Winter Harp Facts at a Glance


FACT SHEET 

Purpose: To celebrate the Christmas season with a magical journey into the heart of winter. Concerts feature Celtic and classical harps, violin, medieval instruments, percussion, poetry, stories and song.

Genre of Music: Heart-warming well-known Christmas carols, Celtic and world with flavors of medieval, Latin, flamenco and pop

Performers
Lori Pappajohn - Celtic harp and vocals
Janelle Nadeau - classical harp and vocals
Lauri Lyster, percussion and vocals
Mark Ferris - violin
Joaquin Ayala - medieval instruments
Ron Halder - narrator
Sharlene Wallace - alternate harpist with Lori Pappajohn

Instruments: Celtic harps, classical harps, violin, medieval instruments, hand drums, bells, chimes, voice. 204 strings must be tuned before each performance and during intermission.

Medieval 1) Bass psaltery: the world's only one, designed by Vancouver's Edward Turner. 
Instruments: 2) Organistrum: 12th-century Spanish instrument. World's only other organistrum in Ottawa Museum of Civilization. 
3) Nyckelharpa: medieval Swedish instrument.

 Formed: 1992. This year marks Winter Harps 15th Anniversary Tour throughout Western Canada.

Achievements:
 Consistent sold-out concerts, standing ovations throughout Western Canada and Pacific Northwest (USA). This year, four December concerts sold out in September, another one in October. The Winnipeg concert sold 600 tickets during the first week of ticket sales in May 2007
 Featured on CBC Television's Opening Night concert series 2004. 
 Concert broadcast on CBC Radio nationwide 2005 and 2006. 
 Studio concert broadcast on CBC Radio's West Coast Performance in 2001. Numerous other broadcasts including BCTV, VTV, Global, CKNW and others.
 CD Child's Christmas in Wales broadcast on CBC Radio's Disc Drive -- a half hour broadcast  in 2005.
Debut CD named in Georgia Straight's Top 10 Christmas Recordings (Vancouver, British Columbia)
  Avalon video in rotation on Bravo in 2002
 Eight CDs from Winter Harp over its 15-year history with two nominated for awards
 Festival Vancouver performance broadcast on CBC Radio in 2007. Edmonton Winter Harp concert broadcast on CKUA, 2007 


Concert Dates:
Nov. 18 West Vancouver, BC 3 p.m. St. Francis in the Wood Church. Tickets at 604-922-3531
Nov 24 Winnipeg, MB:  Pantages Playhouse, 7:30 pm Tickets 866-656-6838  $32 
Dec. 2 Sechelt BC: Raven's Cry Theatre, 2:30 p.m. Tickets $25 at Talewind and Coast Books
Dec 6 Courtenay, BC: Sid Williams Theatre, 7:30 pm Tickets 250-338-2430 $35, $40, $10 SOLD OUT
Dec 7 Victoria, BC: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora, 7:30 pm Tickets 250-382-2464 $25
Dec 9 St. Albert, AB: Arden Theatre, 7:30 pm Tickets 780-459-1542  SOLD OUT
Dec 10 Spruce Grove, AB: Horizon Stage, 7:30 pm Tickets 780-962-8995  SOLD OUT
Dec 12 North Vancouver, BC: Capilano College Theatre, 8 pm, Tickets 604-990-7810 $12, $25, $28
Dec 13 North Vancouver, BC: Capilano College Theatre, 8 pm, Tickets 604-990-7810 $12, $25, $28
Dec 15 New Westminster, BC: Massey Theatre, 7:30 pm, Tickets 604-878-1190 $25  
Dec 16 Nanaimo, BC: Port Theatre, 3:30 pm, Tickets $17, $30, $34  250-754-4555
Dec 16 Nanaimo, BC: Port Theatre, 7:30 pm, Tickets $17, $30, $34  250-754-4555
Dec. 19 Maple Ridge, B.C. The ACT, 8 p.m. Tickets $17, $24, $28  604-476-2787
Dec 20 Maple Ridge, BC: The ACT, 8 pm, Tickets $17, $24, $28  604-476-2787  SOLD OUT
Dec 22 Vancouver, BC: St. Andrew's Wesley Church, 7:30 pm Tickets $28 604-231-7535

