16. Magic and Death:The Harp in Theatre - Grace Ludtke, Harp

The harp is one of the most visually stunning instruments to see performed live.  It is also one of the most complicated instruments, enough that usually only harpists or experienced harp composers actually understand it.  For that reason, this episode features a lot more "101" on the instrument than normal.

Our guest is Grace Ludtke, and she talks about what it's like to play the harp in addition to the demands of playing the instrument for musical theatre.  She also reveals that her origin in theatre was as an actor and even running the light board, and we talk about how other theatre experience makes you a better a pit musician.  Grace also has thoughts about how the harp is actually a character, and the various roles it plays in productions from Hamilton to The Nutcracker, to an opera by Francis Poulenc.

We talk about an ensemble that Grace helped create called the North Carolina Harp Ensemble.  You can follow them at www.ncharpensemble.org.  You can follow Grace at www.graceludtke.com and follow her on Facebook or Instagram @harpist.grace

You can comment or find out more about this podcast at www.davidlanemusic.com/podcast or follow on IG/Twitter @LifeInThePitPod.