Harpist in Concert | Claire Thai

Claire Thai is playing a solo harp recital at the Frank & Katrina Basile Theater on Sunday, October 25, from 3 PM to 5 PM. If you've heard her before, it's likely from the orchestra pit: she's the principal harpist for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, so this is a chance to hear her step out from the ensemble and take the stage on her own.

The program is 75 minutes long and runs in two distinct halves. The first part is built around Thai's own transcriptions of works by Halffter, Mozart, Rameau, and Ravel—pieces originally written for other instruments that she's adapted for the harp. The second half shifts to repertoire written specifically for the instrument, with works by Lizotte and Tournier. Between the two, you'll get a good sense of the harp's range, from the classical and baroque names to more contemporary harp writing.

There's a bit of a community effort behind the afternoon. The recital is presented by the USA International Harp Competition, and once the music wraps, the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Harp Society is hosting a complimentary reception with Thai in attendance. It's a good excuse to stick around and talk shop with the artist after the performance.

All the details: Claire Thai at the Frank & Katrina Basile Theater, 450 West Ohio Street, on Sunday, October 25, from 3 PM to 5 PM.