band in 1975. It was a turning point creatively. Formerly a "paper-trained" Classical musician, she was taught to compose and improvise original music with a vast scope of influences from the Prog- bands of the era (Genesis; The Beatles; Yes, Jethro Tull) blending her Classical training with Rock, Blues, Folk, Renaissance and Ethnic sounds. It was a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with Mark Mancina (Oscar winning composer) and Doug Smith (Grammy winning guitarist.) She counts the mentoring of these gentlemen most important in her musical path. Later, this background informed her approach to harping though in the beginning she remained within traditional boundaries. Cynthia is passionate about history yet exuberant in exploring contemporary, original expression. She considers the harp to be the ultimate crossover instrument. Part of an ancient harp tradition she embraces is playing at the bedside for the sick and suffering using the "three musics" of the Celtic repertoire. She has provided therapy harp services since 1985 in such halls of healing as: UCLA Medical Center; City of Hope; St. Joseph's Hospital, CHOC, Citrus Valley Hospice, naming only a few. Currently, her projects involve recording, composing, teaching; directing a private studio and two independent harp programs. She has been privileged to learn from and work with harpists: Sylvia Woods, Ellie Choate, Paul Baker, Kim Robertson, Paul Dooley, Janet Harbison.
acoustic/electric harps. |
Listen to Cynthia discuss the Irish harp and her new album "Beyond All Telling" with Anne Koegel on Neoclassical on KSPC 88.7 Radio |
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| Cynthia Artish harpist-composer-teacher |
