Their concerts have been called unique, exotic, magical, extraordinary - it's hard to aptly describe the acclaimed ensemble Winter Harp that is performing at Raven's Cry Theatre Sunday, Nov. 28, at 2:30 p.m.
With an entourage of exotic instruments and ancient carols, the acclaimed ensemble's focus is the unique and hauntingly beautiful integration of the world's oldest instruments (harps, flute and percussion) with rare medieval instruments, poetry and song.
Rare instruments include the ethereal-sounding bass psaltery (the only one like it in the world), the medieval organistrum (the other one like it in Canada is in the Museum of Man in Ottawa) and the nyckelharpa.
Standing ovations, sold out concerts and rave reviews are the hallmarks of the Vancouver-based ensemble.
Called a journey deep into the heart of winter and deep into the heart of Christmas, Winter Harp takes its audience on a magical journey with stories and carols, both familiar and ancient.
"If people love Christmas, they will love Winter Harp," says ensemble director Lori Pappajohn. "We play numerous well-loved Christmas carols and beautiful rarely-heard carols."
Winter Harp features harpists Pappajohn and Jill Whitman, flutist Kenichi Ueda, medieval instrumentalist Joaquin Ayala, reader Alan Woodland, percussionist Lauri Lyster and 11-year-old harpist Emilie Whitman. Emilie just released her debut CD Emilie's Christmas.
Tickets are available at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, Talewind Books, Roberts Creek General Store and Coast Books.
