November is a veritable harp-filled month this year with something for everyone in the ACT, VIC and NSW…
First up in Sydney, Clare McDonogh presents her solo harp graduation recital on Thursday 11 November, 7pm @ Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium.
The programme features some of the masterpieces of 20th century harp repertoire including including Fauré’s virtuosic ‘Impromptu’ and the sublime ‘Danses sacrée et profane’ by Debussy. **This is a free event**
For ACT residents, HCA has our final harp circle for the year on Saturday 20 November, 2-4pm at Canberra Girls Grammar School chapel, Gawler Cres, Deakin.
Internationally acclaimed harpist, teacher, and HCA founder, Alice Giles, will be giving a Master class**, which will be followed by an informal concert, in which anyone is welcome to participate. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading harpists and places are limited so if you would like to participate in the masterclass, contact HCA asap to reserve a place.
** Master class with Alice Giles (participants $20/$15 for HCA members, observers free) Please bring a plate of food, a gold coin donation, friends, family, harps and music stands!
Sunday 21 November in Canberra, New Zealand born harpist and Seven Harp Ensemble member, Ingrid Bauer, performs a stunning programme of solo works from the 19th and 20th centuries, including a rarely heard gem, the Harp Sonata, Op. 68 by Alfredo Casella.
2.30pm @ the Holy Covenant Anglican Church, 89 Dexter Street, Cook, ACT
*Entry by donation*
Also on Sunday 21 November in the beautiful surrounds of the Blue Mountains in NSW, is the Lithgow Harp Day.
What: The Blue Mountains Harp Circle invites all harpists to come and share their music. Participants can learn some new tunes, play with the ensemble, and enjoy playing structured improvisations.
When: Sunday 21 November from 10am to 5pm (doors open at 9am for tuning up).
Where: The Lithgow Branch of the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music.
Info: Music and parts for ensemble playing will be available by mail from early October with your receipt. Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.(If you have special dietary needs, please bring your own food).
Cost for the day will be $30 per person, (Cheques & money orders are acceptable).
Contact: Jay Gorrie
P: 02 6352 1080
E: jaygo@hotkey.net.au
A: 4 Bells Rd, Lithgow 2790
Rounding off a vibrant and varied month of harp music is the Melbourne Harp Ensemble, who celebrate the 125th anniversary of the birth of iconic 20th century harpist and composer, Carlos Salzedo, with ‘Scintillation: the City, Country and Coast tour’ in Victoria.
**Five concert harpists performing one hour of scintillating music for harp and harp ensemble**
27 November, 2:30pm @ Bellbrae & 8pm @ Hawthorn, 28 November, 3pm @ Ballarat
Tickets $15/$10 at door.
