Deborah Brinson: the Music, the Lady, and the South
The South is known for producing talented musicians and Deborah Brinson is no exception. With the strings of a folk harp and a lyric soprano voice, Deborah captures the passion and pathos that is found in the music of Ireland, Scotland, and her own native South. With a unique focus that combines music of the Celts and music produced during the War for Southern Independence, Deborah delights audiences with heartfelt performances of period pieces, original songs and old favourites. Writing harp arrangements to accompany all her vocal selections, Deborah strives to maintain the character and authenticity of each song she performs.
Inspired by the music that emanated from the South in the 1860s, Deborah writes her own melodies and lyrics celebrating Dixie and exploring the identity of the Southern people. She also provides instrumental harp music for special events and restaurant ambiance.
In addition to performing live, Deborah is also a recording artist. Her first album, Let Dixie Remember, had its debut in spring 2007 and more albums are on the way.
Having been schooled at home for her entire education, Deborah was blessed with ample opportunity to develop her musical skills Though her first instrument was piano, taken up when she was five, Deborah had always been enamored with the harp. After being given her first harp at the age of nine, Deborah proceeded to teach herself how to play it. Several years later she began a serious study of voice. Performance opportunities, both as a soloist and as a group musician, began with 4-H talent shows when Deborah was eight. Her performance sphere soon began to expand and over the years has come to include home school conventions, state and national League of the South conferences, Abbeville Institute Summer Schools, the Blue Ridge Barbecue, the Abbeville Olde South Christmas and various local events.
Deborah’s interest in folk music has been greatly enhanced by her travels, having made multiple excursions to Ireland, as well as England and Australia. These travels afforded Deborah opportunities to study the history of Celtic music first hand, hear it played by locals, and even to perform it herself for an Irish audience.
As a way of passing on her love for music, Deborah teaches voice, harp, and piano in a private studio she has been operating since 2003. She develops her own musical interests by continuing to research 19th century Southern music and pursuing further studies in music pedagogy.
'Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to Him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.'
|
|
|
Psalm 33:1-5
|
|
|
