Celtic Harp Workshop with PHILIP BOULDING of "Magical Strings"

Saturday , March 26, 2005
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Elderly Instruments
workshop ($35.00)

Magical Strings centers around the Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer of husband-wife team Philip Boulding and Pamela Boulding. The magical sounds are at times augmented by violin, cello, pennywhistle, percussion and various world instruments, and the duo have drawn a large and loyal following captivated by a combination of traditional Celtic arrangements, original compositions, and subtle world-music influences.

The Bouldings together run the well-known School of Magical Strings in Seattle. They dramatically expanded their fan base in 1988 when Dan Fogelberg invited them to join him on a summer tour that took them to 30 major cities. In 1997 they toured Japan, and have appeared frequently on radio and television including CNN, Japanese prime-time TV, and Garrison Keillor's "Prairie Home Companion." It was Magical Strings' music that was used to launch GM's ad campaign for the Saturn.

Philip has offered both Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer workshops at Elderly in the past, and we're glad to have him back. Titled "The Secret of O'Carolan's Magic," his two-hour Celtic harp workshop is for beginning- to intermediate-level players. O'Carolan, the last great Irish harper, was well aware of the three mystical moods of music from the old bardic culture. During the workshop, students will explore his moods and styles with a wide-ranging repertoire from airs to dance tunes, reflecting his colorful personality. Music will be provided for three pieces to cover in detail, although emphasis is placed on learning to play by ear. Philip will include numerous ideas for arranging, from simple to complex. Bring your instrument and bottled water to drink.

"(Magical Strings) manage to create a tapestry of sound." - Dirty Linen

"Philip plays Celtic harp and an arsenal of wooden flutes.... harp and dulcimer combined in orchestral splendor, and the musicianship of this pair was awesome." - Woodstock Times

"Their music is warm, graceful and sonically gorgeous.... Their instruments--one plucked, the other struck--weave in and out of each other like avid Maypole dancers." - Washington Post

"There is throughout a rhythmic sturdiness and pulse so rarely encountered in most harp and hammer dulcimer playing, and this really separates the 'men from the boys'." - Shanachie Review

Check out recordings we carry featuring Magical Strings