One of our fine Harp Affair harpists performed at Hazendal Wine Estate’s Mother’s Day High Tea. What a treat for the tastebuds, ears and of course – eyes! A sophisticated and grand, elegant instrument to behold. Contact Melissa to book a harpist for your next event in Cape Town and surrounds.
The harp is an ancient instrument renown for its potential healing properties. Many people know the story of David and Saul from the Bible. Saul was beset with troubles, some would say mentally disturbed, ill, tormented, and David would soothe him by playing the harp. The harp can have a remarkably calming effect, with a tonal quality that is otherworldly and enchanting.
Throughout history, the harp has been associated with heaven and heavenly things, and even thought of as a symbol of the angelic. This can be seen in legends and myths of the Celtic as well. The harp is of course on the coat of arms of Ireland as well as decorating the Guinness beer! Turning to the Hellenic myths, the Greek god, Hermes invented the harp, according to legend, and gave it to Apollo. Apollo became the god of music, amongst other things, and was always seen accompanied by the lyre.
The use of the harp is varied in today’s society. Harpists play for entertainment as well as for the harp’s unique soothing properties. In Cape Town, you may find a harpist who can specialise in drawing edgier sounds from her harp, or a harpist who specialises in using the harp therapeutically, such as a music therapist.
Contact me if you are looking for a harpist in Cape Town!
This weekend, I will be performing at the Whale Coast Weddings and Wine Expo. The expo runs on 24, 25 and 26 September at Bona Dea Estate. Follow this link to find out more about the expo: http://whalecoast-weddings-and-wine.co.za/2015/. Why not come out to the Hermanus and Hemel-en-Aarde region for an afternoon of wine-tasting, beautiful music and artistic decor, cakes, photography and dresses? Its only a two hour drive from Cape Town, and so worth it!
I’ll be performing on stage on Thursday 24 September (a public holiday) at the following times:
12:00-12:30
14:00-14:30
Hope to see you there!
Every Wednesday this March, I will be performing during high tea at the Table Bay Hotel at the Waterfront in Cape Town. Come enjoy high tea (truly divine) or simply a cup of coffee.
See you there between 2:30 and 5:15 every Wednesday this month!
Enjoy an extravagant High Tea or simply sip on a cuppa in the Lounge at the Table Bay Hotel at the Waterfront in Cape Town every Wednesday this January. I’ll be entertaining guests with an eclectic mix of melodies on harp, ranging from Mozart to Miley Cyrus.
See every Wednesday between 2:30 and 5:15pm.
Book for high tea at: http://www.suninternational.com/table-bay/events/pages/detail.aspx?itemid=1531
OR just drop for tea!
I’ll be performing at the Adonis Musati Project’s (AMP’s) evening of cheese, wine and chat. AMP is a Cape Town based refugee aid organisation which does phenomenal work. It is a privilege to be able to support such a worthy cause. Visit their site at: http://www.adonismusatiproject.org/
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.
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