Roger Helfrick, baritone singer and Celtic harp player, is offering a concert this Saturday at Cumberland United Church.
Helfrick wowed audiences this last December when he appeared as a guest vocalist with Winter Harp, and is thrilled to be presenting this, his 10th (almost annual) spring concert.
The concert is entitled Via Animi – the soul’s journey, and features Helfrick’s voice accompanied by Celtic harp and guitar, with special guest Karen Lihou playing violin and organ.
The evening will explore physical, spiritual and metaphorical journeys showcasing Helfrick’s original songs and improvisations as well as traditional music from Norway, Japan, Iceland, Quebec, the British Isles and Ireland.
Helfrick has performed at various concerts and charitable events since moving to the Comox Valley in the fall of 2007, and is currently teaching harp and preparing music for his next recording. A professional musician for 17 years, he has produced three CDs, garnering national and international radio play, as well as performances across Canada and in Japan.
“In all my years as a musician, I have only heard a few such gorgeous voices. Roger’s singing is like velvet,” says Lori Pappajohn, harpist, singer and director of Winter Harp.
“His voice has this clear, transparent, warm, completely natural sound that truly makes you want to melt away. And he tells the song’s story so simply and beautifully.”
Via Animi – the soul’s journey is on April 9 at Cumberland United Church, on the corner of Penrith Avenue and First Street. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15, available at Laughing Oyster Book Shop, Blue Heron Books, Tarbell’s, and at the door.
More information is available at www.rogerhelfrick.ca or 250-331-0482.
— Roger Helfrick
