erik ask-upmark – Harp, stories and musical journeys
Erik Ask-Upmark is a Swedish Riksspelman, internationally active harpist and musical storyteller. With the harp at the centre — joined by voice, bagpipes, nyckelharpa and other traditional instruments when the programme calls for them — he creates performances ranging from intimate and reflective to theatrical, historical and irresistibly danceable.
Below is a quick overview of the main programmes currently available. Each can be adapted to suit the venue, audience and occasion, from churches and house concerts to festivals, castles and cultural centres.
Solo • 45-60 minutes • Harp and musical storytelling
Nordic and Celtic harp music, stories and warmth come together in an intimate concert for churches, cultural venues, libraries and house-concert settings.
Solo • 45-60 minutes • churches, pilgrim centres, festivals
A musical journey along the roads of medieval Europe. Harp, bagpipes and storytelling evoke the travellers, beliefs and music encountered on the way to Santiago.
Solo or ensemble • adaptable length and setting
Fantasy Music in Concert. Music inspired by myths, books and legendary screen worlds, woven together with Nordic and Celtic soundscapes.
Solo or ensemble • adaptable length and setting
Atmospheric concerts and lively historical programmes for castles, museums, medieval markets and festivals. Troubadours, plague songs, pilgrims, the Vikings...
More about Erik's musical ideas and background
Swedish harpist and multi-instrumentalist Erik Ask-Upmark has made Nordic and Celtic traditional music the heart of his work. Although the harp is often associated with Ireland and Scotland, it also has deep roots in the Nordic region, reaching back to the Viking Age. Erik has performed throughout Europe and North America, both as a soloist and with groups including Svanevit, Dråm and Falsobordone. His solo albums Heaven's Polska and Winter is coming explore Scandinavian harp music, while his playing has appeared in everything from Dutch pop singles to Norwegian death metal. He has even toured China with a Norwegian ice-music orchestra, performing on the world’s first ice harp!
Listen to Erik on Bandcamp and Spotify
Here you can listen to Erik’s recordings, from Nordic harp music and traditional folk to medieval and fantasy-inspired soundscapes. Stream on Spotify or support him by purchasing the albums on Bandcamp.
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