PRESS RELEASE: DHC with the Binghamton Philharmonic – Run Through May 19, 2007                      p. 1
CONTACT: Michael Belcher / publicity@hipharp.com / 781-483-3556


Hip Harpist Deborah Henson-Conant Defies Categorization and Transforms Ancient Instrument

Grammy-Nominated Performer On-Stage
and in PBS Special in 2007

BINGHAMTON – She strides on stage with the energy of a rock star and pulls a soulful, electrifying power-chord from her harp.

If you think the harp isn’t "that" kind of instrument, it WASN'T until Deborah Henson-Conant got her hands on it – literally – and convinced European builders to invent a harp she could strap on like an electric guitar.

The result: one-woman shows that blur the line between musical performance and theatrical event.

"The transformation of my harp is a metaphor for what happens when we break personal stereotypes and authentically express who we are," says Henson-Conant. "That's what I try to do in every show."

In her latest work – the DVD, CD and TV special "Invention & Alchemy" – Henson-Conant collaborates with an 80-piece orchestra, reinventing the interplay of soloist and symphony into a more interactive and theatrical format she dubs "symphonic music theatre."

"I wanted to use all the power and the beauty of a full orchestra as an entrance to personal experience," says Henson-Conant, who wrote all the songs, stories and orchestrations.

The project continues to win awards, from a Grammy Nomination to first prize in the International Songwriting Competition, and is appearing on PBS stations nationwide. The DVD and CD versions can be purchased online at http://www.InventionAndAlchemy.com.

Described as a “combination of Leonard Bernstein, Steven Tyler and Xena the Warrior Princess” by the Boston Globe, Henson-Conant has opened for Ray Charles, been featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, played the 17,000-seat Bercy stadium in Paris, won awards from NEA and "Meet the Composer" and been featured on shows from NBC’s “Today” to NPR’s “Weekend Edition.”

Henson-Conant's upcoming performances include solo shows in Boston and NYC, and orchestral shows in NY State and Florida. Her recent Science-Meets-Music series debuted at the Cambridge Science Festival.

FOR MORE on Deborah Henson-Conant or to purchase her music, visit http://www.HipHarp.com.
EDITORS: Hi-res photos and press materials at http://www.HipHarp.com/publicity.html

Sat. May 19, 2007 (8pm) - Binghamton, NY

Henson-Conant electrifies the Forum with the Binghamton Philharmonic in a feel-good, outside-the-box, bring-the-folks-you-love celebration full of music, stories and humor.

Tix: 607.723.3931 / www.BinghamtonPhilharmonic.org
$38 (Adult - Section A); $35 (Senior - Section A); $28 (Adult - Section B)
$25 (Senior - Section B); $10 (Student/Child)

Forum Theatre, 31 Front St., Binghamton, NY

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Deborah's Easter Greeting
Deborah's Easter Greeting