Harpists Enchant Their Audience at Davis Library in Bethesda (VIDEO)
It was an evening to sit back and relax to a medley of songs performed by an ensemble of harps that delighted audience of all ages at the Davis Library in Bethesda.
Harp Happy!, a four person harp music group, performed on Dec. 12. their special program- Dancing Strings! a collection of songs from around the world. From Italian Tarantella, Persian Belly Dance to the Uruguayan sound of La Cumparsita.
“I just wanted to play harp with friend and it was a lot of fun,” said Judith Mostyn White, group manager and harpist at Harp Happy.
Every January the ladies get together and choose a theme for their yearly program. But each musician has their own personal story with the string instrument, usually triangular in shape.
“I started playing piano when I was five. I started flute when I was ten, and then my cousin brought her harp to my house and said ‘Play the harp’ and I said ‘No, I don’t do strings,'”said Mimi McNeel, harpist at Harp Happy!
But one thing they share is that they create beautiful music and enjoy playing together.
“I picked the instrument of the orchestra on the first concert mother ever took us,” said Barbara Seidman, professional harpist for more than 50 years. Seidman is a harp instructor at George Washington University. She has been playing harp for the past 53 years.
Anita Vassallo, agency manager at the Davis Library, said the libraries like to provide diverse programming to the community.
“We love to have things that are interesting to all ages,” Vassallo said.
Songs performed by Harp Happy are available for free download at the Montgomery County Public Libraries website through Freegal Music, a music database where library cardholders can choose songs from Sony and independent record labels.
To event goers, the evening could not be more pleasant.
“I was very impressed with the selection of the songs. The diversity throughout the world … It was very enchanting,” said Harvey Follender, a Bethesda resident.
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