After 93 years as a family business, Kolacny Music in Denver is closing its store. David Kolacny says he plans to continue offering harp repairs, harp rentals, and publications through his Harps Nouveau website. We reached out to Kolacny to find out more.
What was one of your favorite parts of operating your music store in Denver?
Kolacny Music was started by my grandfather in 1930. His specialty was the sale and repair of brass and woodwind musical instruments. He was joined by my father who added repair for orchestral stringed instruments. In the 1980s I started our harp department. While most of my friends only saw their grandparents occasionally, I had the good luck of working with my exceptional family every day for much of my life. Most recently the business was run by my wife, my sister and myself, along with 12 employees.
Tell us about the transition in your business. What changes do you anticipate, and what will stay the same?
In June of this year, arrangements were made to sell the building and close the business. I will continue to do pedal and lever regulation, minor repair, and lever installation. I will also continue to rent lever harps to Colorado students. We will still publish our “Harps Nouveau” music titles. I will be working from a remodeled room behind my garage, by appointment only. We will be using the Harps Nouveau website for all aspects of our harp business.
You’ve made a lot of contributions to the harp community. Which ones were especially fulfilling for you?
The harp world has been very kind to me. I have a wonderful extended harp family. I have been happy to pay them back by running the exhibit room at American Harp Society conferences, serving as President of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen and our local Colorado Celtic Harp Society. As a member of the Lyon & Healy/Salvi Harp Technicians Guild, I have enjoyed the sharing and companionship of our meetings.
Do you have any memories or stories to share?
When we announced our upcoming closing, it was covered by local television, newspapers, and Colorado Public Radio. Three generations of customers have been stopping in to tell stories, cry, and hug. I keep telling my Colorado harp customers that I am not retiring, dying, or going away. I will still be here taking care of their harps.
