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Historical harp to help open Hammond concert series
Jun. 27—HAMMOND — The Yellow Barn Concert Series opens Sunday with a celebration of a historical harp from the Sisters of Saint Joseph's.
At 5 p.m. Sunday, the Iva Smith Memorial Gallery of Fine Art, 627 State Route 37, will present renowned harpist Janet Witman, who will commemorate the discovery of a rare harp dating from 1810 that had been in the possession of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Watertown.
In April, the sisters decided "it was time to repurpose" the property at 1425 Washington St., and sell it, so it would become an important asset for the community. Some sisters moved to Samaritan Summit Village and others found smaller homes in the area.
The rare Erard harp dates from 1810 and is one of the first double-action harps capable of playing flat, natural, and sharp tones in the same piece, according to Evelyn Saphier, gallery director. Throughout the 20th century, the harp was used in the Sisters' musical conservatory by Sister Emmaline.
Witman will perform her program on a Camac concert grand harp, Trianon model, made in France. "The harp of Saint Joseph's, too delicate to play, will be on display for its beauty," Saphier said.
Witman's harp concert will include sacred works by Grandjany, Catagay Akyol, Bach, Mozart, James L. Bain, John Steiner, Sir John Rutter, Janet Witman and others.
The Erard harp will be on display during the concert and throughout the summer at The Iva Smith Gallery. It will then find a new home in the music room of the Paddock Mansion of the Jefferson County Historical Society.
Yellow Barn Concerts are $10 at the door, with children 18 and under admitted for free. Parents are encouraged to come 20 minutes early so their children can meet the instrumentalists and their instruments.
This project is made possible in collaboration with Chippewa Bay Community Club, with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.
