In fact, when two people dance, it is called an embrace. This theme of connection that Noah puts such emphasis on as well as his general musicality and creativity from playing the harp is unique not only to his playing and performing, but another essential facet of his life today: dancing the Argentine tango. “It’s easy to have that separation, and I don’t want it…I feel awkward here by myself in the light and so I want to engage with the people and make that personal thing that we’re doing together.” When it comes to a formal performance, (as opposed to a “background gig”) Noah experiences the opposite of the common phenomenon that some performers tend to have of feeling safe on a bright and “raised and distant stage” where they can’t see the audience. The importance he places on engagement and intimacy radiates in all aspects of his playing. In comparison, concert harp can sound too consistent and therefore detached, removed from you.” And its like, no, they’re not better and worse, they’re different, and each of them has something that the other doesn’t.” With a fond glance at his harp, Noah asserts that, “I think that this sound feels a lot more personal and intimate. With a faint edge of exasperation, he explains,“Sometimes even by harp players the Celtic harp is kind of thought of as that little beginner instrument and that when you become a “real” harp player you switch to Concert harp. Rather than focusing on what is “supposed to be” he fuses his own identity and character with what he does. You might hear Tango music, Irish fiddle tunes, sea shanties, or some genre-defying creation full of harp, voice, and storytelling.” () ![]() The declaration on his website says it best: “If you were under the impression that anything played on the harp falls into the ‘nice, polite, soothing, gag-me-with-a-spoon’ genre… It’s time you experience a different type of harper! You’ll experience the unexpected. Noah is unique in that he defies multiple aspects of traditionalism and conventionality when it comes to his music. He also works as an engraver, helping composers to edit sheet music. Since graduating in 2010, he has expanded his repertoire to include, in terms of music performance, singing and playing the viola, and in terms of things he can “play on,” the ever-growing list includes piano, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, bits of guitar and bass, concertina, and clarinet. He rationalizes that, “understanding music is a good thing!” And indeed, Noah is anything but a master of one trade. Two years into his schooling, and after a process of petitioning to the university, Noah became the first and only Celtic harp major.Įarly on, Noah was mostly self-taught, and studied with a woman in his hometown despite the fact that she didn’t play the harp, but the piano. I’ve tried at various points and its like, no, I have to do this, I need to do this.” His ardor and drive led him from his small town in Colorado to the University of Oregon to study under Celtic harpist Laura Zharr. Since then, there has been no doubt in his mind as to what his future held. He eventually switched to the Celtic, or “lever” harp as his main instrument. Or rather, when it was handed to him- literally- in the form of a lap harp (“though at the time it was not a lap harp for me.”) It was the only instrument that was available in his household, and despite his initial desire to learn piano, it quickly won his heart. ![]() Noah was just 5 years old when he discovered his passion. A complex and beautiful melody fills the room as his practiced fingers strum and pluck at the strings, and a soft smile lights up his face. In the middle of a living room cluttered with a variety of instruments and illuminated by a rare beam of January sunlight, a simply clad young man sits with his fingers poised over the 38 strings of a chestnut brown harp with eyelids lightly closed and a slight tilt of the head. But for 26 year old Noah Brenner, this particular problem has never been a concern. Whether a college graduate unsure of what career to pursue with their newly acquired degree or a 40 year old going through a mid-life crisis, it is common to be unsure of one’s life trajectory and purpose, and it can be a struggle to discover one’s passion in life. From Celtic harp to Argentine tango, Noah lives his life to the fullest by pursuing his passions despite their monetary worth
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