Alna Harpist Suki Flanagan Conducts Students in Courtyard Garden
What happens when a Midcoast harp ensemble inhabits a beautiful garden space? Experience the magic when the students of harpist Suki (Virginia) Flanagan play together in the Middle St. courtyard behind In the Clover during the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, Sept. 27, 5-8pm. “It’s a visual instrument,” says Flanagan, “with the raised hands and the plucking, and visitors will be seeing harpists having fun!”
Flanagan, who lives in Alna, is a well-known local harpist and a featured guest with the Midcoast Symphony and other musical groups in the area. According to Flanagan, the Midcoast is “generally, a pretty cultured area. People are very active musically” resulting in opportunities for her to develop musical and personal relationships with the organizations and individuals with whom she plays.
Flanagan began her fascination with the harp at the age of three when an aunt gave her a statue of a little angel holding a harp. She remembers listening to music with her mother which featured harp and then her mother’s encouragement when, as an older child, she wanted to change her instrument from piano to harp. Now, Flanagan encourages other people to discover and enjoy playing the harp.
The Head Tide Harp Ensemble that will be performing during the Wiscasset Art Walk includes three students who have been taking lessons from Flanagan for several years, including (l to r in photo) Paul Sullivan, sometimes referred to as “the adult,” Rachel Ouellette, a senior in high school, and 10-year-old Torren Nehrboss. They will be playing selections from their June concert at the Head Tide Church, including pieces from “The Enchanted Harp.”
For people who have an interest in the instrument without wanting to make a long-term commitment, Flanagan offers Hands-On Harp, a week-long introduction to the instrument. For more information about harpist Flanagan including her concert schedule and instruction opportunities, visit www.sukiharp.com.
