MUSIC Harpist: ‘You have to make yourself heard’

After playing the harp for more than 30 years, Yolanda Kondonassis can get a little devilish when someone asks her: “Do you believe in angels?” “Maybe people are trying to get into a metaphysical space?” she conjectured, half jokingly in a recent phone conversation. “For many years, the harp was seen as a supplementary instrument, something delicate and heavenly rather than an integral part of the orchestra. But a harpist shouldn’t be a wallflower. You have to make yourself heard both in playing and in personality.” Harp in hand, Kondonassis, who spent many seasons at the now Salzedo Summer Harp Colony in Camden, is unmistakably brawny, especially when she teams up with flutist Eugenia Zukerman for a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at Minsky Hall at the University of Maine in Orono. The two have been touring together for 15 years. Each has played in Orono in the past – Kondonassis with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and Zukerman with pianist David Leisner. This is their first local appearance together. “Flute and harp can be a wonderful combination,” said Kondonassis, speaking on a break from her teaching at Oberlin College and the Cleveland Institute of Music in Ohio where she lives. “If you went with traditional French flute and harp music, you might get a little bored. We go for different colors, effects and musical styles.” Think Benedetto Marcello, Vincent Persichetti, Michio Miyagi, Carlos Salzedo and Alan Hovhaness. Or just think about the particular compatibility of the harp and flute. Then add the muscular talents of two world-class players, who are mentors, friends and mutual admirers. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount from Yolanda,” said Zukerman, speaking from a hotel room in Boston. “She’s a very strong person, very self-motivated. Her strength and courage have always been inspiring to me. I’m a completely frivolous person compared to her.” “I learned an enormous amount from Genie,” countered Kondonassis. “She’s a remarkable woman. This is a smart cookie. She’s done so many interesting things in her life. She’s an inspiration and a role model.” Love fest aside, don’t expect a hearts and flowers concert. These musicians go where no angels dare to pluck and pucker.

– Alicia Anstead