Inspirational Islanders: Anna Sacchini, Harp on Wight Festival

Italian-born Anna is the co-owner of Michelangelo Restaurant in Ryde. Having mastered the sitar while under the tutelage of Ravi Shankar in the 1980s, she began learning the harp when she moved to the Isle of Wight. Inspired by the Harp Festival in Dinan, Brittany, Anna joined forces with friend and music promoter Vic King to set up their own. The popular Harp on Wight Festival is now in its 10th year.

“I chose to come and live on the Isle of Wight as I wanted to live close to nature. The Island has a stunning natural beauty and there’s a relaxed sense of community. When I arrived here, I learned to play the harp and fell in love – it’s a magic instrument that easily connects your soul to a peaceful vision of life and to nature.

I don’t have a specific favourite place on the Island, but I find peace amongst the woodland. You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Although Ryde has some great beaches, the stretch of coastline from Brook to Freshwater is my favourite. Even on a stormy day, the scenery is epic.

I love the walk from Ryde to Quarr Abbey through the Ladies Walk. It’s mostly off-road, but the wide path is very scenic and great for wildlife spotting. The Abbey itself is a tranquil place and the tea shop there serves delicious cakes.

I might be slightly biassed, but Harp on Wight Festival is my favourite Isle of Wight event. I am so grateful to all the musicians that have participated over the ten years for making the festival a success. Not only is it well known among harp connoisseurs and musicians worldwide, but they’ve inspired new students to take the first step to learn to play and have raised the cultural profile of Ryde.

If I only had an hour on the Island, I’d take my little harp, go to Queen’s Bower Wood and sit under an oak tree and play. Bliss!”