Harpist Jim Palmer of Maryville, Missouri, died on March 22, 2022, after a brief illness.
Jim performed in many prestigious settings in his home state of New York including the United Nations, Guild Theatre, the TOBAY Distinguished Artists Series, and numerous community and college concert series. Before moving to Missouri, he
taught harp at Hollins University and at his studio in Greensboro, N.C., and freelanced in orchestras including the Roanoke Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, and Greensboro Symphony.
Jim and his wife, flutist Rebecca Dunnell, performed together for many years as the Zephyr Flute and Harp Duo, including a steady engagement at Lincoln Center.
Jim was also trained in the music of India. He performed on the sarod, sitar, and sarangi in New York and London. Besides the harp, he enjoyed playing other instruments and took a keen interest in world music and unusual collaborations.
He was a skilled arranger who transcribed works by Bach, Villa-Lobos, Debussy, and others for harp and various chamber music combinations. He was also an expert jazz and pop musician who arranged music by the Beatles and many others. From the great classics to jazz, Jim could play it all.
Jim founded Harpistic Publications, which published works for lever and pedal harp from beginning to advanced levels. Jim was also a professional sound recorder and a harp technician.
Condolences can be sent to Jim’s wife, Rebecca Dunnell, via her Facebook page.
—by Anita Clark Jaynes
