A Presentation of Devon Harp Music (Music Section)

Elizabeth-Jane Baldry presents Harp Music from 19th-century Teignmouth and beyond.

A presentation of harp music with deep local roots and sparkling international connections. Professional harpist Elizabeth-Jane Baldry will present and talk about pieces composed by one of Teignmouth’s most famous 19th-century sons. Parish Alvars was born in Teignmouth in 1808 and enjoyed a great international career. His innovatory harp technique was admired by such iconic figures as Liszt, Mendelssohn, Berlioz and many others. Come and be sparkled!!

Tickets were £12 for members of the DA, £14 for non-members, with an additional booking fee for online booking.

Report on the event

Harp Music from Devon and beyond

An event with deep local roots and sparkling international connections took the stage in The Heritage Centre Teignmouth in mid-April 2023.

Award-winning international harpist Elizabeth-Jane Baldry performed and talked about some of her favourite music including works by the famous Devon-born 19th century harp maestro Elias Parish-Alvars.

Parish-Alvars was born in Teignmouth in 1808 and is one of the most famous musical sons of the town. He enjoyed a great international career and his innovatory harp technique was admired by such iconic figures as Liszt, Mendelssohn, Berlioz and many others. For his era, he achieved a massive profile, reminding us of the rock band Muse, who also hail from Teignmouth.

The event title Harp Music from Devon and beyond reflected the style and nature of the evening. Elizabeth-Jane was engaging, informed, educational and entertaining and took us behind the scenes of a range of her music, talking about her favourite pieces and her instrument, with a very special focus on our local hero. The Heritage Centre even moved the bust of Parish-Alvars to adorn the stage for the event and Elizabeth-Jane had scores of his works available to look at in the interval. In the intimate setting of the Teign Room the event felt very special, like a house concert and absolutely ideal for being surrounded by all the lovely sonorities of close-up harp.

The event was promoted by The DA Music Section, with staging provided by Greg and Steph of GT works. A truly sumptuous array of home-made cakes made this sell-out evening one to remember: sustenance and recreation for brain, body and spirit. The Music Section is aiming to stage a repeat of this event in another part of Devon and looks forward to a continued relationship with this great local artist.

Music Section Chair
Paul Wilson