Where can I get a sample of your harp playing? Here are excerpts from my sample CD:
1. Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell/Clarke)
Here is one sample of a traditional Irish wedding march:
Mike Nielsen
Please email me at:
harpermike@gmail.com
Dover Delaware Harpist
When, where? I am a harpist who lives in Dover Delaware and I play harp for weddings, receptions, wedding rehearsal dinners and other festive occasions. Places I have played in recently include: Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, Easton and Ocean City in Maryland, and in Baddeck, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I have been a professional harpist in Delaware for the last 14 years and have a wealth of experience and material. I supply my own sound system. I can play at outdoor events where power is not available since my amp is battery powered.
How much? My rate is $250 for first hour and $100 per hour thereafter. For travel beyond a 10 mile radius of Dover, Delaware, I charge $.50 per mile, starting from Dover. Deposit to reserve a date is $50. I do not normally attend rehearsal but if I am asked to, I charge $50 per hour and travel expenses.
What kind of harp do you play? My harp is a Camac Aziliz 34 string Celtic harp. This is the forerunner of the modern pedal harp and covers five octaves. When plugged into my portable amp, it produces enough sound to fill a concert hall. Click on the links for the wedding tunes below to hear what it sounds like.
Can you play...? I can play special requests if given at least 4 weeks notice but I can't guarantee that every tune you might request will be playable on the Celtic harp. Typically, brides trust me to play music that sounds good on the harp and that cultivates the proper tone for the wedding. In addition to the traditional tunes by Mendelssohn, Clarke, Purcell, and Pachabel, (samples below) I play music of the late Renaissance period, such as the harp music of Carolan and other pieces for the harp by Scottish, Irish, and English composers of that period.
What do your clients say?
I think of our daughter's wedding often, picturing the wonderful moments of that magical evening! The background music of those memories is the melodious sound of Mike Nielsen's celtic harp! He played selections before the ceremony, setting the mood for what was about to take place. Pachelbel's Canon effortlessly eased the bridal party and our beautiful daughter down the aisle. A rousing Irish tune signaled the joyous recessional!
Mike played for an hour during coctails. Perfect music for a celebration! He did not mind people milling around closely...some guests just passing by, others stopping to watch while chatting with relatives or friends. People were fascinated with the instrument and warmed by his music.
I, the mother of the bride, hold a BS in music education and have been a public school music teacher for 26 years. I have performed professionally for over 30 years. I was impressed with the musicality of the selections on Mike's web site. I had never heard him perform live when I decided he was the musician I wanted to hire! Mike Nielsen proved to be the best choice I could have made.
Mike's performance was dignified and understated. He is an excellent musician. I was overjoyed by his contribution to such an important family event.
--Lynn Smith-Eldon
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the outstanding program you offered at Kent County Public Library on Saint Patrick's Day. All those who attended had favorable things to say about your concert -- and I have enjoyed listening to your CD many times over.
I hope we will be able to have you perform at Kent County Public Library again in the future. The high quality of your playing and the interesting information you shared about the various selections combined for a memorable experience.
Hilary Welliver
Associate Librarian
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Where can I get a sample of your harp playing? Here are excerpts from my sample CD: 1. Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell/Clarke) Here is one sample of a traditional Irish wedding march:
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I also have a CD of original tunes for sale. Goes Well with Wine is a collection of 20 tunes for the Celtic harp. You can find more information on the web page for the CD here.
I have a MySpace music page that features my own orignal harp tunes here.
Please email me at harpermike@gmail.com