About Me

Biography
Glad you asked! I’m Mary Jane Ballou – a free-lance musician, living in St. Augustine, Florida. As an instrumentalist on the harp and salterio, I perform primarily on the lever harp. My performing and recording repertoire focuses on Celtic and early music.  I’m a particular fan of Renaissance Spanish music – always looking for the elusive ties between Spain and the Celts.  I’ve two CDs – one of music about St. Augustine, the other about Christmas. You can hear more on my website or on CDBaby.

I am the founding director of Cantorae St. Augustine, a women’s ensemble focusing on chant and sacred music.  I conduct, cajole, and arrange for a wonderful group of women.  More about them at Cantorae.  Because unique music is my passion, my weekly radio show on Flagler College Radio features both early music and interesting contemporary works.  

In addition to all of the above, I’m a Roman Catholic with strong roots in the Protestant South and many years in the Russian Orthodox Church. I follow church, artistic, and social trends, worry about the future, and hope for the best.

Interests

music, christianity, conservatism, religion, politics, singing, ethics, southern culture, occasional humor