From the Harp Strings

What I'm doing these days...

The Water is Bluer in Cleveland

They say that if you want to be good at your craft, spend time with people who are better than you.

This week, I have had the opportunity to fill a substitute harp position with the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra in Cleveland, Ohio. Spending time with Cleveland's pro's is definitely helping me to do just that- grow. I feel myself improving as an orchestral player, because I'm forced to keep up with their skill and professionalism. What a fulfilling experience it has been.  For this program, the orchestra is playing Fauré's Masques et Bergamasques, Op. 112, Cambini/ Parcell's Sinfonia Concertante for Two Flutes and Orchestra, and Poulenc's Sinfonietta. 

I hear the musicians remarking all the time about how they have not played these pieces (I'm glad to know I'm not the only one experiencing my first go-around with them!). And yet, they are so wonderful! The Sinfonietta especially is a pleasing and exciting artistic pursuit. I know that the audience will leave the concert feeling refreshed and fulfilled after hearing such lush and pleasing music.

If you would like to check out this great chamber group, visit them at BlueWaterOrchestra.com. You won't regret experiencing their great music making.

Illness, Healing, and the Lourdes EP

Recently, a good friend of mine helped her  mother transition into hospice. Watching her go through such grief, I found myself feeling quite helpless as how to comfort her and support her in this very challenging time. But I know that she enjoys harp music, and so I decided to put into motion a project that has been on my heart for a while now- The Lourdes Project. 

This summer, I had the blessing and opportunity to spend a few days in Lourdes, France, on a spiritual pilgrimage. I found a tremendous sense of peace and healing while I was there, and felt inspired to document my journey and love for the site through my music. However, I've never really found the time or motivation to get started. But the urgency of my dear friend's situation spurred me to get this project going. 

With the help of my recording-savvy boyfriend, we were able to record four Marian hymns to create a meditative and prayerful EP. My hope was for the music to be a gift of tranquility for my friend's mother and her family. I had the privilege of meeting this special lady in person and presenting her with the CD. 

Even though the music was simple, and the CD short, it was an immensely fulfilling moment as an artist. It was a tangible moment where I could use my art to make life just a tiny bit more beautiful. I'm hoping to further develop this project, quite possibly into some harp arrangements of Marian hymns and maybe even some composition for chamber ensembles. We'll see what the future holds. Stay tuned.

If anyone would like to hear the Lourdes EP, let me know. I have copies of the CD, and I hope to post the tracks online soon for you to take a listen. 

Thanks for taking the time to read some of the highlights of my harp adventures! No day is ever boring or the same, so I'm excited to see what comes next. Best to you!

From the harp strings,
Celisa