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The Trio of Harps Concert on Friday was full. 160 people in the Ballroom. For mid August, a Bank Holiday weekend to boot, and a new venue, that represents a great attendance. (The Arts Centre say that August is their `down season`!)
Our Austrian guests showed what lovely sounds could come from not just one, but two Austrian single action pedal harps. Brought over especially to play for the occasion, the sounds of traditional music of the Europe provided a new experience for many in the audience.
Kike and Cristobal played some of their new pieces and some of the older ones that we have heard before, and won hearts once again.
Eleanor Turner made an enormous effort to play for us and with Roger Owen in accompaniment on the violin, showed what massive ranges of sounds have been composed for the Classical Harp.
Each player could have merited a concert by himself or herself. To have three within one concert is a rare treat.
Saturday evening had 70 in a `rearranged (and successfully-acoustic) Ballroom Concert` of invited players, of varied styles but high ability. Several new players agreed to play and more of the Austrian Nose Flute repertoire was requested once again.
The Harp Orchestra after four years is now in time and in tune ! There are huge new possible directions for this unique septet.
Sunday in Northborough Church was filled with over 140 people. Entirely advertised through the Church, alone and by word of mouth, it was again a great display of all harps. Many said it was the Major Event of the weekend. A big effort by the Church Ladies Group.
Three sets of Classes, which were introduced for the first time, left teachers utterly, exhausted, heroically coping with diverse styles and abilities!
Partly, this was the result of people deciding at the last minute to come along. It is hard to plan classes under these circumstances. Nevertheless everyone was inspired even if the teachers were drained by the enthusiasm.
Next year we will arrange more (and smaller) groups if we can find more teachers willing to direct classes. Would you like to teach some beginners?
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Experimental Electro-Acoustic Harper Tom Monger `pushed the boundaries` of everyone in his midday 60-minute performance. Could this have been done outside, late at night, against a backdrop of stars, somewhere?
Maybe next year.
Great thanks to Tom (aka Lunamoth) who`s confident, and slick performance with modern technology was a major challenge. There have been requests for more `experimental` music again next year, though what and where the boundary lies, is becoming less clear to me personally.
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Exhibition Harp suppliers were surprised at the new local interest in the instruments. Pilgrim Harps gave professional backup and will be our partners in future if they would like to pencil in this venue into their schedule. Thanks to John Hoare.
Norbert Maier showed his lovely hand built harps from Austria and was an honoured guest.
Three harps were sold during the weekend.
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Eleanor Turner has now taken on some local pupils, to teach in Stamford.
Trial Lessons on offer were all taken up by members of the public and guests, and will be a future feature if we can persuade Tyce Phillips to be our designated Official `Teacher in Residence` at the Festival.
First timers ranged from a passing delighted shopping housewife ("I`ve ALWAYS wanted to do this") to a nightshift lady taxi-driver who carried Kike and Cristobal in her car six months ago, and remembered the invitation to come along and try a harp.
Accommodation in Stamford School was reported to be fantastic. The breakfasts were reported as `superb` and the mini-apartments were a 5 star welcome in a town reputed to be full much of the year.
We have block-booked the entire school building for next year already.
Our thanks to Stamford School, the Caretaker and the Cooks. True hospitality.
Financially, the 4th Harp Festival was not self -sufficient, although this was expected. We were drawing on our reserves of last year, which covered over, to this year. We had relied upon obtaining a grant of some kind but have to bear in mind that this is by no means a certainty.
We thank for their financial help:
GNER for two train tickets
The Austrian Cultural Office for two flights
Northborough Parish Council for support
Molln Parish Council for matching Northboroughs support
Tim Smee
Leeds Clarsach Branch and Stamford Arts Centre (Kesteven Council)
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As Kike and Cristobal Pedersen have performed in some schools and we attract players from all ages and ethnic minorities (as well as looking after disabled players)
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We might be in a position for a grant. We will apply early and carefully next year.
It is our hope that performers and teachers are rewarded. As professionals they should be paid properly and generously.
Equally well, many part time musicians and attendees are following a path of little free cash and we will try to keep all the weekend costs down to absolute minimum.
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We have most of the up to date contacts of people taking part and can easily forward your details if you would like to keep in contact, or get in touch. We thought about simply putting them up here but maybe it's a little too public.