WinterHarp Media Kit




Winter Harp Facts at a Glance

 

Media contacts: Lori Pappajohn, Winter Harp director, 604-782-4277
winterharp@telus.net

 

BC Touring Artist of the Year Nominee 2008

 

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: Heartwarming well-known Christmas carols, Celtic and world, with flavors of medieval, Latin, flamenco and pop.

 

 

 

2009 Performers

 

Janelle Nadeau: Celtic harp, vocals

Scott Hughes: Classical pedal harp

Caroline Markos: vocals

Joaquin Ayala: nyckelharpa, cello nyckelharpa, bass psaltery, symphonie

Mark Ferris: violin, mandolin

Bruce Henczel: percussion, viola

Ron Halder: narrator

 

Director: Lori Pappajohn

 

Instruments: Harps, violin, viola, medieval instruments, hand drums, bells, chimes, voice. Some 200 strings must be tuned before each performance and during intermission.

 

Medieval Instruments:

*Bass psaltery: the only one like it in the world, designed and built by Vancouver luthier Edward Turner. 

*Organistrum: replica of a 12th-century Spanish instrument. The only other one like it in Canada is in the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa (Edward Turner, luthier)

*Nyckelharpa: medieval Swedish instrument

*Symphonie -- ancestor of the hurdy-gurdy

 

More information on these instruments can be found at www.winterharp.com

 

Achievements:

*Winter Harp director Lori Pappajohn nominated 2008 BC Touring Artist of the Year for her artistic and performance excellence with Winter Harp

*Consistent sold-out concerts and standing ovations throughout Western Canada and Pacific Northwest (USA) for 17 years

*In 2007, 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

*Festival Vancouver concert broadcast on CBC Radio’s Canada Live Series, 2007

*Edmonton Winter Harp concert broadcast on CKUA, 2007 

*Live concert broadcast on CBC Radio nationwide 2005 and 2006

*Featured on CBC Television's Opening Night concert series 2004

*Studio concert broadcast on CBC Radio's West Coast Performance in 2001. Numerous other broadcasts including BCTV, VTV, Global, CKNW and others.

*CD A Child's Christmas in Wales broadcast on CBC Radio's Disc Drive -- half hour broadcast  in 2005 & 2007

*Debut CD named in Georgia Straight's Top 10 Christmas Recordings (Vancouver, British Columbia)

*Avalon video in rotation on Bravo in 2002

*Nine CDs from Winter Harp over its 17-year history with two nominated for awards

 

The Concert

Winter Harp

 

Standing ovations, sold out concerts and rave reviews are the hallmarks of Winter Harp, an ensemble of harps, medieval instruments, violin, viola, 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. A breathtakingly beautiful cathedral backdrop sets the stage for the golden Celtic and classical harps, drums, tambourines, temple bells, and the intricately-carved 12th century replica 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 10th century symphonie 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: Ange Frymire, Vocal Point Communications

778-297-3743 or 778-689-2643

or ange-frymire@shaw.ca

 

 

Unique Instruments

 

Winter Harp features a number of unique instruments especially made for the ensemble.

 

The five-foot-tall bass psaltery, designed by Winter Harp and Vancouver luthier Edward Turner, is the only one like it in the world. It has a haunting, ethereal sound.

 

The symphonie, with its drone and melody strings, is the precursor to the hurdy-gurdy. Winter Harp’s symphonie was commissioned from an English maker.

 

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 at www.winterharp.com.

 

Short newspaper events listing:

 

Winter Harp -- harps, fiddle, mandolin, medieval instruments, percussion, poetry and song combine for a magical celebration of Christmas and winter Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church in Vancouver. Tickets  at Tickets Tonight 604-684-2787, www.ticketstonight.ca, Zulu Records and Celtic Creations.

 

 

Winter Harp

Press release

2009

 

Expect a stellar lineup of performers on stage when Winter Harp comes to town this December 19 at St. Andrews-Wesley Church in Vancouver.

 

 

Over the past 17 years, the name Winter Harp has become synonymous with Christmas. Numerous times audience members have said: “Christmas doesn’t start for us until we’ve been to Winter Harp.”

