Meet the Harp | Omaha Symphony Virtual Instruments

Learn the basics of the harp as the Omaha Symphony’s harpist Mary Burcher explains the parts of the instrument, its history and how it is played. 

The harp is a rather unique instrument found in traditional Orchestras with roots all the way back to ancient Sumer around 3500 BCE. It is one of the oldest instruments known, it evolved from the hunter’s bow. The early harp was a handheld instrument. Today the harp is referred to as a concert harp. In other resources you will learn the importance of the harp as a member of the String Family.