Harpist Keri Lynn Zwicker first became known to St. Albert audiences more than a decade ago busking at the market and playing at St. Albert Centre during the month-long Christmas rush.
Her music was dreamy and as her fingers flew nimbly across the strings, somehow a soft aura of mystery flowed throughout. It was hauntingly beautiful, simple, well packaged and a welcome respite from the surrounding hustle and bustle.
She learned her craft solidly through classical training and polished her stage presence over a decade touring with David Wilke’s Cowboy Celtic.
Currently, the self-described “harp chick” leads Harp Rouge, a kick-ass trio of musicians that churns out boundless energy playing blazing Celtic jigs and reels and fiery Latin music.
The result is a musician with a knack for intertwining the beauty of classical playing with the more primitive beauty of Irish traditional folk songs and sensual bootie-shaking Latin music.
Lauded across Western Canada for the wonderful tones she creates, Zwicker returns to St. Albert as the closing act for the Arden Theatre sponsored Heritage Series. The afternoon performance takes place at St. Albert Community Hall on Thursday, April 7. Accompanying her is flautist Tammy Cooper.
Although the harp is renowned for its dreamy, soothing quality, Zwicker says, “Our concert will be more lively and engaging than meditative. It’s a great way to show off the versatility of the harp.”
Zwicker owns a dozen harps including an orchestral pedal harp she plays when performing as second harpist for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. However, it is the infamous red Celtic harp that will make an appearance at the concert.
Specifically constructed for the Edmonton-based harpist, the Alberta-built, carbon-fibre harp provides the anchor for an untiring display of magical finger dancing.
Her repertoire is extensive – Celtic, cowboy, Latin, classical, pop and classic rock. In fact, she recently performed with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra as principal harpist for a Bugs Bunny animation show.
“I could probably play for a few days straight and never repeat a piece.”
In addition, Zwicker is also blessed with a beautiful Gaelic-styled crystal voice that enhances the versatility of her Celtic harp. And Cooper is the ideal support singer.
“ I used to take lessons from Tammy in high school and we’ve worked together for 10 years. She’s a great flute player and a great harmonizer. She plays the Irish flute and the classical flute and has impressive background vocals.”
“What I really like about her is that she is flexible and always willing to try something new and I’ve been inspired by her. Some teachers are willing to rest on their laurels, but she’s always on the go. And she matches my voice perfectly. She’s a chameleon.”
Whether performing for 2,000 ticket holders at the Winspear, a private corporate gig or a kitchen party at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub night, Zwicker’s astonishing technique never fails to set toes tapping and heads nodding.
“It’s what I love to do.”
Preview
Keri Lynn Zwicker with Tammy Cooper<br />Arden Theatre Heritage Series<br />Thursday, April 7 at 2 p.m.<br />St. Albert Community Hall<br />17 Perron St.<br />Tickets: $15 including facility fee<br />Call 780-459-1542 or in person at the Arden box office.
