Suki Flanagan
Harp
When asked at age five if I would like to take music lessons, I said, “Yes, I want to play the harp!” Thus I began piano lessons, as there was a piano, but no harp in our house. Years later the interest surfaced again, and I started harp lessons at age 16.
I had no intention of becoming a professional musician, but had the opportunity to study with one of the harp's greatest teachers, Lucile Lawrence, and so ended up majoring in music in college, and then continuing with a Masters degree in harp performance. Although I planned to have a more practical career than as a freelance musician, I never seemed to find the time--there was always so much to practice!
I have been playing with the MSO since we moved to Maine in 2009, and am delighted to be part of a group so friendly, organized, willing to tackle adventurous music, and filled with hard-working musicians! Whenever possible, I like to “infect” the world with harp knowledge, through school presentations, student lessons, and a summer “Hands-On-Harp” introduction to the instrument.
When the harp gives me time off, I love to read, sew and knit, garden, bike, hike, kayak, and gently cross-country ski. Ten years after the last “meet the musicians” bio update, I am happy to report that we are STILL spending a lot of time with our now 10 yr, old Great Dane. (That’s really old for a Dane.) And 16 year old cat…. Can’t you just hear the cat grumbling “it’s all about the DOG, about the dog, about the stupid dog…”. Don’t worry, the cat gets more attention than he wants.
Photo credit: © Jeff Morris/the Pierce Studio
