Place des Arts’ harp teacher Rebecca Blair plans to travel through time this weekend in a concert that spans back to the 15th century.
Blair, along with guest musicians Michelle Carlisle and Judy Henry, will cover dances, laments, Irish tunes, operatic favourites and folk sing-alongs in Harp Through the Ages.
Blair said harp music is unlike other catalogues. “It doesn’t fit the classical boundaries,” she said. “It’s more diverse. What was played in the medieval times is just as relevant today. It’s all beautiful.”
Among the pieces the trio will tackle in the first portion of their Saturday show include: Royal Dream (traditional); Ash Grove (traditional); Entr’acte (from the opera Carmen); Habanera Gris; Fanny Power/Southwind (traditional); Hugh O’Donnell; A Time for Us (love theme from the 1968 movie Romeo and Juliet); Gavotte; La Vie en Rose; and Lauda.
For the last set, they will perform: Simple Gifts (traditional Shake song); She Move Through the Fair (traditional); To a Wild Rose; In an English Country Garden (English folk song); My Lady Carey’s Dompe; La Paloma; As I Roved Out (traditional); and Inis Siar.
Carlisle, who is known for her work with the Celtic band Blackthorn, has arranged three songs for the recital; she will play the flute and sing while Henry will provide flute duets.
Blair is known for her solo and group work in such ensembles as Triskellion. She has performed for the Irish president and the International Bar Association. Besides music, she also teaches visual arts to adults at the Maillardville hub.
• Tickets to hear Rebecca Blair in her faculty concert at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave.) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. are $15/$13. Call 604-664-1635 or visit placedesarts.ca.
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