South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

Rachel Groves

Rachel Groves is a lever harpist and composer from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Rooted in Scottish traditional music, she draws on influences from jazz, classical and global folk music styles as vehicles to explore the rich textural and rhythmic possibilities of the instrument.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music (Valencia) and the University of Edinburgh, Rachel is curious about the harp’s role as a contemporary voice in collaborative and intercultural contexts. She received the award for best original composition from Maeve Gilchrist at the Princess Margaret of the Isles Memorial Prize for Senior Clarsach, and the Iain McLeod Young Composer’s Award from the Edinburgh International Harp Festival.

Alongside her work as a harpist and composer, Rachel’s freelance career includes leading the Scolty Harp Ensemble in Northeast Scotland and teaching both privately and with organisations such as Scottish Culture & Traditions. Rachel joined LMNS in 2025 and is looking forward to connecting with new audiences and communities through the scheme.

“It’s rare to find such engaging composition paired with such effortless joy of playing and Rachel has both in spades.” Maeve Gilchrist, Scottish lever harpist

“A very gifted musician and performer [with] a spark that only a few people have.” Olga Roman, Faculty Director, Berklee College of Music, Valencia

Available to book online or by calling East Kilbride Arts Centre on 01355 261000.

Date: 25 February 2026

Time: 2:00pm

Cost: Free

Venue: East Kilbride Arts Centre