The ‘lovely’ village of Belgrave was paid a visit by a group of Harpists from all over Australia who descended into the hills over the weekend to workshop and collaborate.
Thursday 12 June to Saturday 14 June saw over 40 Harpists from the Australian Therapeutic Harpists Association (ATHA) travel to the Masonic Hall in Belgrave to share and learn from one another while enjoying the wintery delights of the hills.
ATHA Committee member Christine Middleton said the Harp Gathering in Belgrave was an outstanding success.
“Everyone who attended was totally engaged with all the workshops, the merchandise holders were well patronised and the venue was perfect for the event,” she said.
The Australian Therapeutic Harpists Association (ATHA) was formed in 2018 to promote and support therapeutic harp services throughout Australia.
Therapeutic Harp Practitioners can be found in a wide and diverse range of areas, from hospitals, aged care facilities, hospice and palliative care, disability services and even wildlife shelters
“Their professional role uses the elements of live harp music and sound in a variety of settings to assist healing and wellbeing,” said Ms Middleton.
The two-day event featured workshops from some of Australia’s leading therapeutic harp practitioners and topics ranged from ‘Using the Harp to create Sound Baths’ to ‘Writing Harp Novels’.
Ms Middleton said the presentations were professional, engaging, interactive, varied, interesting and inspiring.
The group dined out at the local Blacksmith Café in Belgrave on the Friday evening and also visited the Cameo Theatre.
The harpists watched a screening of ‘From Music into Silence’ – a documentary featuring the deeply moving personal story of Peter Roberts from Geelong on his journey to become a thanatologist (someone who studies death and grief) and his ongoing career to bring comfort and ease to those at the end of their lives.
“The film and the accompanying soundtrack captured his story beautifully and sensitively,” said Ms Middleton.
Ms Middleton said the group is looking forward to coming back again next year.
“Another harp gathering in 2026 is planned and will be held once again in the lovely village of Belgrave,” she said.
