Harping on history

Sebastian Lipman performing at Brigidine College Indooroopilly.

SPRING may have started but Brigidine College, Indooroopilly, still has fond memories of one misty cold day in winter 2010 when the music from a humble harp took them back in time.

World renowned harpist and Brigidine parent, Sebastian Lipman, played some hauntingly beautiful Celtic music which conjured up images of St Brigid, the Brigidine Sisters' patron.

Irish legend has it that Brigid blessed the fingers of the children of the King.

Consequently they received magical musical powers that stayed with them all of their lives. They played the harps beautifully just like this 21st Century aficionado.

Sebastian understands the value of music in the education process. As a performer and teacher at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, he has developed Australia's leading harp master class.

“The harp music provided the ambience for this simple story of Brigid” Brigidine College principal, Jan Neumann, said.

“It is easy to see this story as a metaphor for education; the agent of transformation in people's lives.”

Each year during winter, Brigidine Week is celebrated. The staff and students of the college take time out to remember the rich history of the Brigidine sisters and their Irish founder and to give thanks for the opportunities provided by a modern education for girls on the Indooroopilly site.

“There are very few times in our world of noise and busyness when we are stilled by great beauty which touches our souls,” Ms Neumann said.

“Community reflections like this allow us all to appreciate our past and present blessings and express our deep gratitude for a future filled with hope.”