1. What type of harp do you use in background music performances?
I use my grand pedal harp, also known as a concert harp. It is a majestic instrument with a warm sound that is more powerful than any other type of harp. It is a very expensive instrument ($20,000) and thanks to its number of strings and its pedal system, it can interpret a great number of musical pieces.
2. How do you transport your instrument?
My harp weighs about 90 lb (40 kg) and moving a large instrument like this requires a van.
Except for the more inaccessible places (stairs, lawns, gangways, etc.) I can do that alone with the help of a hand truck especially designed for that purpose. Unquestionably moving my harp requires more care and work than carrying a small instrument; this is why transportation costs for the harp are already factored in the basic fees.
3. Do you take breaks during your performances?
Yes, it is hard for any musician to play for hours, non-stop. In the first hour there is no break, but each hour thereafter has a 15 minute stop. If you want music during the breaks, it is better to plan ahead with event organizers or the DJ.
4. What do you need at the event’s location?
I need a secure place for the material that is not used during the performance like the cover and harp hand truck, bags and coat. I bring all that I need (music stand, bench and lighting). If another musician accompanies me, he’ll need a chair.
5. What do you need for outdoors performances?
A small, well-built stage or sturdy deck will do because setting up the harp on the uneven lawn is not very safe. This has to be checked out with the reception hall. I can rent out mine if need be.
Ideally a canopy should be set up to protect the instrument from sun and rain. Anticipate an indoors place in case of bad weather any way.
6. For a ceremony, how do we choose the repertoire?
Once you have chosen your date, you get a client access code (page still under construction in our site), which will allow you to hear musical excerpts recorded by myself and my musicians for the various ceremonies.
Special requests are also accepted if they are made in advance. We make sure that the chosen piece can be played on our instruments; if that is the case, we prepare it especially for you.
7. Can we hire two different ensembles for ceremony and cocktail?
Yes, you can; for example, you can have a voice and harp duo for the ceremony, and another duo (flute and harp or violin and harp) for the cocktail.
8. Can we reserve well in advance?
You can book a year ahead or even more. In the summer and in the fall some days like Saturday and Sunday are in greater demand for weddings than others. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Seasons’ Holidays are quite busy moments of the year.
9. How are your fees?
Like any other professional I charge a basic fee for a minimum amount of time, i.e. a two-hour performance including the travel time in the Montreal area.
For weddings I can also play during the cocktail so you can get your money’s worth in the second hour. It is possible to add more hours to the package to fit your needs.
10. Do you travel outside Greater Montreal?
Yes, I go wherever there are roads. But there are additional fees for travel depending on the number of kilometres that I have to cover.
