One Harp World

American Harp Society Concert Artist Renée Murphy presents a program, Impressions and Miniatures: The Harp’s Expressive Voice, celebrating the art of the transcription.

Composer Ryota Ishikawa 石川 亮太

Born in 1983 in Yokohama, Japan, Ryota Ishikawa is a composer and arranger celebrated for music rich in emotion and unique to live instruments. His works range from solo pieces to full orchestras, balancing artistry with accessibility. Notable compositions include Rhapsody on Japanese Folk Songs, Trumpet Love Letter, and Fantasia “Kagome.” He also writes for musicals and theater, earning acclaim for versatility. Ishikawa is a graduate of the Tokyo College of Music in Composition and Conducting.

This lever harp recital shines a light on a much neglected aspect of harp performance and repertoire, namely fugal, canonic and contrapuntal writing. Featuring works by Dowland, Telemann, Wieck, Groocock,Verdi, J.S. Bach and O'Farrell, this programme illustrates the varied approaches of composers hundreds of years apart, and further pushes the boundaries of the capacity of the lever harp.

Beneath the Waves, Beyond the Stars. Renée Qin performs her original composition blending acoustic and electronic soundscapes, showcasing the harp with immersive audiovisual elements and interactive technologies.

Out of Darkness, Into Light. Anna Dunlap performs 21st-century works by women composers exploring the theme of finding the threads of hope in difficult times.

Cosmic Journey (Kyra Frimont & Samuel Ouellet Mata): Immersive concert with space-themed repertoire for the harp and cello with electronics supported by visuals from NASA. Program includes improvised soundscapes and music by Canadian harpist-composer Caroline Lizotte.

Lori Gemmell & Caroline Lizotte perform Stellae Saltantem Op. 49 for acoustic harp and electric harp by Caroline Lizotte.

Funk, jazz, soul and world music reimagined for harp, bass and drums —a trio driven by groove, balancing structure with free-flowing improvisation.