CDs:A Night in Winter (November 2007)A Child's Christmas in Wales (2005)
Christmas Night (2003)Harp Dance (Christmas 2001)
Winter Harp (1999)Winter Harp: Words & Music (1999)
Celtic Harp of Dreams (1998) Celtic Harp for Christmas (1994)

 




Media contacts: Lori Pappajohn 604-521-7194 or 604-782-4277
Ange Frymire, publicist, ange-frymire@shaw.ca
winterharp@telus.net 


Winter HarpThe Concert
 
Standing ovations, sold out concerts and rave reviews are the hallmarks of Winter Harp, an ensemble of harps, medieval instruments, fiddle, percussion, poetry and song.
Join this world-class ensemble for a concert of heartwarming carols, songs and stories in celebration of the Christmas and winter season.
 
The musicians, in gorgeous medieval attire, perform a hauntingly beautiful collection of music from well-known carols to Celtic, medieval and even flamenco. Dozens of candles light the stage providing a backdrop for the golden Celtic and classical harps, drums, tambourines, temple bells, violin, the singers and an assortment of rare 12th century instruments.
 
Poetry, music, laughter and tears combine in this magical journey which takes its listeners deep into the heart of winter, deep into the heart of Christmas.
 
Rare instruments include the ethereal-sounding bass psaltery (the only one like it in the world), the 12th century organistrum (the other one like it in Canada is in the Museum of Man in Ottawa) and the nyckelharpa.
 
"It's an enrapturing event that plucks at your heart strings." -- the Province
 
"Winter Harp's annual Christmas concerts are a treat." -- CBC Radio's Jurgen Gothe
 
What audience members are saying:
 
"One of the most beautiful concerts I have ever been to." -- Susan
 
"Christmas would not be complete without Winter Harp." -- Richard
 
"I was mesmerized." -- Cherri
 
"Your performance brings the spirit of the season to life. Thank you." -- Jennifer
 
"I've been to Christmas concerts all over Europe. None are as profound as yours." -- a Victoria fan
 
Media contacts: Lori Pappajohn 604-521-7194 or 604-782-4277
Ange Frymire, publicist,  250-213-6697
 
Winter HarpUnique Instruments
Winter Harp features a number of unique instruments especially made for the ensemble.
 
The five-foot tall bass psaltery, designed by Winter Harp, is the only one like it in the world. It has a haunting, ethereal sound.
 
The ornately carved organistrum, which dates to 12th century Spain, produces deep, resonant drones. The only other organistrum like it in Canada is in the Museum of Man in Ottawa.
 
The nyckelharpa, a medieval cross between a hurdy-gurdy and a violin, has a wistful, viol sound.
 
For detailed information on these instruments, or to hear them, visit the Instruments page of the web site.
 
 
 
Winter Harp The Performers
 
Lori Pappajohn Celtic harp, voice
Winter Harp director
 
As a soloist and with her ensembles, Lori Pappajohn has performed in Canada, the United States, Chile, Britain, Ireland and Greece. Her Britain tour included performances in St. Martin's-in-the-Field and Lincoln Cathedral. Lori has also toured for Community Concerts, a division of Columbia Artists, New York. She is one of the leader's in the harp world, breaking away from traditional classical styles and exploring jazz, blues and flamenco. So unique is her music that Pappajohn has been featured at the world's most prestigious harp events -- the World Harp Congress, the International Jazz and Pop Harp Conference and the International Folk Harp Conference. 
 
Her performances of ancient Greek music on harp garnered her an invitation to play for the reinstating of the games in Delphi, Greece with dancers from the Isadora Duncan Institute of New York City.
 
