Skip to content

New harp in
the collection
for Dafne Paris

It’s fairly well known that pianists often switch instruments, simply because transporting a grand piano is a whole different story than transporting, say, a violin. Another group that frequently switches instruments is harp students. Harpist Dafne Paris (25) talks about her search for a harp of her “own” from our collection, so she can commit to a single instrument. The Music Instrument Fund recently purchased that harp with financial support from a private foundation.

News
1 March 2021 by Geertje van der Linden

Studieharpen

At first, Dafne—as many other harp students will recognize—played at home on a somewhat older student harp. At the conservatory, harps are available for practice and concerts, and she makes good use of them.

“As harp students, we’re used to switching instruments frequently, but over time I felt an increasing need to build a strong bond with a single instrument—a bond of trust. I was looking for a harp with a wider dynamic range, a harp that helps me rise above, not one that holds me back or limits me, and one on which I can develop my tone.”

The Click

Dafne was given the opportunity to choose a harp, together with her teacher Erika Waardenburg, at the harp shop in Rhenen. The harp she chose would become part of the collection. “I was expecting a used harp from the Musical Instrument Fund, but to my great surprise, I was allowed to choose a new harp. I also felt a sense of responsibility to select an instrument that would be played not only by me, but also by future harpists.”

Upon entering, three harps were waiting for Dafne: an American Lyon & Healy Style 23 and Style 100, and an Italian Salvi in the Arianna model.

“I’ve always been drawn to this model because of its elegant sound and refined, inlaid wood carvings. In recent years, I’ve come to appreciate the quality of Lyon harps more and more. That’s why I thought I’d end up choosing one of the two American harps.”
Dafne samen met docente Erika Waardenburg en de Salvi-harp.

It immediately became clear to Dafne that the Lyon 100 had a beautiful sound, but wasn’t suitable for large concert halls. She was actually looking for an instrument that would challenge her to always get the most out of it. And according to Dafne, the brand-new Lyon 23 still sounded a bit muffled. “The sound would certainly improve in time, but the question was when. The Arianna, however, had a fascinating sound with tremendous presence. I was amazed by the depth of the bass notes and the clarity of the octaves, which often sound sharp even on good instruments. On the Arianna, they sounded like little pearls.”

Character

After Erika, the teacher, also played the harp, and Dafne could hear the sound even from a distance, there was no longer any doubt. The Salvi harp would be hers. “That same evening, it was at my house. I remember Erika’s comment when we were discussing the different harps: ‘You can’t teach character. The same goes for harps.’”

Unfortunately, performing isn't an option right now, but luckily Dafne can focus entirely on earning her bachelor's degree this year. The harp helps her do this, “to find a sense of security and musicality.”

“It’s so inspiring to wake up, get out of bed, and see a top-quality instrument right there in my home. In these difficult times, the harp is a source of inspiration and motivation. I am very grateful to the foundation for this wonderful opportunity and this unique experience.”