Harps have their own stories. . .
Meet 'the Marie' |
Where's Marie been? |
In November/December 2022, we were contacted with regard to a harp which was part of a deceased estate in Tauranga. It needed a lot of repair work and was it offered to Harps Aotearoa Foundation to manage the future of this harp.
This has been possible with the help of many people along the way, including: * John and Shirley Baillie, who transported the 'Marie' in her packing case from Tauranga to Auckland. * Kim Webby, harp maker, who worked many, many hours over his Christmas break to repair the 'Marie' in time for Harp Fest NZ 2023. * Marie-Christine Nogues, who has sewn a beautiful dust cover for this gracious lady. * Jo Baee, for locating the 'birth certificates' for L&H harp 6770, the 'Marie'. * The Margaret Neutze Memorial Fund, proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian, in conjunction with Harps Aotearoa Foundation who funded the repairs on the 'Marie'. * Harp Bench sponsored by Susan Graham (USA) We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful ongoing relationship we have formed with The Marie Yukich Family Estate, and Chris and Colleen Reed, son and daughter-in-law of Marie Yukich, for their kindness, thoughtfulness and foresight with regard to this harp which is such a treasure. Photographed below - Chris and Colleen Reed, the 'Marie', Anna Dunwoodie (Harps Aotearoa Trustee) and harpist, Josh Layne. April 2024 What is the future for the 'Marie'?? The 'Marie' had her first public appearance, at Harp Fest NZ 2023, and was played by Elizabeth Volpe Bligh (Canada), Amanda Whiting (Wales), Harrison Chau (NZ), Jakez Francois (France), Josh Layne (Canada) and other guests of Harp Fest NZ 2023. They were all completely taken with the rescue story associated with this harp, and amazed and stunned by the gorgeous tone which Kim Webby has brought to life in this instrument.
The 'Marie' will be available for hire, by arrangement, through Harps Aotearoa Foundation, for visiting/touring harpists and for short term hire by beginner student pedal harpists from around Auckland. It can be difficult to find a 'spare' harp so this will enable harpists to have the use of the instrument when they may not have otherwise had the opportunity. Here is a wee chat from Harps Aotearoa Foundation trustee, Anna, explaining the incredible legacy of the 'Marie' harp.
Following this concert, in Thames, people were wanting to see Marie's beautiful covers and to see how she was loaded into a station wagon. Marie is developing a fan club!! |
February 2023 Marie, and Elizabeth Volpe Bligh at Harp Fest NZ 2023
Feb/March 2023 - On tour with Josh Layne (Canada) to Otorohanga, New Plymouth, Whakatane, Tauranga & Thames.
See part of his concert here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz4BRsoAgHk At home with harp student, Kate (Auckland)
At home with harp student, Seina (Auckland)
Sister Marguerite, missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
On tour (April 2024) with Josh Layne... but we ended up in the classroom at Thames High School - lucky, lucky students!!!
Where next??? |