlands and beyond to teach and perform. I'm the principal harpist for The Mahler Players, and enjoy freelancing with other ensembles. I'm so pleased to be involved with the PoppyHarp Composers' Project again, having been involved since the first "Future Blend" concert. I love performing new works, and some of the previous pieces I've worked on are still being presented in concert programmes years later.”

Donate to the project:

We rely on donations to give back to the generous harpists that give their time to this project.
If you would like to donate to this project please email Fran at [email protected] - THANK YOU!
If you are a composer that would like to get involved please fill in the form below. 
If you are a harpist that would like to get involved please email Fran, [email protected]​

Donate to the Composers Project

£50.00

Donate to the Composers Project

£100.00

Sponsor a Harpist for a year!

£500.00

Donate to the Composers Project

£25.00

Sponsor 50% of a commission

£250.00

Sponsor 2024 harpists

£3,000.00