It is probably the most important harp event in the world. And it is in Loire-Atlantique that it takes place, Ancenis precisely, 40 km from Nantes. Started since Thursday, the third festival Max Harps runs until Sunday evening*. A hundred artists from ten countries are programmed there. With the aim of transporting fans musically but also to convince less seasoned spectators. Because, even if it is more and more practiced, the harp remains an unknown instrument decked out in many received ideas.
“I spend my life fighting against prejudice”, laughs Jakez François, both artistic director of the festival, but also harp maker and renowned harpist. He specifies: “There is this image of the classical harp played by women from good families in the middle of the aristocracy. There is also the idea of a very folkloric, slightly Breton instrument, popularized by Alan Stivell. But the harp is much more than that! It is an instrument present on almost the whole planet and which has crossed the ages. His palette of styles is extremely varied: whether medieval music or the most modern electronic creations. »
Laurent Voulzy programmed at the festival
Famous artists appreciate it, such as Lady Gaga, Björk, Stefan Eicher or Laurent Voulzy, who will perform this Saturday evening at the Harpes au Max festival in company of harpist Naomi Greene.
But, beyond the characteristic and spectacular look of the instrument (40 kg for the classic model), do you know what the colors on the strings are for? Did you know that there were also pedals? Do you know why there are different sizes? All the explanations in the video above.
*There are places left for sale. Prices: from 5 to 25 euros