Biography

CONTACT: Lauren Mary Longo, harp
lilsparrowharp@gmail.com
t. 201-788-1339

About this CD

At the Manger is not your typical Christmas album—-especially for a more traditional instrument like the harp.

Though you might recognize many of the carol names, each track features a most unusual journey with contemporary twists and turns. Many of the songs intertwine carols in innovative ways. The haunting strains of the Huron Carol, Canada’s oldest carol, for instance, also incorporates some jazz into the Native mix. All are not only played but uniquely arranged by Lauren herself for a 36 string celtic or folk harp. The result is a contemporary eclectic contemplative experience.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Lauren Mary Longo is a recording artist and performer in the NYC Metropolitan area. Trained professionally on piano, organ, and harpsichord, she now concertizes exclusively on celtic harp. Finding it hard to find tranquil music while recuperating from surgery, she released her first celtic harp recording: AngelCalls, on her own music label Wing And A Prayer Recordings in 2005. Other recordings of original music and arrangements soon followed: Glory Be (2007), Miracles (2008) At the Manger (2009) and Reflections (2012) All are designed to create an ethereal environment wherever they are played.
Lauren received her BA in Music Education and her MA in Music Theory from Montclair State University. She holds a PhD in Music from the City University of New York with a specialization in the applied theory of Jean Philippe Rameau. Drawing upon her historical knowledge, she adapts traditional styles of music to brilliant new arrangements for celtic harp. The result is musical magic.