Joan Hall

Wine Country Harpist Joan Hall

One day, many years ago, I was working at a local Renaissance Faire as a strolling singer. I walked around a corner and heard the most beautiful sounds I had ever encountered...it was my first time hearing a Celtic harp. I was so enamored of the glorious tones that I immediately began saving my money and, 8 months later, my first harp arrived. I have been playing for 10+ years. My music background (as a 'cellist, singer and music major at Holy Names University) was mostly classical. I was not drawn so much to the traditional Celtic and New-Age repertoires that many other Celtic harpers explore. My real passion is the music of the middle ages and Renaissance. I especially enjoy introducing people who do not consider themselves classical music fans to the earthy 'gutsiness' of medieval dance music. Many of the celtic CD's I have heard are a little too 'moody/dreamy' for my taste. I've endeavored to provide an interesting contrast of music with this collection of favorites from my repertoire.