20th Annual Festival of Harps at the Spreckles Performing Arts Center November 14, 2009

Su Wai, Traditional Burmese harp, and Ensemble
Triskela Celtic harp trio
Youssoupha Sidibe, African kora and the Mystics Rhythm Trio
Laura Zaerr, Classical Pedal harp, and string quartet
Arkansas Bindi Society, Barbara Imhoff, Pedal harp,
Indo-fusion Trio

Following on the heels of the wildly successful Celebration of World HarpMusic at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland this October, the 20th Annual Festival of Harps at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park will include a spectacular program of world harp music.

Su Wai on the delicate silk-strung bow harp and dancer Ei Ei Hlaing will present a program of the ancient music of Burma. Maestro Youssoupha Sidibe from West Africa will showcase the music of the kora, especially the heartfelt Sufi music from Senegal. The Bay Area's own Celtic harp trio, Triskela will perform the lively dance music and stirring ballads of Irelandon a trio of handmade traditional folk harps with Teed Rockwell on percussion, and other guests. World reknowned harpist and composer Laura Zaerr will perform world premieres of her compositions, including the Appalachian Suite for classical pedal harp and string quartet. She will be joined by Oakland principal cellist Dan Reiter and the inimitable Shira Kammen on violin. For the world fusion enthusiasts, Barbara Imhoff (of Beasts of Paradise) and her new ensemble, Arkansas Bindi Society bring together Indian ragas and kirtan melodies with unbeat rhythms. The Bindi Society will be joined by flautist Stephen Schultz of Philharmonia Baroque.

Paraguayan harpist Carlos Reyes will be on hand for a guest solo performance, and lobby artists will include a wide variety of harpists including the Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble, and the debut of the Bay Area Children's Harp Ensemble, directed by Diana Stork.

Official Website: http://www.rpcity.org/index.aspx?page=232&recordid=995