The Concours Dasson an Delenn (“resonance of the harp”) 2015 lever harp competition was held on the 23rd and 24th of May at the new Conservatory of Music and Dance in Pontivy. The town of Pontivy has been a driving force behind the revival of Breton culture. A perfect location for a competition to promote Breton harp music. The Conservatory had plenty of practice rooms, a concert hall, rooms to display harps and easy parking.
Camac had a room filled to the brim with harps and many of the students chose to use harps provided by Camac. There was a featured display of the new carbon fiber/ wooden hybrid model, Ulysse as you walked in the door. I will buy one. It is just a matter of when and how. The lightness and durability of carbon fiber combined with the tone from a wooden sounding board. The touring harp of the future. Bravo Camac! http://www.camac-harps.com/en/harps-eng/lever-eng/ulysse-eng
It was an honor to be one of the five judges. Three of the others were professional harpists who perform and teach Breton music. The president of the jury, Lisardo Lombardia organises one of the largest Celtic music festivals in Europe, the Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival. I was the wildcard. Although I have performed and judged Celtic music, I am not a Breton player. My rusty French came in handy, but I wish I had been a better French student in school! Camac treated the judges and professional harpists to gourmet dinners across the street from the Château des Rohan (local castle). I can still close my eyes and taste the caramel. We stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel. We went from camping to being VIP. Thank you Jakez!