Pluck: works for harp with Helen Webby

Nine New Zealand composers were commissioned by Helen Webby to write short works for harp, and premiered at the 2012 Otago Festival of the Arts. Helen will present the works in this concert, several with soprano (and composer of one of the pieces) Pepe Becker.

The works have been recorded and released on a CD called Pluck: the first anthology of NZ harp music, and is a gateway in to the fascinating sound world of New Zealand's Art composers. The composers are: Chris Adams, Pepe Becker, Ross Carey, Claire Cowan, Lyell Cresswell, Graeme Downes, Anthony Ritchie, Mark Smythe & Gillian Whitehead.

CD Review (New Zealand Harp Society Journal): "Contemporary music is perhaps the most difficult genre to play as a harpist ... Webby clearly demonstrates her understanding of contemporary music and her interpretation breathes life and meaning into the scores. Her even playing, rich tone and mastery of not one but three types of harp make the album an ‘easy listen’. Pepe Becker, voice, expertly joins Helen on a couple of tracks.