This concert was originally scheduled for December, but when we got hit with a blizzard, we moved it to January! Patrons gathered at the Norton Shores Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library for an evening of harp music and light snacks.
I divided the program into three sections – classical, folk music, and popular selections. The Christmas music I had planned for the December date wouldn’t make sense now! The classical pieces I played included “Winter” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and “Largo” from the New World Symphony by Dvorak.
The harp is an important part of the musical culture from many places around the globe, but most often associated with Ireland and other Celtic regions. Along with music from these heritages, I played Czech and Mexican folk songs.
After a break to enjoy the snacks served and to ask some questions about the harp, the program continued with popular music. When planning a concert like this, you’re never sure exactly who will be in the audience, so I made sure there would be something everyone in attendance would recognize! So there were Disney songs for the kids (and kids at heart!), and then everything from Elvis to Lady Gaga to Metallica to The Beatles. I love to challenge the perceptions of what harp music can be!
Of course, everyone loves an abundance of glissandos, so I finished the program with one of my favorite pieces to showcase the harp, “Great Day” by Nancy Gustavson.
You can hire me to provide a concert of any type for your library, school, community organization, corporate event, or family gathering. It’s a wonderful way to introduce people to a rare instrument! Visit my website – West Michigan Harpist – to contact me and find out more!
