Artful Strings – Four Centuries of Harp Making

January 17, 2012– April 15, 2012
In a collaborative exhibition with The International Harp Museum, the Polasek Museum will present the IHM’s collection of rare and visually striking harps from antique to contemporary pieces dating from the 18th century to 21st century. Along with American and European instruments, there will also be examples of African and Asian harps. A “deconstructed harp” display will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience first-hand all the components necessary to construct a harp, including gold leaf. This will be an interactive, hands-on installation allowing each person to try playing the harp themselves. Programming will include harp demonstrations, a film screening, an art history lecture and book signing, and multiple concert performances. The Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens is pleased to collaborate with The International Harp Museum in bringing you “Artful Strings: Four Centuries of Harp Making.” Come and discover the beautiful and fascinating harp!
Programming and Events:
Sunday, January 29,2012 — Film screening of “Hooray for Harpywood” with David Ice.
3:00 pm at the Broadway United Methodist Church
406 E. Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32803
Mr. Ice has created a unique presentation, Hooray for Harpywood, which looks at how the harp is used in motion pictures and television, both on-camera and off, in addition to a detailed look at the mechanics and process of scoring and recording motion picture soundtracks. No admission, donations appreciated.
February 11 — 12, 2012 – “ArtsFest” Weekend
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Visitors can come to the Polasek Museum and hear harpists playing live harp music periodically throughout the weekend. We will also have on-going children’s activities for families to participate in together. The historic Polasek residence and chapel will be open for visitors to self-guide. No reservations required. Admission is free for ArtsFest Weekend.
Sunday, February 19, 2012 - Jazz Harp Concert
3:00 p.m. at the Broadway United Methodist Church
406 E. Amelia St., Orlando, Florida 32803
This is a harp concert featuring the talents of Park Stickney.
Mr. Stickney is the world’s foremost jazz harpist. He is winner
of the International Jazz & Pop Harp Competition and Visiting Professor of Jazz Harp at the Royal Academy of Music, London.
No admission, donations appreciated.
Sunday, February 26, 2012 - Castlebay Celtic Harp Concert
3:00 pm at the Broadway United Methodist Church
406 E. Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32803
This concert features traditional Celtic music by Castlebay,
Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee. Their program is a blend of storytelling, ballads, and music played on Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle, Irish flute and tin whistle. This concert is made possible by a generous grant from the American Harp Society. No admission, donations appreciated.
Sunday, March 11, 2012 — Dr. Roslyn Rensch presentation “Harps in Art”
2:00– 4:00 pm at the Winter Park Public Library
460 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 – 4493
This event will be held at the Winter Park Public Library in conjunction with their Life Long Learning Institute. Dr. Rensch, who is a renowned art historian, will be presenting on the topic “Harps in Art.” The presentation will included an Art History lecture, slide show, and book signing. Free admission. Library guests will be encouraged to visit the Polasek following the presentation. Museum hours will be extended to 7:00 pm.
Sunday, March 25, 2012 — Aletheia Duo Harp and Flute Concert
3:00 pm at the Broadway United Methodist Church
406 E. Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32803
This is a harp concert featuring the “Aletheia Duo”- Ann Yeung on the harp, and Jonathan Keeble on the flute. This concert is made possible by a generous grant from the American Harp Society. No admission; donations appreciated.
Sunday, April 1, 2012 - Classical Harp Concert
3:00 p.m at the Broadway United Methodist Church
406 E. Amelia St., Orlando, Florida 32803
For this concert Elizabeth Hainen will present a program of solo classical music. She is solo harpist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and serves on the faculty of Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University. She was silver medalist in the first USA International Harp Competition. No admission, donations appreciated.
For additional information about harps please contact
the International Harp Museum:
Email: IHMinfo@InternationalHarpMuseum.org
Phone: (407) 970‑1508
5 Broadway Ct, Orlando, FL 32803
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