A composer and an award-winning journalist, Lori Pappajohn has seven recordings. She has produced a documentary about the history of the harp, and with Joaquin Ayala has been featured in a music video for Bravo Television. As members of Winter Harp, Lori Pappajohn and Joaquin Ayala have been showcased on television and radio, including on CBC Television's Opening Night series. Lori is on the faculty of B.C.'s International Celtic Harp School.
 
 
Joaquin Ayala,  medieval instruments
 
Joaquin Ayala's talents span both the musical and writing fields. The award-winning writer is a classical pianist and plays a number of other instruments including the harpsichord. Joaquin and his rare instruments, the nyckelharpa, bass psaltery and organistrum, have been featured numerous times on radio and television.
 
 
Lauri Lyster, percussion
 
Lauri Lyster is a versatile musician, equally at home playing classical percussion with the Vancouver Symphony or Opera Orchestras, playing drum kit in jazz bands or playing hand percussion with various world music ensembles. She received her Bachelor of Music degree at UBC, earning the School of Music Medal and a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Lyster is a member of Mother of Pearl, an all-female jazz quartet which has released three CDs and played at festivals across Canada. Lyster also enjoys teaching drumming and percussion workshops around British Columbia.
 
 
Janelle Nadeau, concert grand classical pedal harp 
 
Twenty-one-old Janelle Nadeau started studying harp at the age of eight. By the time she was 11 Nadeau was performing for professional functions. In May, she was selected from harpists across Canada as the principal harpist for the National Youth Orchestra's summer tour.
 
The third year student of a harp performance degree studied with Rita Costanzi and now Heidi Krutzen at the University of British Columbia. Nadeau also has four years of voice training and 12 years of ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre and hip hop.
 
 
Ron Halder, narrator
 
Ron has worked as a stage and film actor for more than 30 years. He has performed in theatres across Canada from Victoria to St. John's, Newfoundland. He is in much demand at CBC Radio where his voice can be heard in documentaries, radio plays and Between the Covers. Last year he was seen atRichmond Gateway playing Fritz Haber in the acclaimed Einstein's Gift. Also, Halder has toured Canada, the States, Belfast, Durban and South Africa with renowned bassoonist George Zukerman.
 
In addition, Halder has also had starring television roles in Highlander, Millennium, Stargate SG1 and Hope Island.
 
 
Mark Ferris, violin
 
Studied violin at Yale University with Sidney Harth (concertmaster of Chicago, LA Symphony), chamber music with Tokyo String Quartet. Mark is Concertmaster of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Sinfonia of the North Shore and a member of the CBC Radio Orchestra. He is a founding member of the Yaletown String Quartet, an eclectic ensemble which bridges both the jazz and classical worlds. In addition to playing regularly with the National Ballet, Winnipeg Ballet and as a soloist with Ballet BC and Coleman-Lemieux Compagnie, Mark also composes and arranges music in a wide spectrum of styles. Recent projects include writing theme music for NTV news, Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator and of course, playing on  Winterharp's latest CD.
 
 
Sharlene Wallace, harp
 
Sharlene Wallace has never been able to choose between playing the Classical harp and the Celtic harp ... so she plays both! Classically trained on piano and harp, Sharlene discovered the Celtic harp to be her creative and expressive vehicle for writing, arranging and recording. She has won both the Lyon & Healy International Pop & Jazz Lever Harp Competition in Tucson, Arizona and the Concours d'Improvisation de Rencontres Internationales de Harpe Celtique in Dinan, France. Sharlene tours extensively across North America giving concerts and master classes, and has recorded five independent CDs. She is on the Faculties of York and Guelph Universities and the RCM's World Music Centre. She is Principal Harpist with Kingston and Oakville Symphonies. http://www.sharlenewallace.com
 
 
Media Contact/Publicist: Start Date: November 1, 2007
Ange FrymireBus 250.391.4002  Cell 250.213.6697End Date:December 22, 2007
ange-frymire@shaw.ca
www.winterharp.com


