photo source: Arjuna

Arjuna Raphael Pinel

Arjuna Raphael Pinel (also called Raphael Mélik) was born in Normandy, France, plays the celtic harp since 19 years as well as the chromatic harp (with 2 rows of strings) and a variety of different other instruments (tin-whistle, concertina, piano, violin, trumpet, oriental percussions, bass guitar...)
He has studied music and the celtic harp in Rennes (Bretagne), has been living 3 years in Montreal (Canada), 8 years in Cologne (Germany),  and now lives in Tampere (Finland). He works as a professional musician, giving concerts, harp lessons and recording. He has recorded 2 solo CDs, "Hapyromane" and "Résolution" and 2 CDs with his jazz trio Trio Melido from Düsseldorf (harp, percussion & guitar). 
After having played a lot of Irish music he's been exploring other musical directions: jazz, African, Brasilian, Balkan, oriental, Indian mantras, meditative. He loves to improvise and to compose music. His compositions include a variety of different rhythms and atmospheres and keep a certain simplicity.
New website: www.raphaelpinel.com
old website: www.raphaelmelik.com

Workshops with Arjuna Raphael Pinel at the Nordic Harp Meeting:

1) Groovy trad: tunes from Normandy with cool arrangements

2) The Creative Harper's Toolkit: Rhythm, odd/asymmetric rhythms and improvisation
For all instruments - music reading not required but a good ear, a willingness to explore and be creative.
In this workshop I will share my passion about rhythm and offer a space to explore new ways
- how to improve your timing and learn to love your metronome (bring it if you have one)
- how to play without rhythm, freely with space
- how to improve your freedom: move accents, polyrhythms, independence of hands
- exploring odd/asymetric rhythms 5/8, 7/8, 9/8, 10/8, etc
- how to find your own creativity, develop improvisations into compositions: using repetition, finding a clear melody, giving structure, daring to be yourself.
And beyond all that, we will just have fun together exploring music! All musicians from different horizonts and styles, traditions are welcome!