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Prepare to 'Be Amazed' by Noted Glass Harpist
"Music on the Water - From Mozart to Star Wars"
By Dixie Walters
Fauquier Community Theatre is bringing area residents an opportunity to marvel at the unique musical talents of Jamey Turner, an internationally renowned "glass harpist." Turner will take the stage for two performances on April 6. His show, "Music on the Water - From Mozart to Star Wars" will introduce local audiences to his unusual method of performing music.
Using water-filled glasses, Turner relies on the principles of sound to play a range of selections from Mozart to the theme from "Star Wars."Although he uses an unconventional instrument, there's no mistaking the melodies produced. Turner's rendition of "Ode to Joy" is as sharp and distinct as one played on a traditional instrument.
"This will be the first time most people have heard these pieces played in this way," says Debra Smyers, the founder and principal of Arts Consulting International and an agent for Turner. "When people watch him play, their jaws literally drop. They're just amazed that this beautiful music can be coming from glasses of water."
Turner's renditions sound like a mini orchestra, Smyers adds. Each glass represents a note, and Turner's energetic style of "playing" the glasses evokes a multi-instrument experience.
High-Profile Performances
Turner, an Alexandria resident, has been wowing audiences all over the country and even the world for some 30 years. He has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Disney World, the White House Easter Egg Roll and the National Cathedral, among other venues. He has also appeared on television programs such as "The Today Show," "Good Morning America" and "The Tonight Show," when the late Johnny Carson hosted. In addition, he has performed with various orchestras, including the National Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra. Turner also traveled to Japan last fall for a TV special.
Turner's love of music goes back to his childhood. As a boy, he learned to play the clarinet, piano and other instruments. As he got older, he began to apply the principles of sound to create his own musical instruments. In addition to the glass harp, Turner is known to play a "wrench harp," a series of wrenches of various sizes that hang on a frame. He has also been known to turn implements such as saws into musical instruments.
Turner's imaginative performances involve audience interaction and education about his unique form of art. He often invites spectators to come onstage and join his one-man orchestra.
"This is a real family event that is enjoyable for all ages. There is something for everyone in the repertoire," says Smyers, who was also responsible for bringing Elisabeth von Trapp to FCT for a sold-out performance last year.
Come be amazed at "Music on the Water - From Mozart to Star Wars," a show by international glass harpist Jamey Turner performed at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Tickets are $12 (adults and seniors) and $10 (students). Purchase tickets with the option of printing at www.fctstage.org or call 540-349-8760. Fauquier Community Theatre is located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA 20187.
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