American harpists Harpa to return to the Tolbooth in Forres during potential final Scottish tour
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A GROUP of musicians who have played for royalty and world leaders will bring a local landmark to life when they play in a charity concert.
Harpa - an ensemble of harpists from across the USA - are performing at the Tolbooth once again to raise funds for the building’s custodians, Forres Heritage Trust (FHT).
FHT trustee Bob James is organising the event.
He said: “To have these world-renowned performers, specialists in their field, play for us once was enough of a coup the first time. “To secure them again for a second performance has blown me away.
“Their music is sensational and it is they who have asked to return to our beautiful building.
“This is a truly philanthropic gesture on their part to give us another concert.”
The six piece group last played in a sold-out Tolbooth Court Room.
Their upcoming gig on Thursday April 13 could be their last tour of Scotland for the foreseeable future.
This time the performers are Sue Richards, Therese Honey, Beth Kolle and Jennifer Narkevicius, Martha Hill and Donna Bennett.
Sue has played twice for President Bill Clinton, President Bush and the late Queen.
Therese draws on her knowledge of early music history and brings alive that of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Beth is a leading proponent of Nordic and Celtic music and Jennifer is a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, publisher, known for heartfelt airs.
Martha is of Scots-Irish descendent. She began study of the piano at age seven, organ at 13-years-old, and completed her BM and MM degrees at the University of North Carolina.
Donna is a Certified Music Practitioner, playing music for ill or dying patients, and a board member for the All-American Alumni Band.
Tour manager, David Leitch, has been associated with the Harpa group since their first visit to the UK in 2015.
He said: “They are such beautiful people and performers.
“I consider working with them to be a true privilege.”
“They loved the warmth of the reception, intimate atmosphere, and great acoustics of the Tolbooth venue.
“They are also delighted to support the local Forres community.”
He added: “Given that during their 2017 tour they played such wonderful venues as Culzean Castle, The Robert Burns Museum, and the now King Charles’ Dumfries House, I too think it amazing that they themselves expressed a desire to play in the Tolbooth again.
“I’m sure, they and the audience will all have a great and fun night.”
Tickets from Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/Harpa2023
