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About Harpistrie

As the song says: "Music was my first love, and it will be my last".   We just love to make music, and get a real buzz from playing beautifully and giving pleasure to people.   We have been performing together in one form or another for many years, in orchestras and choirs, more recently as part of the local musical-scene around Northampton and, since 2003, as the Harp & Flute Duo Harpistrie.

Before joining Rob to form Harpistrie Lorna was half of the Celtic Harp Duo Binnorie which also performed at weddings and other events over many years.  Based around the smaller Celtic Harp, Binnorie was essentially a 'folk' line-up, producing their own up-beat arrangements of traditional tunes, and occasionally appearing as a foursome, including Rob on flute. The Binnorie CD 'Harp to Harp' is available from us and several on-line outlets - e.g. Eagle Music

The British traditional musical heritage also forms a substantial part of the  Harpistrie repertoire.  However, with Harpistrie we have returned to our early classical roots, primarily using the full-size concert-harp and modern silver flute with their greater range and versatility to present an eclectic programme of popular music of all kinds from cool-classics to pop, themes from screen and stage, and Jazz.

While Jazz-flute is a well-known side-line for Sax players, surprisingly to many, the harp can also be used to good effect in Jazz. Accordingly that type of music also finds a significant place our repertoire.  Free improvisation - especially on the flute - is a notable feature of our style; this comes naturally to musicians from a background in both traditional/folk music and jazz where 'playing by ear' is normal and no two performances are ever quite the same.  We often stray somewhat from the 'dots' even with the classical pieces - all in the interests of the performance you understand.  

In addition to being a harpist, Lorna is a qualified teacher of music , enjoying her work with mainstream and special needs children. She has made a particular study of music in the early years and the Kodaly Method.