I’ll be performing some soothing contemporary harp music at Ipic Shopping Center in Aurora, Durbanville, on Saturday 10 May. Come along if you’re north of Cape Town city. I’ll be playing from 11am for one hour. Gonna be fun! www.ipicshopping.co.za
My beautiful harp
For those who are interested in the kind of machinery I am working with, I perform on a Lyon and Healy Chicago Concertino Extended (Natural).
Lyon and Healy is an American manufacturer of harps with their headquarters in Chicago. The company was begun in 1864 by George W. Lyon and Patrick J. Healy. (https://www.lyonhealy.com/)
This harp has a Sitka Spruce soundboard and Hard Maple body, creating a beautiful and reliable sound. It has a natural finish, furthering its angelic aesthetic (it also looks great at weddings!). It also has a gorgeous climbing vine detail up the sound board.
Harps aren’t made in Cape Town, or South Africa – getting such large and delicate instruments here can be quite a mission!
Cape to Peru
While travelling South America for the last three and a half weeks, I naturally spent a great portion of my travelling time searching for instruments and hopefully a locally made Peruvian harp. On Linares Street in La Paz, Bolivia, we were surrounded by instrument shops and were told that some may have harps. Unfortunately, none did.
Finally in a small town near Machu Picchu in Peru, upon visiting some Inca terraces, we happened upon a blind harpist using a locally made harp, singing as well. What a treat!
When in Arequipa (also in Peru) we found a number of quaint music shops with harps that they had made themselves, similar to the one in the picture. The worst part was realising I couldn’t get the harp back to Cape Town! While I wouldn’t use it for weddings, it would have loved to take it home and try out South American styles on it…
Upcoming: SA Wedding Show
I will be at the South African Wedding Show at the Cape Town ICC from the 6-8 June 2014. Will be the place to be for all bride-to-be’s. Looking forward to it! Tickets available at the door. For more info: www.thesaweddingshow.co.za
Valentine’s Day at the Planet Restaurant
An incredibly romantic Cape Town experience! In true Mount Nelson style, everything was finished to perfection. It was a stunning evening, and the crowd in the restaurant was absolutely marvellous.
Christmas and New Year’s at the Mount Nelson
Performing at the Mount Nelson for Christmas and New Years was truly extraordinary. The Planet restaurant is always decked out in its finest, with the waiters and staff as professional as ever. The multiple courses that are delivered to every table are artistic and delicious. What a festive environment!
Canal Walk Bridal Show
I recently took part in the Canal Walk Bridal Show. What a great experience. It was a lot of work but I met some wonderful people and all-in-all it was a memorable weekend.