JUST ANNOUNCED!
public service announcement

Winter Harp concert Dec. 22



The glorious sounds of Christmas return with one of Western Canada's most popular musical concerts, Winter Harp. Due to popular demand and sold-out concerts year after year, the world-renowned harp troupe returns to Vancouver for its season finale on Saturday, Dec, 22, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Wesley Church, 1012 Nelson Street. Winter Harp features renowned harpist, Lori Pappajohn and multi-talented Joaquin Ayala on 12th-century medieval stringed instruments.Classic and non-traditional noel renditions will be played by the acclaimed ensemble, which also features Lauri Lyster on percussion, Janelle Nadeau on harp and voice, and Mark Ferris on violin. Narrator Ron Halder joins the candlelit stage to capture the spirit of the season with poignant stories and poetry. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas and let your evening sparkle with Winter Harp's magic. Tickets are available at Tickets Tonight at 604-231-7535. 

Media: for interviews or more information, please contact 250.213.6697 or 250.391.4002.

Winter Harp Concert Dec. 22
Tickets at 604-231-7535

 

News Release Nov. 1, 2007

 

One of B.C.'s most popular Christmas ensembles celebrates its 15th anniversary this year with 15 concerts, the finale being in Vancouver Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Wesley Church.

 

From its humble beginnings with a small concert in Vancouver in 1992, Winter Harp has now become one of B.C.'s most favourite Christmas concerts. This year, concerts stretch from Victoria to Winnipeg.

 

By September, four concerts had already sold out. In October, when the Maple Ridge concert sold out, another was added. When the Winnipeg tickets went on sale May 1, 600 sold in one week. One person bought 100 tickets; others bought entire rows because they didn't want their friends to miss out.

 

"When we embarked on this musical Christmas journey in 1992, we never imagined these concerts would consistently sell out and that we would consistently receive standing ovations -- that is one of the greatest gifts we've received", says Winter harp director and harpist Lori Pappajohn.

 

Winter Harp's concerts have been called unique, exotic, magical and extraordinary. Audiences are spellbound by the unquestionable talent and the unique stage show that Winter Harp has developed over the past 15 years.

 

Gorgeous carols, heartfelt readings, musicians dressed in rich medieval attire and a stage set with close to 100 candles. This only begins to describe the show that will emote both laughter and tears.

 

The acclaimed ensemble's focus is the unique and hauntingly-beautiful integration of some of the world's oldest instruments (harps and percussion) with rare medieval instruments, violin, poetry and song.

 

Rare instruments include the ethereal-sounding bass psaltery (the only one like it in the world), the medieval organistrum (the other one like it in Canada is in the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa) and the nyckelharpa.

 

This year Winter Harp features special guest member, violinist Mark Ferris of Vancouver.

 

"If people love Christmas -- they will love Winter Harp", says ensemble director Lori Pappajohn. "We play numerous well-loved Christmas carols as well as beautiful rarely-heard carols. The songs, stories and poetry bring the Christmas spirit right into the heart."

 

Winter Harp features harpists and singers Lori Pappajohn and Janelle Nadeau; violinist Mark Ferris; medieval instrumentalist Joaquin Ayala; percussionist and singer Lauri Lyster; and narrator Ron Halder.

 

Winter Harp has been featured on numerous radio and television stations including CBC Radio, Bravo Television and CBC Television's prestigious Opening Night series.

 

Tickets at Tickets Tonight 604-231-7535.

 

More info on other Lower Mainland concerts at www.winterharp.com

 

Photos for media to download at www.winterharp.com
Media contact Lori Pappajohn 604-521-7194 or winterharp@telus.net

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Said The Province newspaper about Winter Harp: 
"It's an enrapturing event that plucks at your heart strings."
CBC Radio's Jurgen Gothe said: 
"Winter Harp's annual Christmas concerts are a treat."
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

What audience members are saying:
"One of the most beautiful concerts I have ever been to." -- Susan
"Christmas would not be complete without Winter Harp." -- Richard
"I was mesmerized." -- Cherri
"Your performance brings the spirit of the season to life. Thank you."  -- Jennifer
"I've been to Christmas concerts all over Europe. None are as profound as yours." -- a Victoria fan