 

And so it is that time of the year again -- time for a concert that will have you laughing, crying, sighing and remembering Christmases of yesteryear.

 

This year Winter Harp performs Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church in Vancouver. Tickets are at Tickets Tonight 604-684-2787, www.ticketstonight.ca, Zulu Records and Celtic Creations.

 

 

Nominated BC Touring Artist of the Year 2008, Winter Harp is 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, world and even the blues. A breathtakingly beautiful cathedral backdrop sets the stage for the golden Celtic and classical harps, drums, tambourines, temple bells, violin/fiddle and an assortment of rare 12th century instruments. 

    Don't miss this magical journey into the heart of winter, the heart of Christmas.

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

Rare instruments include the ethereal-sounding bass psaltery (the only one like it in the world), the symphonie (medieval ancestor of the hurdy-gurdy) and the nyckelharpa.

    Winter Harp features Celtic harpist and singer Janelle Nadeau, singer Caroline Markos, violin/mandolin player Mark Ferris, medieval instrumentalist Joaquin Ayala, percussionist/violist Bruce Henczel, classical harpist Scott Hughes and narrator Ron Halder.

    Each year, most of the concerts sell out. So buy  tickets early to avoid disappointment.

 

 

Photos for media to download at www.winterharp.com

Media contacts: Ange Frymire, Vocal Point Communications

778-297-3743 or 778-689-2643

or ange-frymire@shaw.ca

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

 

Winter  Harp Tour 2009

 

Gibsons

Friday, Nov. 27, 3 p.m.

Heritage Playhouse

$25 at Coast Books or WindSong Gallery

 

Winnipeg

Sun. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Pantages Theatre

$40 1-866-656-6838

 

New Westminster

Sun., Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m.

Massey Theatre

This is a joint concert with the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir

$25 at 604-878-1190 or 604-521-5050 or www.vwmc.ca

 

Courtenay  

Wed. & Thurs., Dec. 9 & 10, 7:30 p.m. 

Sid Williams Theatre 

$40 & $35 at 250-338-2430

 

Victoria

Fri., Dec. 11 , 7:30 p.m.

Alix Goolden Performance Hall

$30 at Ivy's Books, Heritage Cat Clinic, Munro's Books, The Shieling, In Bloom Floral Boutique (Mayfair Mall) 

 

Nanaimo

Sat., Dec. 12, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Port Theatre

$32 & $17 at 250-754-8550

 

North Vancouver

Wed., Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Thurs., Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Capilano College Theatre

$33 & $30 at 604-990-7810

  

Vancouver

Sat., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.

St. Andrew’s-Wesley Church

$33 at Tickets Tonight 604-684-2787

www.ticketstonight.ca

 

Maple Ridge

Sun., Dec. 20, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

The ACT, 11944 Haney Place

Tickets $35, $30, $21 at 604-476-2787

 

Details at winterharp.com

 

www.winterharp.com

 

 

 

 

Winter Harp Members

 

Lori Pappajohn

Winter Harp director

Nominated BC Touring Artist of the Year 2008 for her “artistic excellence and for demonstrating the highest degree of professionalism in touring with her ensemble Winter Harp.”

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-in-the-Fields and Lincoln Cathedral. Lori has also toured for Community Concerts, a division of Columbia Artists, New York. She is one of the leaders in the harp world, breaking away from traditional classical styles and exploring jazz, blues and flamenco. So unique is her music that Lori 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. She is also a member of the hosting committee for the World Harp Congress which will be held in Vancouver in 2011.

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 has eight recordings. She has produced a documentary about the history of the harp and was featured in a music video for Bravo Television. With her ensemble Winter Harp, Lori has 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 which features top-performing harpists from Canada, the United States and Israel. She has performed with jazz-pop great Deborah Henson-Conant, and one of the world’s leading Celtic harpists, Kim Robertson.

