Simply Harp

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With gracefulaesthetic formand elegant resonance, the harp hasenchantedaudiences forcenturies. Its soundis often described as “liquid gold ... warm, tranquil and beautiful.”

Harp - About

The harp is one of the oldest instruments known to humankind. Elaborate gold harps dating back as far as 3000 BC have been found in tombs of ancient Egypt. During the middle ages, harpers were usually itinerant musicians who earned their living by moving from town to town. Their small harps were used for self-accompanied storytelling and singing, or in small instrumental consorts. Some kings or chieftains had harpers in their employ, believing the instrument possessed magical powers. It was not unusual for a harper to remain unharmed during battles, respected by the enemy and considered immune from attack.

Harp - Options

Celtic Lever Harp

The bright, sparkling sound and less imposing size of a celtic harp makes it ideal for outdoor events or intimate indoor events. This harp is both versatile and beautiful, and will enhance any occasion.

Concert Pedal Harp

This beautiful harp evolved from its smaller celtic cousin during the 1800’s. Standing over 6 feet tall with long graceful lines, it is impressive in appearance and capable of a great volume of rippling sound. Pedal harps are best used for indoor events.

Harp & Other Instruments

The harp is a rich and vibrant solo instrument, but it can also be beautifully combined with voice, flute, cello, violin, french horn and recorder. Partnered with hand-bells or percussion, the harp creates an exotic contrast.

Harp - Events

Harp music captures the essence of elegance, beauty and warmth, making your special occasion a lovely and memorable experience. Your guests will enjoy a gentle and relaxing ambience that supports normal levels of conversation. Simply Harp will perform the music that you love to hear.

Harp - General Info

General Information

Advance booking is always suggested. Guaranteed dates & times require a deposit and signed contract. A brief complimentary consultation is provided for every booking. Multiple consultations are available when choosing wedding ceremony music. Fee information is available for every event request.

Please provide exact details:

Harp - Weddings

For weddings, the harp sets a mood for romance and love. Through complimentary music consultations, your music will be carefully selected to reflect both the elegance and beauty of the harp as well as the deeply personal nature of your occasion. With many years of experience, Simply Harp will make your wedding the captivating experience that every bride and mother dreams of.

Harp - Other

The calming influence of the harp can increase concentration, improve motivation and provide a refreshing reprieve fromanxiety and stress. Harp music will relax the customer, staff and management, making each experience pleasurable.

Harp - Healing Hearts

The positive therapeutic psychological and physiological effects of listening to harp music are medically documented both in modern and historical times. Harp music is effective in most health-care situations and can be used to relax and soothe the patient as well as the care-provider. Thirty minutes of music can be a gift from “harp to heart”.

“Music influences how the human body reacts to life situations. Gentle music can produce an atmosphere of calmness and hope, and provide healing and comfort in times of injury and despair.”

Trio - About

Simply Harp & Friends

The harp is a rich and vibrant solo instrument, but it will create a warm and sparkling fountain of luxurious musical sound in combination with a flute and/or cello.

Simply Harp & Friends will perform the music that you love to hear, making your special occasion a memorable experience.

Trio - General Info

Advance booking is always suggested. Guaranteed dates & times require a deposit and signed contract. A brief complimentary consultation is provided for every booking. Multiple consultations are available when choosing wedding ceremony music. Fee information is available for every event request.

Please provide exact details:

Trio - Biographies

Karin Barg

Karin Barg pursues a multi-faceted career as an accomplished harpist equally skilled on both the Concert pedal harp and the Celtic lever harp. Her graduate and post-graduate studies in music have taken her across the USA and Europe, giving her a broad range of experience and an opportunity to know and learn from wonderful teachers and mentors. For more than 30 years she has performed professionally as a chamber musician and soloist. Currently, she maintains a busy private studio in Southern Alberta, where she teaches, arranges and writes music.

Karin’s varied solo repertoire includes Celtic and classical favorites, well-known contemporary and jazz arrangements, country-western themes, and enduring sacred melodies. Her innate musical talent, versatility, and engaging personality invite audiences into her rich, melodic performances.

Amber Bareham

Born into a Southern Alberta family, Amber’s interest in music began at an early age with violin lessons. After four years of playing the violin, Amber made an instrument change to the flute. Initially attracted by its compact size, she discovered a challenging new instrument that required physical, mental and emotional commitments.

