One Harp World: Full Schedule

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08:30 EDT

Exhibitor Feedback Session

Sunday August 2, 2026 08:30 - 09:15 EDT

Meeting

08:30 EDT

Move Well, Play Better: #5 Virtuosity Workshop

Sunday August 2, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT

Willow East

Move Well, Play Better: A Course of 5 Practical Interactive Workshops Exporing Our First Instrument (The Body) In Relation To Our Second (The Harp). Presented by Imogen Barford and Fiona Tree, both highly experienced harpists and teachers of the Alexander Technique.

Session #5 Virtuosity Workshop - Using harpist volunteers, we will look at releasing tension and imbalance while playing, to improve freedom, flow and sound quality.

Presenters

Imogen Barford

Imogen Barford runs the 'Move Well, Play Better' programme of Alexander Technique and Body Mapping at the Guildhall School of Music in London, where she is Head of Harp. As well as a wide-ranging harp career, she holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Performing Arts Medicine.

Sunday August 2, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT
Willow East

Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

Forging Your Own Way In Music; Finding the Freedom

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT

Willow

Delve into taking risks, sharing vulnerability, expectations, mindset and creative process to unpick what you really want from your journey with music and the harp.

Presenters

Emily Sanzaro

Emily Sanzaro is a Tasmanian harpist, vocalist, violinist and electronic loop artist known for her innovative, genre blending approach. She creates original compositions, bold arrangements and experimental improvisations. Her annual six week solo residencies at MONA—Australia’s... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

Highlights from The Turkish Harp

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT

Grand East

Şirin Pancaroğlu performs and lectures on selections from The Turkish Harp Music Collection, featuring six instrumental genres, six makams, seven rhythmic patterns, microtonal tuning, ornamentation, and improvisation.

Presenters

Şirin Pancaroğlu

The Turkish Harp

Praised by the Washington Post as a “major talent of international caliber”, Şirin Pancaroğlu is equallyactive in traditional Turkish music, improvisation and contemporary music, as she is in mainstreamharp. With concerts in over 35 countries and 14 recording releases, she... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Lecture Recital

09:00 EDT

In Search of Clarity: a Discussion on Effective Strategies for Harp Notation.

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT

Osgoode West

This panel explores conflicting practices and challenges in harp notation, offering strategies from harpist-composers and an expert engraver to improve clarity and communication.

Presenters

Matthew Karas

Matthew Karas is a Toronto-based music engraver and editor specializing in new music and re-engravings of classic works. He has prepared materials for hundreds of composers and organizations, including Boosey & Hawkes, Dunvagen Music Publishers, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the... Read More →

Danielle Kuntz

Danielle Kuntz is a harpist and educator whose work centers on contemporary music and harp notation practices. She has mentored numerous composers through workshops, residencies, and individual instruction, and her educational YouTube channel on harp writing is widely used by composers... Read More →

Amy Nam

American harpist and composer Amy Nam uses music to ignite curiosity and express wonder. 2nd Prize Winner of the 2024 Dutch Harp Festival World Harp Competition, she was also named 2025 Guest Composer at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Her award-winning music has been featured... Read More →

Elisabeth Plank

The internationally sought-after harpist Elisabeth Plank performs as a soloist & chamber musician in renowned concert halls and festivals around the world and has released four critically acclaimed solo albums. She was "Great Talent" of Wiener Konzerthaus, is a „Next Generation... Read More →

Joseph Rebman

Harpist and composer Joseph Rebman is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he directs the harp program for students in grades 4 through 12, at the magnet k-12 School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Rebman is also professor of harp at Northern Kentucky University, principal harpist... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Osgoode West

Lecture, Composition

09:30 EDT

Beyond the Strings: Managing Burnout, Anxiety, and Pressure as a Harpist

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:30 - 10:15 EDT

Willow East

Where brain science and cognitive psychology meet to explain performance pressure and burnout — plus realistic, research-backed practices for sustainable artistry.

