Presenting a double bill treat!
The heavenly Harp2Harp duo, featuring harpists Emma Horwood and Visnja will be both singing and playing two harps in stunning harmony. Plus an incredible performance from Visnja’s fabulous folk band The VAMS, comprising of harp, vocals, bass, mandolin and guitar.
Be swept away by the gorgeous folk, contemporary and classical flavours of these two ensembles in The Light Room Bar at Adelaide’s Centre of Immersive Light and Art (ILA).
Harp2Harp is an enchanting duo weaving the heavenly sounds of two harps and two female voices. Acclaimed pedal harpist/ soprano Emma Horwood joins forces with award winning singer/songwriter and folk harpist Visnja (which is pronounced ‘Vishnya’ for those who need some help with Slavic names!). With their two different harps and contrasting vocal timbres, Harp2Harp blend classical finesse with contemporary and world music flavours.
They’re set to ramp up the strings with The VAMS, fronted by Visnja joined by Ash on Mandolin (they played recorder together in primary school!) Mike on guitar and Simon on double bass. All members have studied music extensively and toured Australia with various band projects, now back in their home town of Adelaide after the COVID shake up.
If you love the melodic and evocative work of the likes of Kate Bush, Enya and Loreena McKennit with a touch of Balkan spirit, you will love Harp2Harp and the VAMS.
The Light Room Bar will be open throughout the performance for you to sip on your favourite drinks while Strings ‘n’ Songs on a Sunday treat you to a selection of their favourite songs.
More About Harp2Harp
Visnja (pronounced Vish-nya) is an award-winning singer/songwriter, harpist, and pianist who draws inspiration from Celtic, Balkan, and contemporary folk sounds. Her performing highlights include The Nine Network’s Carols by Candlelight, the National Folk Festival in Canberra, and numerous major events and productions across Australia. Visnja has also composed and performed music for film and musical theatre.
Emma Horwood is a renowned South Australian harpist and soprano who studied at the Elder Conservatorium. Her recordings have featured on ABC Classic FM, and she has presented critically acclaimed concerts around Australia, delighting audiences with her musicianship and repertoire of Celtic and fine music.
More About The VAMS
Short for Visnja, Ash, Mike and Simon, The VAMS formed in the aftermath of COVID when three members (who went to high school together many moons ago) moved back to Adelaide from interstate as wily, wizened grown-ups. This new folk ensemble is led by Visnja, joined by Ashley Hill on mandolin (who also played recorder with her in primary school!). Ashley also brings his piano skills to the ensemble, having studied at the Elder Conservatorium. He’s performed with James Morrison, Richard Clapton, The Church, bringing his love of classical and early music together with extensive popular repertoire experience to create contemporary arrangements. Ashley helped Visnjavreconnect with Simon Bonney, the double bass player, after a Fringe project a few years ago. They later introduced Visnja to Michael Castronini, a versatile guitarist who has performed in numerous rock and jazz projects around Australia.
Simon Bonney has studied music extensively and has performed double bass in jazz bands in Australia and internationally. It was his idea to create classy acoustic arrangements of 80s songs, which sparked the formation of The VAMS, drawing old schoolmates back together to reminisce. The VAMS enjoy performing fresh takes on traditional folk music, surprising ‘folked-up’ covers, and original music by the band members.