Amber’s unique style and approach as a flautist has evolved from years of personal study. Her passion for the flute has developed into a love of its warm lyrical sounds, particularly in the middle and lower registers. She enjoys playing and listening to the vivid melodic sounds of the soprano flute as well as the deeply resonating tones of the alto flute.

Having performed as a member of the Southwinds Flute Ensemble and with the Lethbridge Symphony, Amber now plays mostly with the Lethbridge Community Gold Band and in other smaller ensembles. She shares her love of the flute with young and old alike, charming audiences into a world of imagination and dreams.

Mark Rodgers

Mark Rodgers was born in Winnipeg into a musical family and has played the cello professionally for 23 years. He has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony, CBC Winnipeg, the Regina, Saskatoon and London, Ontario orchestras, and still performs with the Red Deer Symphony and the Symphony of the Kootenays. Mark served as principal cellist with the National Youth Orchestra, with Symphony Nova Scotia and is presently principal cellist for the Lethbridge Symphony.

The cello has an extensive and dynamic vocal range, and is capable of even the smallest whisper. It has been described as an instrument with a voice closest to that of a human. This mellow singing tone of a cello easily complements the piano, harp and flute.

Mark is a versatile performer on his 100 year old French cello and plays a wide variety of musical genres including classical, jazz, celtic, rock, country and bluegrass. He enjoys writing and arranging music, and teaches at the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music.

Theater - about

Tale Spinners

Bring stories to life onstage. Our innovative brand of interactive storytelling theatre is served up with live harp, flute and cello, capturing audiences in an imaginative spectacle of sight and sound. No matter what the story, the music and drama are performed with utmost dedication and artistic excellence.

Our “happily ever laughter” productions are guaranteed to educate and entertain. This is live theatre and music at its best!

Theatre - General Info

Advance booking is always suggested. Guaranteed dates & times require a deposit and signed contract. A brief complimentary consultation is provided for every booking. Multiple consultations are available when choosing wedding ceremony music. Fee information is available for every event request.

Please provide exact details:

Available upon request:

Theatre - current project

March 2008 - February 2009

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Written by Kathryn Shultz Miller

One Hour of raucous, rollicking fun The Emperor’s New Clothes is packed with action, laughs, magic, and well-integrated audience participation! High impact, interactive storytelling theatre and live music at its best! Laughs galore are in store when two mischievous tailors come up with a sure-fire get-rich-quick scheme.

Theater - Biographies

Carol Laycock is founder and artistic director of “Tale Spinners”, a dynamic theatre troupe of young actors who delight audiences with energetic, imaginative, interactive storytelling theatre. For 30 years Carol has taught speech and drama, sharing her passion for the texture and color of language with students and teachers throughout the province. Her workshops, seminars and classroom instructions focus on expanding verbal language skills, acquiring a keener understanding of people and their culture by exploring a variety of storytelling techniques, and encouraging students to celebrate diversity by weaving their own stories.

Carol completed her Bachelor of Arts (Speech and Drama) and was awarded a teaching certificate from Brigham Young University, and holds an ATCL in Speech and Drama from Trinity College, London. When not teaching or performing, she is in demand across Western Canada as an accomplished speech and drama adjudicator, dedicated to the festival movement and its continuing support of emerging talent.

Karin Barg, musical director of “Tale Spinners”, pursues a multi-faceted career as an accomplished harpist equally skilled on both the Concert pedal harp and the Celtic lever harp. Her graduate and post-graduate studies in music have taken her across the USA and Europe, giving her a broad range of experience and an opportunity to know and learn from wonderful teachers and mentors. For more than 30 years she has performed professionally as a chamber musician and soloist. Currently, she maintains a busy private studio in Southern Alberta, where she teaches, arranges and writes music.

Karin’s varied solo repertoire includes Celtic and classical favorites, well-known contemporary and jazz arrangements, country-western themes, and enduring sacred melodies. Her innate musical talent, versatility, and engaging personality invite audiences into her rich, melodic performances. Karin weaves her special musical magic into every “Tale Spinners” production.

Contact section

For more information please contact us at:

info@simplyharp.com

Wishing you a harpening day!