Presenters

Kiernan O'Mara

Kiernan O’Mara is a harpist, psychiatry researcher, certified medical assistant, and mental health advocate. She is the founder of Musician Mental Health, offering personalized, one-on-one performance psychology coaching for musicians. Drawing on her background in neuroscience and... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:30 - 10:15 EDT
Willow East

Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

09:45 EDT

At This Moment

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:45 - 10:30 EDT

Birchwood Ballroom

“At This Moment” is a recital performed by the Aglica Trio (flute, viola, harp) focusing on newly composed works, written for the trio.

Presenters

Carys Gittins

Flute, Aglica Trio

Carys Gittins is a Welsh flautist active as an orchestral and chamber musician throughout the UK and internationally. Carys’s performances have been broadcast on BBC6 Music, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Radio 3, S4C and Klara Radio with her main ensemble, Aglica... Read More →

Lise Vandersmissen

Lise Vandersmissen was one of the Classical Radio Artists in Belgium and won the Supernova Chamber Music Competition with her Aglica Trio. Lise won the First Prize at the 5th International Slovenian Harp Competition and Second Prize at the 5th International Harp Competition in Hungary... Read More →

Agnieszka Żyniewicz

Viola, Aglica Trio

Agnieszka co-founded the Aglica Trio with Carys Gittins (flute) and Lise Vandersmissen (harp), winners of Belgium’s 2024 Supernova Competition, performing at Bozar Brussels and major European venues. In Germany she collaborates with the C/O Chamber Orchestra in Berlin... Read More →

Ensembles

Aglica Trio

The Aglica Trio consists of Carys Gittins (flute), Agnieszka Żyniewicz (viola) and Lise Vandersmissen (harp). In 2024 they won the Belgian Chamber Music Competition (Supernova) organised by the Belgian classical radio. This resulted in a Belgian concert tour, radio interviews and... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 09:45 - 10:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom

Performance, Chamber Music

10:00 EDT

Nancy Allen Masterclass

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00 - 11:30 EDT

Grand Ballroom

Presenters

Nancy Allen

Nancy Allen has enjoyed 50 years as a soloist, 25 years with The New York Philharmonic and over 40 years leading the harp department of The Juilliard School. Her students fill principal harp positions in major symphonies and conservatories across the globe, carrying forward the legacies... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00 - 11:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Masterclass

10:00 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT

Vendor Exhibit Hall

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall

Exhibits

10:15 EDT

Harp in Video Games: The Infinite Expansion of the Harp's Canonical Repertoire

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:15 - 10:50 EDT

Willow

Exploring the prominence of harp in video game scores, and potential for game music to contribute to the expansion of the instrument’s core repertoire.

Presenters

Paul Nicolaou

AHS Young Composers Project

“Rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting young artists” (ABC Classic), Paul Nicolaou is a harpist-composer based in Sydney, Australia. An Honours graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Paul studied under internationally celebrated harpist Alice Giles... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:15 - 10:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, Contemporary Styles

11:00 EDT

Young Composers Project: Mini Movie Challenge and Improv Session

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:00 - 12:00 EDT

Willow East

The AHS Young Composers Project – Mini Movie Challenge invites everyone to explore new ways of combining sound and image for One Harp World. Create a 10-20 second mini movie and compose or improvise an original soundtrack to accompany it.
Submissions will be showcased in a premiere-style presentation on Sunday, August 2nd at 11:00 a.m. EDT during the Young Composers Project Video Challenge & Improv Session. The challenge is open to all ages, levels, and styles, and participation is welcome whether or not you attend One Harp World in person. For inspiration, we invite you to explore the creative process from our first Mini Movie Challenge. Submit here by May 1st, 2026.

