Harpist

Andrew Smith

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About Andrew

The romantic sound of the harp — beautifully tailored to your day.
Harpist
Sowerby Bridge
Public liability insurance of £10 million

There’s something timeless about the sound of the harp — its notes seem to linger in the air, wrapping every moment in calm and beauty. I wanted to bring that feeling to modern weddings: the balance of elegance and emotion, tradition and personal connection. I’ve been performing professionally for many years, appearing at venues across the UK and abroad, from intimate garden ceremonies to grand historic halls. Every event is different, and my goal is always the same — to craft a musical atmosphere that feels effortless and genuinely reflects each couple’s story. Whether it’s a haunting Celtic melody, a favourite film theme, or a contemporary love song arranged specially for harp, I take pride in curating a sound that fits your day perfectly. Couples often tell me that hearing the harp as they walk down the aisle is one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony — it slows everything down and lets them truly feel what’s happening. During receptions, I blend gentle background music with recognisable tunes, keeping the mood relaxed and conversational while maintaining that thread of magic throughout. Beyond the performance itself, I believe service and communication matter just as much. From your first enquiry to the final note, I make sure every detail runs smoothly: clear setup times, professional presentation, and a calm, reassuring presence on the day. I’m fully insured, provide all necessary equipment, and always arrive early to ensure everything is perfect. Music has an incredible way of anchoring memories. When you look back on your wedding, I want you to remember not just the pieces I played, but how they made the whole day feel — elegant, peaceful, and uniquely yours.

Andrew
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5 out of 5
1 verified review

Andrew's Reviews

From customers:

NB
Nigel B
4 months ago, for a Wedding in 21 Hollins Mill Ln
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5 out of 5

Hi Andrew - I just wanted to say how much we valued your presence at our wedding. We loved the playing, and everyone loved the fact we had a beautiful harp and harpist in the event. Thank you for making it so special. Best wishes, Nigel and Jo

TP
The H

I feel the gig went well and we got some positive feedback from audience members. They enjoyed the contrast between your playing and the lyrical subject matter of your songs - being about the more gloomy side of love. Your song with the line about the 'crappy little car' especially. Also your collaboration with Silver Reserve went really well. It'd be good to have you back at some point yes.

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Andrew's Song list

Classical
Little Fountain (Samuel Pratt)
The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel)
Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) (Mascagni)
Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Flower Duet (Delibes)
Morning (Peer Gynt, Grieg)
Duet (Pearlfishers, Bizet)
Prelude C Major (Bach)
Prelude C Minor (Bach)
Fantasia on Greensleeves (Traditional, Ederveen) - there is a version known as What child is this, but this is a contemporary version of a classic broadside ballad and NOT religious.
Au Bord du Ruisseau (Renié)
Round Waltz (Samuel Pratt)
Rouet (Renié)
Serenade for the Soul x 5 (Barnwell)
Clair de Lune (Debussy)
Scandinavia (Stadler)
River Flows in You (Yiruma)
Jones (Songs of Hope)
Nada te Turbe (Jones)
Thème de la Sonate nos. 5 and 11 (Mozart)
Minuetto (Scarlatti)
Petite Sonate (Handel)
Early Music
Her Dies
Au Renouvelle du tens
Winder wie ist
Lai
Nobilis Humilis
Debors Long Pre
Chanson
Cantiga x 5
English Estampie
Dance Royal
Ductia
Chansonnette
Lament of Tristan
Trotto
Estampie
Ingrata
Carmen Vernale
The King's Dance
O'Carolan (Trad Irish)
Lady Athenry
George Brabazon
Planxty Burke
Carolan's Concerto
Carolan's Dowry
Carolan's Draught
Carolan\s Farewell to music
Carolans Quarrel with the Landlady
The Clergy's Lamentation
Planxty Crilly
John Drury
Lord Galway's Lamentation
Hewlett
Baptist Johnston
Morgan Magan
Blind Mary
Kean O'Hara
Eleanor Plunkett
Fanny Power
Plenty Sweeny
Songs and Music
Down in the Willow Garden
Barbara Allen
Annie's Song
Eternal Friendship (Watt)
Last rose of summer (trad - my arrangement)
Water is Wide (Robertson)
Hallelujah
Caravan of Love
Imagine
Without You
Caledonia
You Got It
Scarborough Fair
Carnivorine
Running Back to You
I'm Moving On
Don't Ghost Me
Various Manx Folk music such as Arran Nye
Original Compositions
Saol - Innocence
Saol - Experience
Carnivorine (album)
The Old Gay (album)
I am happy to learn new contemporary pieces of your choosing by arrangement.

Andrew's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£187.50
Up to 1 hour£312.50
Up to 2 hours£500
Up to 3 hours£687.50
Packages
Gig in a pub2 hours
Two sets of 30 minutes, varied rep of contemporary, and covers, alongside new and original material by myself. I can do either on guitar or harp.
£250
Corporate Event2 hours
Playing background music for 2 x 45 minute slots, varied repertoire, all costs included.
£312.50
Wedding ceremony2 hours
This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave. And all travel.
£437.50

Add-ons

Original composition
+£1875
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

They love the fact that I am engaging, and play beautiful music that will remember forever. Many people have never heard a professional harpist, and it is always a thing of joy for them to hear for the first time. As I have a very wide repertoire, and can improvise new music, people are often impressed with the versatility of my playing.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Large concert halls, churches, pubs, and clubs. I am also a successful session musician, and am at home in a recording studio also. I am currently developing live performances in specific towns, on a 'pop-up' basis, which is always fun.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

As a harpist, I am particularly influenced by the likes of Zabel, Hasselmans, Thomas, and Renie. I love modern composers such as an Eire Lynn Jones and Lauren Scott, both of whom I have attended workshops and classes with. I also love fusing different kinds of music from different continents, so Catrin Finch is a favourite.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Who am I to say?

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I will always endeavour to be as flexible as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event, just let me know, and if I can accommodate them, I will.

How much time do you need to set up?

I prefer to enter the venue at least an hour before playing begins, if that's possible. This gives the harp time to settle, to tune, and to prepare for the performance..

Is the transport of your harp included in your quote?

Absolutely. The cost includes everything. However, if you would like the harp decorated with, say, artificial flowers or LEDs, we will need to have a chat about what your thoughts were, and how you can arrange this. The harp can look beautiful decorated with flowers and soft lighting!

Do you need any equipment provided to play outdoors?

As you will appreciate, harps are very expensive instruments, and I tend to avoid playing outdoors unless it can be confirmed there will be full cover and protection from the elements. Harps hate extremes of temperature. However I am happy to perform in, say, an outdoor gazebo etc, but with a chat about the setup.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

I think it's important we have a conversation about the set list. I have performed for many years now, and do have a sense of what works in the background of events. I am, as mentioned, happy to pick up a couple of new contemporary pieces - a favourite, memorable song etc - which I can arrange myself, but need sufficient time etc.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes, up until two weeks before the event.
Musicianship
Genres:
Folk, Christmas, Traditional church music, Contemporary Christian, Classical, Baroque, Classical crossover, Early music, Contemporary classical, Medieval music, Traditional English folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Traditional Irish folk, Avant garde, Light music, Easy listening, Acoustic, Covers, Pop, Jewish music
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Cruise
See all event types
Other skills:
Arranger, Composer, Lyricist, Songwriter, Producer, Orchestrator, Actor, Accompanist, Fluent sight-reader, Instrumental teaching, Composition teaching, Music therapy, Community music worker, Musicologist
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