Yuletide Celtic harp concert set

AUBURN – On Sunday, November 28 at 3 p.m., the beautiful St. Michael's Church, 73 Pleasant St. in Auburn, will be filled with sparkling Yuletide music from the Celtic tradition played by Celtic harpists Julia Lane and Kristin Tescher.

Peaceful and joyous are words that describe a concert of holiday music played on the ancient Celtic harp. Here is music which reflects ancient traditions, arranged and played with spirit and sensitivity by two of today's finest harpers. Members of the Auburn Harp circle will also perform.

Kristin Tescher of Rockport plays the folk harp, guitar and fiddle. In addition to traditional music, Kristin has studied the therapeutic qualities of harp music. In recent years she has added the double-strung harp to her collection of stringed instruments. This harp has two parallel sets of strings played simultaneously. Kristin's luthier husband Nick Apollonio has designed and built many of her instruments. Together, they often perform as a duo, and as members of the Celtic quartet Ballykelty (formerly known as Any Monday) playing and singing traditional folk and Celtic tunes for concerts, coffeehouses and weddings in the midcoast area.

Julia Lane came to the Celtic harp through her life-long love affair with the ancient music of the Celtic lands. Also an accomplished vocalist, she accompanied herself with guitar for many years until she had the opportunity to play the Celtic harp. Her unique self-taught style has won several international competitions. She currently plays and sings with partner and harp builder Fred Gosbee as Castlebay, performing throughout the eastern seaboard and in the British Isles and Ireland.

The Celtic harp, ancestor of the orchestral harp, is one of the most venerable instruments of the British Isles. It has been used as a vehicle for musical celebration for over a thousand years. Celtic harps were used by the bards and minstrels from at least the fourth century until the early 18th century. The sound of two harps played in duet is uniquely vibrant, weaving a shimmering tapestry of music.

Tescher and Lane will present both songs and tunes, playing their various instruments both solo and in duet. Lay aside the stress and anxiety that so often accompany the holidays and relax in the beauty of this special sound. Admission is by donation of $10 adult, $5 children.

For more information, please call 783-6995 or e-mail castlebay@castlebay.net.