I am Esther Swift, a Scottish composer, arranger, contemporary harpist and singer who creates cross-genre work for theatre, ensemble and multimedia. My practice spans commissions, touring and new-music collaborations with poets, dancers and theatre companies. Current projects include an artist-in-residence role with Eastgate Theatre, commissions for Northerly Winds, All Pent Up for the University of Oregon, and a new three-part work for The Alexander Trio. I regularly premiere pieces at East Neuk Festival and Celtic Connections, and perform internationally with an emphasis on storytelling through harp, voice and electronics.

Esther Swift

I am Esther Swift, a Scottish composer, arranger, contemporary harpist and singer who creates cross-genre work for theatre, ensemble and multimedia. My practice spans commissions, touring and new-music collaborations with poets, dancers and theatre companies. Current projects include an artist-in-residence role with Eastgate Theatre, commissions for Northerly Winds, All Pent Up for the University of Oregon, and a new three-part work for The Alexander Trio. I regularly premiere pieces at East Neuk Festival and Celtic Connections, and perform internationally with an emphasis on storytelling through harp, voice and electronics.

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I am Esther Swift, a Scottish composer, arranger, contemporary harpist and singer who creates cross-genre work for theatre, ensemble and multimedia. My practice spans commissions, touring and new-music collaborations with poets, dancers and theatre companies.

Current projects include an artist-in-residence role with Eastgate Theatre, commissions for Northerly Winds, All Pent Up for the University of Oregon, and a new three-part work for The Alexander Trio. I regularly premiere pieces at East Neuk Festival and Celtic Connections, and perform internationally with an emphasis on storytelling through harp, voice and electronics.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Artist in Residence at Eastgate Theatre
January 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026
Residency artist for January–March 2026 (Peebles, Scotland).
Composer at Northerly Winds
March 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026
Commission to write new work for Root Systems; premiered spring 2026.
Composer at University of Oregon (All Pent Up project)
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Commission for harp quintet; premiered in the UK in 2026.
Composer at The Alexander Trio
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Commission to write a three-part work for The Alexander Trio (Oregon, US).
Composer at Peebles Orchestra
November 1, 2026 - November 30, 2026
Commission for 25th Anniversary (November 2026).
Composer at Edinburgh International Book Festival / East Neuk Festival
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026
Commission with poet Jackie Kay; performances at Celtic Connections 2026 and EIF 2025.
Composer at East Neuk Festival
June 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025
ZULU VOYAGE commission for 80 multi-genre musicians; premiered June 2025.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization