Newport hosts a plucky performance

Ancient traditions, rare instruments, and mesmerizing melodies — what could be better? This Friday, May 9, Newport Public Library will host a special performance of “Celtic Harps, Rare Instruments, and Wondrous Stories” featuring acclaimed musicians Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter.

Guests will be treated to an extraordinary musical journey as Lynne and Frankfurter perform on two Celtic harps, the rare Swedish nyckelharpa, Ukrainian bandura, cittern, and more. Their performance weaves together traditional folk melodies from Sweden and Ireland with heartwarming original compositions — accompanied by engaging, humorous and inspiring stories of music, culture and adventure.

Both artists hail from Oregon and are known internationally for their unique acoustic sound and mastery of seldom-heard instruments. From fine arts centers to intimate venues across the United States and Europe, they captivate audiences with a blend of Celtic, Renaissance and Swedish folk music — infused with progressive and deeply emotional storytelling.

Lynne is a world-renowned multi-instrumentalist, best known for her original music on the Celtic harp. Her albums, released under labels such as Windham Hill/Sony, have repeatedly charted in the Top 10 and Top 20 of the Billboard New Age charts. In addition to her music career, she is widely recognized for her work in therapeutic music and education, with features in NBC, CNN and The Wall Street Journal.

Frankfurter is a celebrated multi-instrumentalist and master of the Celtic harp and Swedish nyckelharpa. With a diverse background ranging from progressive rock to folk, he has released 17 albums and composed scores for film and television. His devotion to reviving rare traditional instruments has earned him praise as an artist of exceptional talent and creativity.

Friday’s concert, which is free and open to all, will run from 3:30 to 5:45 pm at 35 NW Nye Street.  For more information, call 541-265-2153 or go to www.newportlibrary.org.