Maui Harpist Plays in Quintet

Truly a picture worth a thousand words–we five instrumentalists were so delighted to be playing in a quintet together–a mini orchestra for this wedding at the Four Seasons, Ocean Front Lawn on July 23, 2010.

Harp, 2 violins, viola, and cello–a lush, exquisite sound!

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Valentine’s Weekend Maui Weddings

Aloha! Played a wedding on Valentine’s Day, yesterday, at the Royal Lahaina Resort on the west side of Maui. This was the first time I’ve seen guests SO color-coordinated! *Everyone*, from baby to grandparents, wore Hilo Hattie design red and white aloha garments…. different garments for all the folks, but all sewn from the same material. The bride was in standard solid white with red finger nail polish and the groom wore a solid white tux, white shoes, and a red satin vest. WOW! Don and I played violin and harp duo again and we sounded really good today… spot on with our timing as usual, and really “into” our romantic, gorgeous selections from operas that so many people know, even if they think they don’t know classical music. “O Mio Babbino Caro” and “Intermezzo” from Cavalleria Rusticana were particularly thrilling.

On Saturday morning, I played for a sweet wedding at the White Orchid Beach House in Makena, Maui. That is such a superb spot right on the ocean and Bernie is a wonderful coordinator who really thrills in the romance of her couples. I played my smaller harp and always wonder why folks wouldn’t prefer, for a little extra, the large beauty that my gold harp is. It has such a rich tone, especially since it’s nearly 100 years old! I have realized I do love morning weddings, and that’s something coming from someone who got married at 7 pm 26 years ago this last week! I love that morning weddings bring these qualities here on Maui: the day is fresh and untouched, the water sparkles in jewel tones, the wind rarely blows strongly, and the sun is so much easier for everyone to take. Everyone’s morning energy is fresh and you can feel the anticipation much more keenly. Plus, then you have the whole day left to you to revel in your first day as a married couple. Wish we’d done that….

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Wonderful, Whimsical Maui Weddings

Aloha from Maui!

I’ve been enjoying playing at some wonderful, even whimsical weddings here on Maui so far this month. Just this last weekend, I provided harp music for 2 different weddings in 2 different parts of the island of Maui. On Friday afternoon at 1 pm, I was playing at a luxury home in Ma’alaea. The couple made a special request of a song that was meaningful to them, “Across the Stars” from Episode 2 of Star Wars. Tho’ it’s unusual in that it’s in a minor key, it was actually quite lovely, even majestic, played when the groom and maids entered, and I’m happy for the opportunity to have to learn it. Then I transitioned into “Hymne” by Vangelis for the bride. NICE!

The colors for the flowers were exquisite–oranges, yellows, and the maids wore royal blue dresses. What a great combination for Maui! Blue water, vibrant sun colors…

This must be a new color fad, as the wedding next day at Royal Lahaina Resort in Ka’anapali had the oranges and yellows again. Because many of our tropical flowers are *not* these colors, roses and perhaps callas are tending to be the flower of choice…. Beautiful! I got to make elegant harp music with my favorite violinist, Don Lax, and we played lots of traditional wedding songs as the bride had requested the Traditional Processional, “Wedding Chorus” by Wagner, also commonly called “Here Comes the Bride.” 🙂 Because it’s not requested so much anymore, it actually sounds new again to us!

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