
About the Artist
Brien Engel is an explorer of unusual sounds coaxed out of everyday things. His main passion is the glass harp, an instrument comprised of 50 wine glasses, which he plays by rubbing his fingers on their rims. This enchanting art form dates back to the 18th century, and Brien is one of very few modern practitioners worldwide. His repertoire includes pieces by Mozart, Bach, and Haydn as well as popular standards, ice cream truck songs, and the occasional heavy metal request.
He has developed a nationally-acclaimed arts-in-education performance. He plays from an eclectic repertoire, weaving history and sound physics throughout the program, as well as a segment of musical saw, and his miniature glass armonica, a design invented by Benjamin Franklin.