Mary Doumany has performed in some of the world’s grandest opera houses and concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House and Albert Hall in London.
But those who have not yet had the privilege of hearing the incredible harpist perform will get an opportunity to do so next month in Kyneton.
A Kyneton local herself, Doumany has just acquired her very first electric harp – the first in our region and only the third in Australia.
In her world premiere performance on the Delta electric harp, she will perform jazz classics and originals, including songs from her former band The Lovers’ albums.
“This time, as well as doing some original songs, I’m going to look at some of the Canadian rock – Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell – so it will be a combination of world music, jazz, classical and rock,” she told the Express.
“This concert is also going to be special because I’m doing a ‘Stroke a Harp’ event and will be inviting the audience the come up and actually have a go of the harp, put their hands on it and feel.”
The unique concert will be held on Sunday March 10, to coincide with the Lost Trades Fair that weekend.
Doumany has scheduled a 3pm start time to allow visitors to the Lost Trades Fair plenty of time to explore the fair before retreating to the mechanics institute to chill out, stroke the harp, listen to some of their favourite songs and see something they’ve never seen before in Kyneton.
The accomplished harpist, pianist and singer is also a jazz player, composer and songwriter with more than 20 years’ performing under her belt, and her solo harp playing can be heard on the soundtracks of major Australian and Hollywood movies including Shine, The Truman Show, Angel Baby, Metal Skin and The Last Days of Chez Nous.
Doumany also teaches piano, harp and voice.
“I love teaching people to find their unique way of expressing themselves in music,” she said.
The concert is on at 3pm Sunday March 10 in the Kyneton Mechanics Institute. Tickets $35 / $25 concession. Enquiries and bookings at www.trybooking.com/BATDC
