Feb. 22: First Baptist Church slates harpist’s program

First Baptist Church, located on the corner of Spring and Donnell streets, will present Greg Buchanan in concert Feb. 22 beginning at 6 p.m.

The world-class harpist whose aggressive style of playing usually redefines the listener’s concept on the harp.

Buchanan began playing the harp at age 9 and continued mastering the instrument throughout his adolescent and teen years. He spent four years in the United States Naval Band stationed in Washington, D.C., then started his ministry in the early 1980s. He celebrated 20 years of music ministry in 2003.

Superb musicianship combined with a contagious attitude toward the Christian life make him one of the most sought-after guest artists in America. He has appeared in settings as varied as the International Jazz and Pop Harpfest to the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, Billy Graham Crusades and Moody Conferences; to participating in special projects and events in cooperation with Insight for Living and Turning Point.

Buchanan and his wife, Becky, are natives of southern California where they maintain their home with three children. Matthew’s choice of musical instrument in piano, Erik plays violin and Bree is studying harp.

Buchanan has the very great privilege of being the first harpist in the world to own and play the electronic grand harp developed and handcrafted by Lyon & Healy Harps of Chicago. This newly introduced instrument has the technical capability to take Greg’s music into realms of expression heretofore unattainable. The instrument in a Salzedo Art Deco design was personalized according to his specific needs. While retaining the intrinsic beauty of the acoustic harp, the Lyon & Healy electronic harp allows today’s harpists to achieve higher performance levels and changes people’s perception about the capabilities of the harp.

During concert performances he also performs on a Celtic (Irish) folk harp and a kinnor (Davidic) harp.

Old testament prophets played instruments similar to the modern Celtic folk harp in temple worship and during times of meditation while seeking the presence of the Lord. The beauty of tone is distinct.

A design that was lost for generations, King David’s harp has returned as a kinnor harp. The melodic sounds of this 10-stringed instrument come alive as though time has turned back to the days of David playing unto Saul.