Christmas program to feature local harpist

Victoria Kumor is excited to invite the community to her upcoming harp program. “I was calling it a concert, but I learned there is a difference between a concert and a program... you can talk at a program,” she said, explaining that’s just what she plans to do. 

Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Perkins County Senior Center in Grant, Kumor will not only play her harp, but she is also looking forward to educating those in attendance about the instrument. She said one of the most interesting facts to her, is that some strings are still made of goat gut, just as they were on David’s harp in biblical times. “They knew what they were doing back then,” Kumor said. 

 Kumor began playing the harp in 1994, knowing she would soon retire, and thought she better find something to do with her time. “One lesson, and I WAS HOOKED!” 

She said she had always wanted to play the harp, but being born and raised in Grant, harps weren’t very common or easy to come by, much less find an instructor for. 

So, “Mother said I had to take piano lessons, which turned out okay because you really should have piano lessons before the harp,” Kumor said, recalling that back then her piano lessons were very expensive. They cost her family a carton of eggs per lesson to the instructor which she is proud to say was G.F. Hastings. 

Though she’s been playing for about 23 years now, Kumor continues to take harp lessons today, via Skype with an instructor out of Boulder, Colorado. She said there is so much to learn. 

Kumor, a retired teacher of 36 years, is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and educating the community about the harp and hopes to spark more interest in it. 

Today, Kumor is the proud owner of four harps, and will have three of them with her on Tuesday evening for her show. 

Accompanying Kumor will be flutist Melany Morales. The program will begin at 6 p.m. with just the harp playing Christmas music, and then the flute and harp will play Christmas carols together. 

After the performances,  Kumor will open a question and answer time, where she said she might even let attendees play her instrument if they’re feeling inspired. 

There will be no admission and everyone is welcome to attend.