Irish harpist Sheila Larchet Cuthbert died on Oct. 14, 2026. The World Harp Congress shared the following tribute on social media:
“It is with regret that we inform you of the death of Sheila Larchet Cuthbert (1923–2026) in her 104th year.
“Sheila was dedicated to the vision and work of the World Harp Congress for many years, first as a correspondent for the World Harp Congress Review, and later as a member of the Board of Directors and Corporation of the World Harp Congress. In 2005, she was delighted to host the Ninth World Harp Congress in Dublin.
“Sheila enjoyed a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, teacher, arranger, and researcher, and was an advocate for Ireland’s national instrument, the harp, publishing The Irish Harp Book in 1975. She was also a founding member of the Radio Éireann Symphony Orchestra, now the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland.
“Sheila will be very sadly missed by her many friends and colleagues throughout the international harp community.”
