Bio
Mary Jane Ballou is one of the First Coast’s most popular harpists. Performing and recording on harp, wire-strung salterio, and Camac electroharp for wedding
s and special events throughout Northeast Florida.
Now based in St. Augustine, Florida, Mary Jane Ballou has spent her life surrounded by music, joining her first choir at the age of three. Early piano studies culminated in conservatory training on that instrument as well as the organ. Along the way, there was time for the flute, recorders of all sizes, and the guitar. Mary Jane has sung, played, and directed an assortment of choirs and chamber choruses over her 25 year career – and loved every minute of it!
While the harp came later, it was love at first sight. Her studies with Megha Morganfield and Victoria Schultz combined technique with the freedom to explore music from Bach to Gershwin and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Venues have ranged from mansions in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights to a 4-H fundraiser in rural California and weddings in some of Florida’s loveliest gardens and churches.
And yes, there’s more!
Mary Jane also produces and hosts the Classical Fan Club, a weekly radio show featuring music “off the beaten track” on Flagler College Radio, WFCF St. Augustine 88.5 – Radio with a Reason! As the organist at Immaculate Conception Church in Jacksonville, she is privileged to play in one of northeast Florida’s most beautiful and historic churches. Mary Jane is the founder and director of the Cantorae St. Augustine, a women’s ensemble dedicated to chant and polyphony that performs monthly at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. She is also a regular contributor to Sacred Music journal and other publications.
Mary Jane Ballou is available for performances and events throughout St. Augustine and Northeast Florida. To book a performance, call 1-800-863-3613 or write to maryjane@harpways.com.
