Aoyama Harps - Overview from David Watkins, Prof of Harp

An overview of Aoyama Harps - from David Watkins, Professor of Harp.

The AOYAMA family business dates back to the 1880's. JITAROH AOYAMA was the pioneering head of family two generations ago when the family business was the repair of musical instruments such as violin and organ. He founded the "AOYAMA MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY" to make stringed instruments including violin and cello in the region of Fukui 1897. When his descendant MASAO AOYAMA, who had an overwhelming love of the harp, assumed control of the business he was able to dedicate himself to making his charming instrument. MASAO AOYAMA, with his skills and inspiration, started the production of Aoyama Folk Harps. KENZO AOYAMA, the present successor of the business, by his own efforts began the production of Grand Concert Harps and brought the family company world wide recognition as one of the few international harp makers. 1992 the new AOYAMA harp factory was completed, including a concert hall and museum of antique harps. The family Ethos of "Be honest and do your best work", combined with fine dedicated craftsmen in the factory, enable new harps to be produced in harmony with both tradition and new techniques. The experience of making musical instruments for over a century combined with close association with musicians has kept Aoyama in the forefront of musical technology. This position he intends keeping into the next century. (by Kenzo Aoyama, Director)

David Watkins was harpist of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and played for the great artists like Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. He was a founder member of the New Welsh National Opera Orchestra under James Lockhart and has performed his own harp concerto with the London Philharmonic at the Royal Festival Hall. He was Professor of Harp at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and his lecture recitals are celebrated in many Countries.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Aoyama
• Harp
• Morley
• Elysian
• Watkins
• Pedal
• Lever
• Folk
• Salvi
• Camac

[UnsungRitualist]

wow thanks, i am a former clarinet player, however i have unstable lungs, and am now forbiden to play my own clarinet! so i was thinking about taking up harp, thanks for all the good info!