GLISS HARPS - A Sunday Afternoon Concert at St George's Church, Thames

GLISS The harp has always been an instrument known for the sound of ethereal shimmery music which ripples from the fingers as tho it’s heaven-sent, but that’s not the only way to play a harp. Gliss Harps brings you a programme of music which defies any one label – where else could you hear four harps playing a tango or a ragtime number,  film music or traditional songs, something classical or a waltz, a pop song or a hymn? A fun and interesting repertoire of ensembles and solos which showcase both lever and pedal harps and a variety of sounds and techniques which you may not have known were possible on the harp! Harpists Anna Dunwoodie, Harrison Chau, Kate Dodds and Joelle Ireland have played the harp for more than half their lives and show an affinity for putting together a harp extravaganza. Anna and Harrison are both graduates from the Auckland University School of Music, albeit 25 years apart, while Anna, Kate and Joelle are founding members of the Auckland Harp Orchestra (2013) an all-comers harp ensemble which now functions as a hybrid ensemble with students all over NZ and performs concerts in Auckland and locally. Anna and Kate are founding members of Gliss (2017) which has fluctuated in size from the original 6 members down to a trio, and currently is a quin-quartet – appearing as a quartet for our concert at St George's Church, Thames, while our third founding Gliss harpist, Laura Robertson is on sick leave. Following the concert, you are welcome to try playing a harp and take part in a mini harp lesson with one of the expert harpists who will show you some little harp tips.