Harpes en Écho is a unique harp ensemble consisting of three talented harpists: Annie Lavoisier, professor of harp at the Conservatoire Royal in Brussels, Roberta Brambilla and Eleonora Congiu, both former students of Lavoisier. The trio distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to the classical repertoire, creating their own arrangements of symphonic masterworks. Through this, they translate the rich orchestral sound into the intimate setting of three harps. The ensemble performs regularly in Belgium and France, where they enchant audiences with their virtuosity and creativity.
The concert Danza, performed on 12 December 2024 at the Musée des Instruments de Musique in Brussels, was a brilliant example of their abilities. The programme began with a beautiful 14th-century piece, performed on three small harps, with which the ensemble immediately demonstrated their versatility. This was followed by the Slavische dansen, op. 72 nr. 2 by Dvořák, in which the harps interpreted the rich melodies in a refined manner. Annie Lavoisier often introduced the pieces with brief texts that sketched the context of the music and helped listeners understand the deeper meaning of the works.
The fairy-tale atmosphere of Ravel's Ma Mère l'Oye – Cinque pièces enfantines was conveyed with finesse by the harp, which brought the childlike and dreamy elements of the music to life. Subsequently, the trio performed the Milonga by Argentine Ginastera, which immersed the concert in a Latin American atmosphere, with its rhythmic and rousing sounds.
The absolute highlight of the concert was Sumergida by Miguel del Águila. The music described the mysterious creatures on the ocean floor so poignantly that the audience almost felt submerged underwater. The programme continued with two pieces from La lyre aménienne by Vardapet Komitas, which took us to Armenian musical traditions, and concluded with the festive Brazileira by Darius Milhaud, which transported us to the vibrant sambas of Rio de Janeiro.
The enthusiasm of the audience, including a class from Zemst, was unprecedented. A girl in the audience was so fascinated by the music that she began to imitate the hand gestures of the harpists – perhaps a budding harpist in the making! The concert ended with an encore that brought the audience into the Christmas spirit: the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker.
Harpes en Écho once again proved why the ensemble is praised for its virtuosity and creativity, and gave the audience an enchanting experience that magnificently showcased the power and versatility of the harp. We look forward to hearing more from this unique trio.