My harp and I have a gorgeous stand at the Winelands Bridal Fair held at Spier, just outside Cape Town, on 2-3 August. Tickets are R80 (kids under 12 get in for free) and there are multiple fashion shows daily as well as awesome prizes to be won.
Check it out at: http://donatoevents.co.za/winelands-bridal-expo/, or like their facebook page for more info.
See you there!
Wow! What an amazing experience! I met so many invaluable friends and contacts and will definitely be back next year. I strong advise any brides to get themselves to the CTICC for the 2015 SA Wedding Show. There are tons of interesting vendors catering to the grandest and most modest budgets. I look forward to seeing you there year!
John Parry was an 18th century harpist who was not only an accomplished performer, but was also blind from birth. Born in 1710 in Wales, Parry found patrons who provided him with a triple harp. A triple harp has not only one row of strings but three, making for some incredibly complicated and intricate finger work. Parry divided his time between performing at his patron’s homes in Wales and London. He dazzled London’s cultural elite and his name has gone down eternally in music history.
A remarkable artist, Parry overcame a challenge so profound while pursuing a musical career in spite of his burden. As far away as my modern, 21st century Cape Town life may seem, the lesson to be taken from our 18th century Welsh bard is always clear to me: No matter what my circumstance, I can rise above. I don’t have to see my goal in order to achieve it, I only have to dream it.
It was a real luxury for me to perform harp today at an open function for Oasis Retirement Resort in Century City, just outside Cape Town. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and one can clearly see the resort’s commitment to excellence. Find out more about them at www.oasiscenturycity.co.za
While we don’t have a dedicated ‘Swing’ harpist here in Cape Town, take a ride back to the 1940s and meet Olivette Miller. She was a gorgeous and celebrated American harpist, performing swing on the harp in famed clubs with well-known artists. She was also married (approximately) six times!
Read more about Olivette Miller at http://vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com/post/66235450450/olivette-miller-celebrated-swing-harpist-circa
It was a beautiful setting today in the Old Village at Constantia Village for Mother’s Day lunch. I performed in the courtyard surrounding Cattle Baron, the Taj, Mugg ‘n Bean and Primi Piatti. Thank goodness Cape Town weather was favourable to an open-air harp performance!
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
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!
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