Dover-Sherborn Press

Duo ’Strings’ together an evening of magical music

By Jessica Turetz/ Correspondent
Thursday, March 30, 2006

SHERBORN - It sure doesn’t feel like spring yet in these parts, but you wouldn’t know it from Magical Strings’ annual concert at the Peace Abbey last Saturday night.

    "Spring officially begins now that we’re at the Peace Abbey, "said Pam Boulding, who along with husband Philip make up the duo, their sound a unique blend of Celtic and world music, with Pam on hammered dulcimer and Philip on Celtic harp.

    The Bouldings delighted the sizeable crowd, a mix of fans and family, with music and storytelling.

    They eased into their set with songs like "A Blast of Wind" and "Lullaby for Lindsey," a tribute for their toddler granddaughter of the same name, seated at a front table when she wasn’t making a run for the stairs. "We are giddy with delight, being surrounded by all of our grandchildren," said Pam.

    The Bouldings’ gentle nature and warm humor were sprinkled throughout the concert. " You can’t have a harp without an accordion," joked composer and instrument-maker Philip as he debuted his little red accordion, "bought on e-Bay," with a lively tune that had the crowd clapping and nodding their heads in unison.

    Philip has in recent years added an island sound to his harp compositions, inspired by their frequent trips to Maui. Donning a Hawaiian shirt, he shared some of these melodies. "Philip is always barely making the plane ’cause he is always stringing things," said Pam.

    During intermission, fans new and old shared their admiration of the duo. "I’m really enjoying the harp ... especially knowing they composed the music," said first-time concert-goer Carolann Bennett of Cambridge. Friend Jasmine Benjoya of Provincetown concurred. "Their joy is contagious, I love this music; it lifts me up."

    Peace Abbey volunteer Dan Dick said this is his favorite event of the year. "Their spirit comes through [in the music] ... comes though in every note." Dick said the Bouldings have a bond with the audience; he feels lucky to have them back each year, but wishes "they were closer than 4,000 miles away [in Washington State]."

    Towards the end of the evening, Newton resident Severyn T.Bruyn began an impromptu jig in the front row, much to the delight of his fellow concert-goers. Bruyn later said, "The dance was in the air."

    The Bouldings met when Pam became entranced by learning to play the hammered dulcimer. "I couldn’t tune, so I married a tuner," said Pam from the stage, referring to the class she eventually found for the instrument taught by Philip.

    Pam and Phil aren’t the only talented Bouldings. A modern-day Von Trapp family, all five of their children are accomplished musicians in their own right, growing up touring with their parents and never missing the annual Christmas concert at home in Seattle. "Every kid picked their own instrument," said Pam. "The idea was I made sure when we played together it was a time of joy."

    Pam said the Peace Abbey is a special place, and it’s what keeps them coming back year after year. "The Peace Abbey has a warmth you don’t find in every venue ... we feel nurtured, so appreciated and loved."

    Of his numerous compositions, Philip said the inspiration comes from both global travel and being at home in Washington, near Puget Sound, where he and Pam run the School of Magical Strings as well as a summer program.

    True to the inclusive feeling in the room all night, Pam invited the crowd to pluck some harp strings before they left. "I truly believe earth would be a more peaceful place if everyone played the harp in the morning."