The Harp Gathering

Mark plays my Timothy Llyr Harp in our hotel room
at Sauder Village where the Harp Gathering happens.

Frank Voltz and Mark Bruening play the same song on each harp during the harp tasting so audience members can listen to the sound qualities of each harp.

Mark quickly adjusts his technique to bring out the
best qualities in each harp. He is only allowed to play
a 30 second soundbite on each harp, so he plays his own arrangement which will give a good taste of the unique
and subtle flavors of each harp. 

After playing on each of the seven smaller harps, Frank and Mark play a different tune on the twelve larger harps in the harp tasting. This new tune will accentuate the resonant qualities and expanded range of a larger harp. Harp tasters in the audience sit with their back to the stage, listen intently, and take notes on each harp which is identified only by number. This allows them form unbiased judgements on the auditory qualities of the instrument and not on any visual information or preconceptions about any harp luthier. 

Denise Grupp-Verbon plays a 36 string
walnut Timothy Llyr Harp in the vendors
hall. Denise, and her husband Michael,
are the organizers of Harp Gathering.

Timothy Harper performs during the Saturday evening concert.
Timothy is a great singer and songwriter. He plays several instruments and is an outstanding harp builder.

My great friends Wendy and Karen listen to the
spontaneous jam session of the harp masters.

Louise Trotter and Kim Robertson in an impromptu
session in the vendors hall. 

Karen plays her beautiful walnut Fisher Harp
late into the nite. When friends are together and
the music is good, it's hard to sleep.