21
May 2026

Life on a Harp String: The History of the Harp

Welcome to The Arts Society Knole
Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 14:00
Bat and Ball Centre
Cramptons Road Sevenoaks TN14 5DN
Online Event

Delve into the 5000-year history, development, design, music, and lore of the Harp, which has over 1400 working parts, & learn how the complex pedal mechanism was introduced and perfected into the instrument played today. See slides of the extraordinary designs as the instrument developed over the centuries. Indulge in the lavishly decorated Rococo harps made for Queen Marie Antoinette, and listen as Margaret plays her harp for you on this unique musical journey.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Miss Margaret Watson

Margaret studied harp under the late Sidonie Goossens OBE and Sussex harpist Helen Arnold. She holds a Diploma in Music Performance on the harp and is also a Fellow of The Guild of Musicians and Singers.

Now one of the busiest harpists in the Southeast, Margaret has played for Royalty, given concerts at National Trust properties, played at City Guildhall, Clarence House, The Garrick Club, The Savoy, Ritz, Dorchester and Hilton Langham Hotels in London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Covent Garden and for many weddings, private parties, group meetings, receptions, launches, corporate, civic and charity functions.

Margaret is a very active member of the charity ‘Music in Hospitals and Care’ and gives bedside concerts for patients and mentally or physically disabled people in hospitals, hospices, and specialist care centres and nursing homes.

With her very varied repertoire and often resplendent costumes, she has delighted numerous audiences throughout the UK.