Sylvia Woods (born 1951 in Tennessee) is an American harpist and composer,[1] and is perhaps best known for her role in the worldwide renaissance of the Celtic harp, or cláirseach.
Subsequent travels around the world as a soloist and ensemble performer cemented Woods’ reputation as a formidable talent in the folk harp milieu.
Celtic harps were not readily available at the time, so Woods was often approached after concerts by people who were intrigued by her instrument, which she had purchased in Ireland.
In addition to her solo albums, Woods has played on the recordings of many other prominent musicians such as Jimmy Messina, Al Stewart, Joemy Wilson, Kay Gardener, Aeoleus, Artie Traum & Pat Alger, and Caswell Carnahan.
Woods has been interviewed on dozens of radio stations throughout the U.S. and Great Britain, including by Studs Terkel on WFMT in Chicago.
Woods has performed on the soundtracks of several major motion pictures, including Dead Poets Society, Prancer, and Only the Lonely, under the direction of Academy Award-winning composer Maurice Jarre.
A 1981 Los Angeles episode of Romper Room that featured Woods and her harp was nominated for an Emmy Award.