Classic Harps Northwest was founded by Majolaine L Bethell. She was a career musician who became interested in the harp after becoming an accomplished pianist and string bassist. She performed with the " Hour of Charm" Orchestra in the 1940's and later with the Portland Symphony. Successfully merging her roles as a homemaker, mother, and professional musician , Mrs. Bethell recruited the prestigious Japanese Harp manufacturer, Aoyama Harp Co. to market their superior instruments through her company. Classic Harps Northwest became the sole importer and distributor of Aoyama Harps in the United States. She continued to be active in this business until her death in June 2003.
Marni Bethell Williams is the current owner of Classic Harps Northwest. She has worked in the business with her mother since 1969. She also operates George Bethell Distributing, her father's business, at this same location. She has been a harpist since childhood, though the demands of two businesses and raising three children have limited her practice time. Marni is a past president of the Portland, Oregon chapter of the American Harp Society and has sponsored many harp events in this area over the years. She has exhibited at the AHS national conventions since the early 1970's. Currently she is focused on expanding Classic Harps Northwest with the addition of Bow Brand strings and new and used music from many sources. Also she hopes to add a full workshop and performance schedule soon.
The love of the harp was passed from mother to daughter to granddaughter. It was Mrs. Bethell's beleif that if you had a harp in the living room someone would always play it and she believed that everyone should have a harp in their living room! Marni Williams and her daughter Marni Davis, studied the harp with Sister Emerencia of Marylhurst College and Sister John Therese of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Marni Davis continued her study with Patricia Wooster while she attended University of Puget Sound. She has now completed Law School and the Bar exam. Marni has always felt that the discipline of musical performance contributed greatly to her success in college and law school.
