Harp And Organ
Mary Jane Ballou performs professionally on Celtic harp and wire-strung salterio with a repertoire ranging from sacred chant to a synthesis of Irish, classical and New Age that is all her own.
Also known as the troubadour or folk harp, the Celtic harp is the modern descendant of the harps of Ireland and Scotland. The contemporary lever harp uses small levers to raise the pitch of individual strings by a half step. And all types of music from traditional to jazz are now performed on this instrument which is lighter and more portable than the orchestral harp. With its smaller “footprint” and battery-powered amplifier, Mary Jane’s harp can go just about anywhere.
With the light amplification Mary Jane can provide, her music can be tailored to fit the size of your room and event, while still giving a wonderful sense of warmth and intimacy. After consulting with Mary Jane, you can trust her to deliver the right music in the most professional style, so you can enjoy yourself.
Little known in the United States, the salterio (or “cithare” in French) is a silvery-toned wonder. Built by the Benedictine monks of the Abbaye of En Calcat in France, Mary Jane’s wire-strung salterio has a course of 34 chromatic strings and 7-string courses of arpeggios for 12 different keys. (Yes, that’s 118 strings to tune.) The salterio stands in a class by itself. It is best suited for use in meditative worship environments or in concert with other instruments.
Currently based on St. Augustine, Florida, Mary Jane is available for performances throughout the Southeast U.S.A. and is sought after for weddings and special events in the First Coast region. To book a performance, call 1-800-863-3613 or write to maryjane@harpways.com.