Registration for HarpScape Retreat
$225 (early registration - before September 1)
$260 (after September 1)

Or
$100 - Friday only (reception included)
$100 - Saturday only (concert included)
$85 - non participant (meals only)

About the HarpScape Retreat
A sampling of workshops includes:
The harp as an expression of prayer;
Singing with the harp;
Improvising and composing;
Gregorian Chant;
Ensemble playing;
Music and meditation;
The psychology of music and healing;
Using the harp in hospital, hospice, and other healing settings;

Optional experiences:
Daily meditations with harp accompaniment by HarpScape participants;
Morning and Evening Prayer in the Taize tradition, sung and accompanied with harps;
Friday evening wine and cheese

If you do not play the harp, you may want to immerse yourself in the beauty of listening to live harp music. Don't be surprised if you are unable to resist the seductive power of the harp, and decided to try it for yourself.

A variety of harps will be available to try, and some available for purchase. Harps by many different makers will be represented, from small lap harps to Celtic harps and the concert harp.

Our Presentors

 
Rhett Barnwell has undertaken a varied career as a classical and Celtic harpist, organist, composer, conductor, cellist, and French horn player. As a harpist, he has concentrated on music for healing, sacred and meditative purposes, andhas played for numerous events in churchs, hospices, nursing homes and hospitals. He has also published a number of compositions and arrangements for the harp through Saraphim Music.

Mr. Barnwell earned a Master of Music degree in French horn performance from Saint Louis Conservatory and pursued Doctoral study in organ and choral conducting at the University of Georgia. He is currently the General Manager of the Atlanta Harp Center. 



Marilyn Bennett studied harp with Conway Ferretti and Alice Spero Keene. She has performed and taught harp in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, and has also worked as Director of Music and Christian Education. She has taught piano, voice, and harp, and has directed vocal ensembles and children's theatre productions. She is a hospice volunteer, a master gardener, a mother of two, and proud grandmother of two.

Ms. Bennett earned a Master of Music degree from Millikin University and a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University.

Cyndi Bickel, a Music Practitioner, plays at the bedside for patients at St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville, IN along with local hospices, private homes and churches.

Ms. Bickel is a graduate of the International Harp Therapy Program as well as the Music for Healing and Transition Program. She is a speaker, composer, and recording artist of "Be Still-and hear the voice of your God" (harp and vocals), "Nocturne-music for rest and relaxation (instrumental), and "Joy" (harp duos of Christmas favorites) in addition to music books published of her original music. 

For more information on the Retreat, please email the Retreat Committee or call 217.522.3387, ext. 444.

Guest Room Registration at Chiara Center
Overnight accommodations are available at Chiara Center: Single occupancy ($58 per night) or Double occupancy ($42 per night). All guest rooms have a private bath. For more information, please call Chiara Center at 217.523.0901 or send an email.

Images from Chiara Center