Harpists

Born in County Ramsey, St. Paul Minnesota, Kathryn Mannyng has been performing since she was five years old and has received international airplay. When she was a wee lass in her teenage years, she idolized Harpo Marx, and sought to imitate him. Needing an accompanist for her budding singing career, she decided to accompany herself. That was at least twenty years ago. Being a classicaly trained soprano and self-taught harper, Katy strives to meld the two worlds in her music with great success. She can go from playing a gutsy dance tune to singing and playing a classical rendition of Danny Boy in a heartbeat. She has played repeatedly on Broadway in NYC in live broadcasts live over WNYC public radio, and has performed throughout the Midwest and New England.

Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life. When you walk down the aisle, you are walking toward a new life with the new person you love. Music is one of the most important parts of the ceremony because it can carry the event to the transcendant, especially if you have a professional Celtic harper involved.

The Celtic harp or Clarsach, is one of the original harps. It was in existence before the modern Concert harp which is what most people think of. It has a brighter more ethereal quality and just as much presence as a modern harp with more of the quality to cut through conversation in large gatherings. It was the instrument of Kings and Chieftains in Europe and the Celtic countries, and was used without amplification at large events. (Some people want amplification and I will provide it if needed.) In a wedding, it's traditional use was to bless the new couple in their new life.

The types of music most suited to the Celtic harp are Renaissance, or Early music and Celtic being comprised of Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Breton, Galician and English. In the United States, a good number of people have some of this type of geneaology. A good idea is to get a musician who can play more than one style and mix them up, so that there is a greater chance of hitting on both families heritage, making everyone feel welcome.

The harp naturally has a soothing quality to help people relax and socialize. It is also good for a bridal shower, or groom's dinner where the two families are getting to know each other.

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Among other cities, Celtic Harp & Classic Voice - Kathryn Mannyng may serve the following areas: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Young America, Monticello, Maple Plain, Loretto, Norwood, Eden Prairie, Osseo, Burnsville, Clear Lake, Hopkins, Howard Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Stacy, Stillwater, Chisago City, Chaska, Chanhassen, Champlin, Center City, Cedar, Castle Rock, Carver, Cannon Falls, Cambridge, Buffalo Lake, Buffalo, Brownton, Brook Park