Maeve Gilchrist: Strings of Tradition, Notes of Innovation
Hope Horne
“I always think of writing music as building a world – showcasing the sounds and colors of the harp through my voice and my words. I love the idea of creating a world that the audience can step into for an hour.”
As part of the captivating “Up Close” series, Overture will host an evening with the exceptionally talented Scottish harpist Maeve Gilchrist. Gilchrist’s melodies stretch the harmonic limits of the instrument and improvisational possibilities, promising an unforgettable evening for audience members. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gilchrist over the phone to discuss her upcoming performance, her inspirations and the intimate connections she shares with her audience.
Gilchrist was introduced to the harp at a young age as her family was immersed in traditional music circles. Growing up in Edinburgh, Scotland, recollections of social gatherings at home included musical sessions playing traditional instruments, one being the Celtic harp.
Her musical journey took a turn when she ventured into the realms of jazz and improvisation during her time at Berklee College in Boston. This fusion of genres marked a pivotal moment in Gilchrist’s career, which inspired her to develop her distinctive style.
“To me, the instrument has personally brought me so much, gifting me an incredible community of musicians,” says Gilchrist.
Despite this evolution, Gilchrist remains true to her identity as a traditional artist with ties to familial connections of her heritage. She emphasizes, “My heart is always rooted in traditional music, melodies and connection to my family.”
For Gilchrist, “making music is an evolution, a continual exploration of harmonies and colors that manifest in unexpected ways.” She explains, “I was drawn towards composing my own music because it enables me to incorporate a number of different influences in an organic way. I can manifest facets of my traditional music in ways that may not sound traditional to some ears but, I believe, remains true to the strong melodies and sense of connection inherent in traditional music.”
Collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds have further broadened Gilchrist’s versatility, skillset and playing style as a musician, while simultaneously opening her ears.
“I like to think that true collaboration is a process of deep listening,” Gilchrist shares.
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Gilchrist’s upcoming performance will showcase a solo rendition of her “Harpweaver” program, inspired by the jazz-age celebrity poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and her poem “The Ballad of the Harp-weaver.” The classic ballad poem tells the story of a mother and son who are facing bleak economic prospects.
Preparing for a performance, for Gilchrist, is all about crafting a shared experience with her audience. Each show is uniquely tailored to the emotion and ambiance emitted from the audience and venue. Gilchrist tailors the colors of her playing to how the audience feels to her in the moment, with hopes to evoke a sense of connection and resonance, ultimately uniting listeners in her performance’s emotive power.
“I always think of writing music as building a world – showcasing the sounds and colors of the harp through my voice and my words. I love the idea of creating a world that the audience can step into for an hour,” she said.
Despite never having visited Madison or Wisconsin before, Gilchrist eagerly anticipates her debut on the Capitol Theater stage, eager to share her unique interpretation of the harp with the Overture audience.
“There is a misconception of the harp being solely an ethereal, heavenly sound,” Gilchrist notes, “but it can also be hard driving and rhythmically exciting. The range and colors are so vast. So many orchestral capabilities are available on the instrument.”
Join us in Capitol Theater on Friday, March 29 for an evening of enchantment as Maeve Gilchrist unveils the timeless beauty of the harp.