Ōtorohanga musician Glenice George is a lifelong harp enthusiast
An acclaimed harpist, who has been dubbed “a harp genius”, is playing a concert at St Bride’s Church, Ōtorohanga, on Thursday, March 28.
It is part of a national tour by the Canadian musician, Josh Layne, who also toured the country last year.
Ōtorohanga musician Glenice George, who has organised Josh’s King Country concert, said he was currently helping to put harp music on the map, with acclaimed performances across Canada, the United States, Europe and South America.
“Josh has been praised both for his virtuosity and the sensitivity of his playing. While touring here he will record some pieces for his Youtube series called Harpist in the Wild.
“He will also record some teaching and information videos to add to his long-running Harp Tuesday series, which is followed by thousands of harp players around the world.”
Glenice said Josh would be using a concert pedal harp owned by the Harp Society of New Zealand.
“It is named Marie in honour of the lady who gifted it to the society. It has been extensively refurbished and is used for overseas musicians who come here to perform and teach.”
Glenice learned the piano as a child but at a young age was struck by a wonderful colouring-in picture on a worksheet her piano teacher gave her.
“It was of a very elegant lady playing the harp – right then and there I decided I would like to learn the harp,” she said.
“When my parents and I realised this was not possible, I continued with piano lessons and later flute. But each time I heard a harp being played, I would sigh and hope I had the opportunity one day.”
In 2016, Glenice finally got to pursue her passion for the harp.
She was left a small inheritance and used some of it to have her first lessons on a hired harp.
“I loved it right from the beginning. I progressed reasonably well as I had gained plenty of music reading skills, although my left hand found it difficult to pull the strings in the correct way.
“After a couple a months, I purchased my own harp from a music shop in Auckland.
“My teacher was based in Auckland and so I would travel each month for a lesson. I have since upgraded to a harp made by New Zealander Shane Stewart.”
While living in Paeroa, Glenice played with a trio named Hauraki Harps.
“I miss them a lot, although there is an experienced harpist in Kihikihi I sometimes play with. I belong to an Auckland-based group called Forest of Harps and attend most rehearsals via Zoom, along with players from Australia, England and around this country.
“The harp makes a very soothing and beautiful sound, which, I get to share in rest homes and concerts.”