 

Janelle Nadeau

Celtic harp, classical pedal harp, voice

Janelle Nadeau holds a degree in Harp Performance from the University of B.C. She has toured Canada with the National Youth Orchestra, has performed for Celebrity Cruises and has played in the backup band for Kanye West. Janelle is the 2008 first place winner and the 2006 second place winner of the Winnipeg Women's Musical Club competition. Her performances have been heard on CBC Radio as well as VIA TVA television. This bilingual (French/English) harpist, who is also a singer, was chosen to perform in Manitoba’s popular Home Routes concert tour earlier this year. This fall, she is working with Grammy-nominee harpist Deborah Henson-Conant on her small cast show “What the Hell are we Doing in the Waiting Room for Heaven?” Janelle studied classical harp with Richard Turner, Heidi Krutzen and Rita Costanzi. Last January Janelle travelled to Paraguay to study Paraguayan harp. Janelle's harp training spans genres from classical to folk to world music.

 

Caroline Márkos

voice

Caroline Márkos enjoyed a very successful eight years as a member of the acclaimed vocal jazz group The Peters Drury Trio. The trio grew to national and international prominence with their two albums “When Old Met New” and “Backbeat,” both of which achieved tremendous success in national and international markets selling over 26,000 copies worldwide to date. Together, the trio toured Canada and the United States taking their fresh sound, developed in Whitehorse, Yukon, to audiences everywhere. With The Peters Drury Trio Caroline was nominated for a West Coast Music Award and was also an ambassador for UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project Network. Caroline has switched musical gears, earned a diploma in classical voice performance from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and is now in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Music degree in Opera Performance at the University of BC. She plans to continue with the UBC music program to earn a Masters of Music degree in Opera Performance.

 

 

Bruce Henczel

Percussion, viola

A multi-instrumentalist, Bruce Henczel graduated from Capilano College at the top of his class musically and academically. He received his Master's of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of BC, where he won the Concerto Competition, the top performance prize, and the only time it has been awarded to a percussionist. He is an active soloist, chamber musician, and composer who has been heard numerous times on CBC Radio. Bruce has performed with all BC's major orchestras. He has headlined many Canadian music festivals with his numerous groups. He has released two solo CDs, the first receiving a "very strong four-out-of-five stars" from CBC Radio's Rick Philips' Sound Advice program. Bruce recently completed a world music mass which will be premiered in 2010. His print music is distributed worldwide by Honeyrock Publishing, in Pennsylvania. Bruce's Christmas album for marimba has been ranked in the top three holiday albums for percussion. His diverse musical interests allow him to facilitate drum circles and workshops. He currently teaches at Summit Pacific College and freelances throughout the Lower Mainland. Bruce was the concerto soloist with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra in June 2009.

 

Percussion

 

Mark Ferris

Violin & mandolin

Mark Ferris studied violin at Yale University with Sidney Harth (concertmaster of the Chicago and Los Angeles symphony orchestras), and chamber music with the Tokyo String Quartet. Mark is Concertmaster of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra 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 playing on Winter Harp's latest CD.

 

Scott Hughes

Classical pedal harp

Scott maintains an active and varied career as professional musician and former Grade One teacher who is now working on his PhD.  As a harpist, his career spans from orchestra work to musical theatre. Scott has played with a number of orchestras including the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic and the West Coast Symphony. As a classroom teacher, Scott has been curious about the role of the arts in engendering student engagement in the classroom. He has produced large-scale theatrical works with children (Dreams, The Angel Diaries), and  recorded a children’s CD (Happiness Runs).  Scott holds degrees in education and music from the University of Western Ontario, Queen’s University, and the University of B.C. He studied piano with Peter Smith and harp with Heidi Krutzen. In his spare time, Scott is an avid marathon runner, cyclist, and rower.  

 

Ron Halder

Narrator

Ron has worked as a stage and film actor for more than 35 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. In 2006, he was seen at Richmond Gateway playing Fritz Haber in the acclaimed Einstein's Gift. Also, Ron has toured Canada, the States, Belfast and Durban, South Africa with renowned bassoonist George Zukerman.

In addition, Ron has also had starring television roles in Highlander, Millennium, Stargate SG1 and Hope Island.

 

Joaquin Ayala

Medieval instruments

Joaquin Ayala's talents span both the musical and writing fields and most recently oil painting. The award-winning writer is a classical pianist and plays a number of other instruments including the harpsichord. Joaquin and his rare medieval instruments have been featured numerous times on radio and television. Also a composer, Joaquin’s works have been used in film.

 

www.winterharp.com