Carol Arblaster

Carol Arblaster has lived in the West Country most of her life (first the West Coast U.S.A. and more recently the British West Country in Somerset). Her Celtic heart has emerged through taking up the harp in 1995, learning in the oral tradition, like the old Irish bards without the aid of written scores. The preponderance of her music is original and true to these inspirational roots, informed by history and legend.

Carol's first cd "Holy Thorn" (2003) is virtually a 'live' recording and comprises a number of hymns rendered in the Celtic style. Her originality became greatly evidenced on "Brendan Soul" (2005). It is the most orchestrated of Carol's cd's and also features accomplished Celtic musicians such as Troy Donockley and Martin Neil. The lyrics on a number of tracks were adapted from her husband's poetic hagiographies of inspiring Celtic saints like Brendan and Columba. By contrast, "Celtic Harp Offering" (2010), is entirely instrumental and highly original, without the aid of other instruments. The theraputic qualities of the harp are artistically employed to transport the listener in the Celtic spirit of the 'wild goose'. She is based at the moated, Medieval Bishop's Palace beside Wells Cathedral where she sometimes plays. In Feb. 2010 she debuted "Celtic Harp Offering" performing for guests at Buckingham Palace.