sbrobert
By Robert Bernstein
We were privileged to enjoy a harp concert by Canadian harpist Josh Layne. Thanks to the good work of the American Harp Society – Santa Barbara Chapter who flew him down here from British Columbia just for our listening pleasure! (And for a harp workshop the day before.)
Here are my photos and some videos! And the complete program!
Ann Lawler was one of those who helped create the local chapter as well as organize this event. I have known Ann for many years, back to the 1990s when we served together on the Board of the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition. As with so many movers and shakers in this town, Ann is a woman with many talents and areas of energy and interest!
She was also generous to give my wife and me free tickets for this memorable event. We sat front and center, giving us a clear view of Josh’s fingers and use of the pedals.
Even with a close seat and a zoom lens, I could not figure out how he created such magical music!
Most impressive for me was his performance of the Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor. I learned about this piece as a college student when I read the book “Godel, Escher, Bach”. The book was directed at math types like me to show the mathematical genius embedded in the works of Bach.
This piece is an interwoven fugue of three parts. I kept counting the hands of Josh Layne as he played. I could only count two!
Here Josh Layne posed with my friend Karen Shelton who is a fan of my Sierra Club hikes!
Here is one of my favorite photos of Karen on my Playground hike!
And here Josh Layne posed with other Harp Society organizers.
Josh Layne has a passion for music and for the harp which showed as he introduced each piece
Here you can shop for audio CDs of Josh Layne’s music along with printed sheet music. And here is the local Harp Society Facebook page. Everyone is welcome to join in the musical joy!
