Apr 12, 2002 2 min read

McCLELLANDTOWN – Local harpist Dolores M. Martin will add that special touch to the second annual “Celebration of Life” Gala sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life. The event will be held at the Lakeside Party Center on Route 21 in McClellandtown on Saturday, April 27.

Tickets are available by contacting the American Cancer Society, Fayette Unit, or Veronica Frederick at 724-438-9223. The deadline for tickets is Monday, April 22.

Martin is a talented instrumentalist, who plays the piano, console organ and harp professionally.

She maintains a music studio at her home in Perryopolis, where she gives piano and harp lessons to students who come from up to 30 miles away.

As a child, Martin began playing classical piano and was totally captivated by the works of Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven and Debussy.

She later began playing console organ for as many as two or three churches each weekend.

In 1989, Martin said her interest turned to the harp, and she discovered a whole new captivating world of sound.

“I was impressed with the tonal beauty and simplicity of the instrument, which has evolved very little down through the ages,” she said.

Martin said she believes the harp is as an instrument, which provides “a nourishing fabric through which can be woven the finest and most delicate of textures.”

“At the same time, it is an instrument that can relay great passion and beauty of expression,” she said.

Martin said she enjoys playing for benefit concerts as well as weddings and receptions.

She also composes and arranges music for the harp and maintains her own Web site at www.dp.net/~harpist. Martin can be reached at her e-mail address at harpist@dp.net.