Henson-Conant creates a unique spin on symphony music

Katie Rider, Copy Editor
February 13, 2012
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Opinion, Uncategorized

Deborah Henson-Conant was anything but a normal Symphony guest. Most come and preform Schubert, Mozart, and Stravinsky, but she came and preformed love songs about trees and a tribute to her garbage man. Her performance was more of a show mixed with comedy and some harp plucking than a typical classical concert.

I have mixed feelings about this concert. Although the woman is undeniably talented, she played on an “electric harp,” and I can honestly say that I do not like it when someone turns a beautiful classical instrument into an electric guitar. Saying this, she is an incredible composer/arranger. She does know how a symphony works, and the accompaniment part was both interesting and flattering to her instrument.

Henson-Conant was genuinely happy to be there, and she brought an energy to the stage that was unlike anything I have ever seen. For someone who was nominated for a Grammy, she acted as though there was no where else she would rather be than in a small town in Montana. She was enthusiastic and made the crowd feel at ease. She was hilarious and was constantly cracking jokes, and she was having so much fun the entire performance, that I could barely wipe the grin off my face.

To summarize, even though Henson-Conant’s music was not my perfect cup of tea, she brought a presence to the stage that was unique and her humour made the entire performance enjoyable.