Mary O’Hara at NLHF, new registration deadline

Posted on July 14, 2009 by Celticharper

October Events: Northern Lights Harp Fest in Ottawa Oct. 2-4 ’09

NLHF Deadline extended to August 30th

Northern Lights Harp Fest – Important Notice!

With the late-breaking news of Mary O’Hara’s attendance at the harpfest, it has been agreed that the regular registration date be extended to August 30th. This will allow absent vacationers and out-of-towners the opportunity to make arrangements to attend the fest and/or Mary’s unique presentation, “Travels With My Harp”, Sunday October 4th at 1 p.m. Mary O’Hara is a living legend whom we will be very fortunate to be able to meet in person. As a historical figure in the folk harp world,this presentation is one that you will not want to miss. For tickets, order through www.northernlightsharpfest.com or sweeney.hermon@rogers.com

Cost (for Mary’s presentation only): NLHF Registrants $10, General Admission, $17, Seniors $15.

For more info on the Northern Lights Harp Fest, including how to register, check out the official website:
www.northernlightsharpfest.com.

Info courtesy of Joanne Griffin, NLHF secretary

Double Harp Demo Video with Acacia Lyra

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Celticharper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Nj1VpVDs0

From Joanne Griffin, Secretary, Northern Lights Harp Fest:

“I know many of you have been curious about the V68 harp-for-two. Since this harp will be used for the open-mic-for-two at the Northern Lights Harp Fest, www.northernlightsharpfest.com, we decided to shoot a demo video to show folks that it actually plays and sounds like a harp (or harps). Acacia Lyra (Susan Sweeney Herman & Janine Dudding), who will be performing and giving a workshop at the Fest, kindly agreed to perform their rendition of Chanter Meets the Fairy King for the video.

The regular registration deadline for the NLHF is July 15th. If you haven’t already done so, sign up now for what promises to be an entertaining, informative and exciting harp experience!”

Credits: V68 harp by Don Peddle, Artwork by Patricia Doyle (Blackburn ON), Videography by Lois Siegel Productions Inc. (Ottawa ON)

Animusic: Aqua Harp

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Celticharper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgt4DEBQy50

A cool bit of CG from Animusic. I know I’m a geek when I find myself more intrigued by the way they got the strings to vibrate realistically, than by the music itself.

October Northern Lights Harp Fest in Ottawa: Deadline July 15!

Posted on June 15, 2009 by Celticharper

The folks organizing the Northern Lights Harp Fest in Ottawa in October (Oct. 2-4 2009) are trying to encourage everyone who is interested to register ASAP, so they can meet their minimum number of 60 participants by July 15. It would be truly excellent to be able to have a regular harp conference in Ontario, since for most of us, travelling to the bigger conferences in the USA often isn’t feasible. But, in order for that to happen, they first need to make this year’s conference a success.

Please pass this info along to any harp players you may know. Students and beginners are welcome – there will be harp classes for all levels at the conference.

For more info, check out the official website:
http://www.northernlightsharpfest.com/

Let’s make this happen!

Cynthia Valenzuela on Metallic Harp

Posted on June 6, 2009 by Celticharper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meueuXTcczg

Live performance at Encuentro de Arpa de Durango 2005 “Diva’s Harp”. And yes, the actual harp itself is made of metal, not just the strings. Certainly makes for a unique sound! Too bad it gets cut off at the end.

You can see another short video of Cynthia demonstrating the “Vera” metallic harp below.

Harpists for Peace Day: July 19

Posted on May 31, 2009 by Celticharper

July 19th ’09 – ‘Harpists for Peace’ Day

An exciting event where harpists all over the world will play for an hour at 2pm (local time) on that date, near important public buildings, town squares, places of political significance etc, to promote World Peace.

Harpists of all ages and all standards, professional and amateur, are encouraged to take part, and can get more details and sign up on this website: www.spanglefish.com/harpistsforpeace

Sarah Deere-Jones: By a Woodland Stream

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Celticharper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BCPVjQqm9A

According to phantombagpiper:

“By a Woodland Stream” was written by Sarah as a ‘classical’ piece for Celtic Harp. It is in the style of Marcel Tournier from the turn of the last Century. He taught Sarahs’ Teacher, Renata Scheffel-Stein, so the piece has a link to the past. The sheet music is available at www.cornwallharpcentreshop.co.uk

May Tune of the Month: Childgrove

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Celticharper

Childgrove can be played as an upbeat dance tune, or at a slower, more thoughtful pace. The arrangement I wrote for our trio includes a counter-melody based on “The Foggy Dew”, and is played at a medium march tempo, whereas English Country Dancers generally like it played at a fair clip.

The C# in bars 24 and 32 is optional; it can be played as a modal tune without lever flips. (I’ve included both versions in midi form on the Chubby Sparrow Site here).

The HarpBlog Tune of the Month is courtesy of Chubby Sparrow Music . For a printable version, right click on the picture and choose “save target as”, or pop over to the Chubby Sparrow Free Music page for more detailed printing instructions (note: if you just left click and try to print directly from the browser, it probably won’t print at the right size).

July 2-12: International Harp Workshop in Italy (Registration Deadline: May 15)

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Celticharper

July 2-12 2009
THIRD INTERNATIONAL HARP WORKSHOP
Santuario di Crea, ITALY
Jazz and improvisation course: Monika STADLER
Master classes: Gabriella BOSIO & Katerina ENGLICHOVA
Teacher in residence: Laura Sofia CARAMELLINO

Workshop fee (all prices in Euros): €300 full participants, €100 listeners
Accomodation: The Sanctuary’s convent offers comfortable recently restored rooms for ten nights at €270
(single room), €430 (double room) or €540 (triple room). Cost includes the possibility of kitchen facilities.
Within the Sanctuary complex there is a café and a restaurant.
Contacts/information: you can reach Laura Sofia Caramellino by e-mail laurasofia.caramellino@istruzione.it or
telephone (++39) 340 8420546 (late afternoon please).
The Workshop can guest no more than 12 full participants: please contact the teacher by May 15, 2009.

Information courtesy of Laura Sofia Caramellino

Robin Ward plays Suite Royalle on Triple Harp

Posted on April 24, 2009 by Celticharper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmTJYj-k_MY

According to Mr. Ward:

An arrangement of Robert de Visee’s Suite Royalle in Dm. Originally for Lute/Theorbo. Performed on an Italian styled triple harp, built by the performer.

You can see more of Robin Ward’s playing here, and visit his website at www.earlyharps.com. (Along with performing he also teaches and builds harps).

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