INTERVIEW: Harpist Kirsten Agresta-Copely draws inspiration from the ocean
Photo: Kirsten Agresta-Copely’s new album is called Aquamarine. Photo courtesy of Joseph Cartright / Provided by AMT PR with permission.
When harpist and composer Kirsten Agresta-Copely set out to make a new album, she had a few priorities in mind. For starters, she wanted this recording to be a loving tribute to her late mother, a renowned pianist in her own right, according to press notes. Secondly, she wanted to draw inspiration from the ocean. What resulted is the recently released New Age album Aquamarine, now available from Valcope Recording Company.
The album, which was recorded and mixed at Agresta-Copely’s Brooklyn studio, features a number of compositions, including the title track, “Glass Octopus” and “Into the Mist.” This last one finds the harpist collaborating with cellist Dave Eggar and violinist Maggie Gould Wilson. These songs follow in the footsteps of Agresta-Copely’s last New Age album, Around the Sun, released in 2020.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Agresta-Copely about the new recording. Her résumé is extensive and features an impressive list of co-performers, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Enya, The Roots, Lady Gaga and Andrea Bocelli, according to her official biography. She has performed throughout the United States and numerous countries throughout the world. Her accomplishments are almost too many to list. As a teenager, she was already touring the United Kingdom. She has offered solo recitals at Carnegie Hall. How about Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall? Yes, she’s performed there as well. This year she played harp at the prestigious Met Gala, perhaps the swankiest party in the city. If that weren’t enough, Aquamarine, which has only been available for a few weeks, has already earned her a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards.
Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What inspired you to record the new album Aquamarine?
I wrote this album as an homage to my late Mother and our shared love of the ocean. The music is imbued with memories of her and the treasured times we spent together, taking long beach walks, picking up shells, and talking about life.
What do you think it is about the ocean that inspires so many artists?
Thalassotherapy! Most people feel better specifically near salt water. It promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels. I believe artists find that spending time near blue spaces — including lakes, rivers and oceans — improves their overall well-being and promotes creativity.
What are your fondest memories of making music with your mother?
One of my favorite memories was performing a concerto on a solo recital with my Mom accompanying me on piano. It made me feel so safe to have her on stage with me. I also loved the many jam sessions we would have in our home when my Grandparents would visit. There was always music filling the air when I was growing up.
Would you describe this sound as New Age? For the unbeknownst, what does that mean?
I would definitely describe this music as New Age. It is a musical genre that emphasizes tranquility, relaxation and peaceful soundscapes. Listeners who seek these feelings will find that New Age music can set the proper mood.
You can be found playing music in many different venues around New York City and beyond. Do you like the diversity of pieces you play live?
I love the diversity of musical experiences that I have in NYC and across the globe. I’m happiest when my schedule is full of contrasting engagements, whether it’s playing at Carnegie Hall or collaborating with a hip-hop artist. It definitely keeps life interesting!
Is Brooklyn an exciting place to be a creative person?
Absolutely. I live in Bushwick, which is one of Brooklyn’s rising neighborhoods and is known for the collective of mural and graffiti artists, with over 50 art galleries. It has steadily become New York’s epicentre of alternative art and culture.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Kirsten Agresta-Copely’s new album is called Aquamarine, now available from Valcope Recording Company. Click here for more information.
