From the moment the Winter Harp ensemble entered the Raven's Cry Theatre, costumed and strolling in a lantern procession, they were magical. The seasonal nature of last Sunday's show was enhanced by the new blanket of snow on the lower end of the Coast. Ironically, their program notes told the audience that, "When the wind blows and the power fails, we light candles and gather together as in earlier times." Outdoors, the snow was blowing on the highway, and a few empty seats in the sold out concert told of the efforts of those from outside Sechelt to get to the venue.
The ensemble, based in New Westminster, has a very professional sound that blends ancient instruments with consummate harmonies of voice. Joining the ensemble this season was guest vocalist Rachel Landrecht, whose voice was awesome, and iconic Canadian fiddler Oliver Schroer. For this tour, Schroer played an electric fiddle with an extra string that allowed him to reach lower notes than a regular violin.
Choir director Lori Pappajohn performed on Celtic harp and vocals. A composer and an award-winning journalist, Pappa-john has made seven recordings. She has also produced a documentary about the history of the harp and, with Joaquin Ayala, has been featured in a music video for Bravo Television.
Young Janelle Nadeau proved an emerging talent on the classical harp, while Lauri Lyster on percussion was a dynamic presence who made bongo drums sound like a natural accompaniment to harp music.
One of the most interesting aspects of this group was their use of unique instruments played by Ayala. At one point he performed on a five-foot tall, conical instrument called a bass psaltery by embracing it with two bows, one in either hand. This psaltery was made in Vancouver especially for the group by luthier Edward Turner. Ayala also played a nyckelharpa, a Swedish stringed instrument long since replaced by the violin.
The tunes were interspersed with stories and poetry. For example, the comic Ogden Nash poem about Jabez Dawes who didn't believe in Santa Claus was accompanied by the tune "Glenlivet." Other selections were more sacred in nature, such as "We Three Kings" along with the story of the Magi.
This reviewer's personal favourite was the ensemble's rendition of "White Christmas." This popular tune has become so overworked after constant repetition on shopping mall loudspeakers that it was refreshing to hear it suddenly come alive and be meaningful again using harp accompaniment.
Winter Harp's concert tour takes them to North Vancouver's Capilano College theatre on Dec. 12 and 14. More about the group can be found at www.winterharp.com.