Presenters

Rosanna Chiu

American Harp Society

Rosanna Chiu is a performer and teacher based in Vancouver, Canada. She is harp faculty and ensemble director at the Vancouver Academy of Music and leads student harp ensembles at different ages and levels. She enjoys writing harp arrangements, and her ensembles often play works by... Read More →

Elisa Torres

Elisa Torres is principal harpist of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in harp performance from Indiana University under the tutelage of Susann McDonald. An active soloist and chamber musician, she also records across genres and for film. Her ind... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:00 - 12:00 EDT
Willow East

Multimedia

11:15 EDT

Contemporary French Fusion: voice & harp

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:15 - 12:00 EDT

Birchwood Ballroom

Eloïse Labaume collaborates closely with contemporary composers, creating innovative works that fuse harp, voice, and theatricality, and position the recital within today’s instrumental theater landscape.

Presenters

Eloïse Labaume

Les Signes De L'arc

Eloïse Labaume, harpist, vocalist, and co-artistic director of Bazar Électrique, shapes today’s music through vibrant performance and creation. Trained at Musikene, the Hochschule der Künste Bern, and the Paris CNSM (DAI-Post master), she collaborates with major contemporary... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:15 - 12:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom

Performance

11:30 EDT

Everyday Harp Care: Exploding a Harp

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT

Osgoode West

Exploding a Harp: Taking one apart to identify parts and materials.

Daily harp care education sessions covering maintenance, repair, and preservation, guided by a panel of Certified Harp Technicians sharing expert insights and practical techniques.

Presenters

Jo Baee

Jo Baée is a certified harp technician and professional harpist based in NSW, Australia. She was first inspired by the harp around 10 years of age. She holds a degree in harp performance, and apprenticed as a harp technician with Lyon & Healy and Salvi harp makers. Jo enjoys being... Read More →

Gabriel Diaz

Gabriel was introduced to the harp when he was brought on to help out at an AHS competition. He began his career as a harp technician when he was hired to work with master harp technician Peter Wiley. Gabriel is a Lyon & Healy/Salvi certified technician (2023), and devoted to maintaining... Read More →

Peter Wiley

Harp Doctor Llc

For over 40 years Peter Wiley has enjoyed sharing his passion for harp care in 16 countries. Working for Lyon & Healy from 1984-2005 he has cared for harps freelance since. Peter loves to bring his experience to life by sharing and educating harpists whenever the chance rises.

Danielle Williams

Danielle is a certified Lyon & Healy and Salvi harp technician and guild member. Current areas of service include the United States (all regions), Mexico, and Australia.

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West

Lecture

11:45 EDT

Become a Better Sight reader, Part 2: Jazz Styles, & Beyond

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT

Willow

Felice Pomeranz shares resources and processes that support building confident and reliable improvisation skills. Session II includes a brief review of the materials presented in Session 1, Classical and Popular styles.

Presenters

Felice Pomeranz

Felice Pomeranz is Professor of Harp at Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is an author, performer, presenter, and instructor worldwide. Pomeranz directs The Gilded Harps, a music consortium of the best harpists and instrumentalists in New England. She is active... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, History & Practice

11:45 EDT

Susann McDonald: The World of the Harp

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT

Grand East

Perspectives on Susann McDonald's singular achievements to create community and excellence connecting harpists and audiences through the harp.

Moderators

Isabel Moreton

Editor, World Harp Congress Review

Isabel Moretón studied harp at the internationally renown Schools of Music of Hanover (Germany) and Bloomington (Indiana University, USA).. She works as a professional harpist in Hanover, Germany, giving regular solo and chamber concerts and concerts for harp and orchestra, nationwide... Read More →

Presenters

Jana Boušková

Jana Boušková is one of the world’s leading harpists, acclaimed for her extraordinary technique, musical depth, and individuality. She is Professor of Harp at the Royal College of Music and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, and Principal Harpist of the Czech Philharmonic... Read More →

Kathy Kienzle

Kathy Kienzle studied with Marcel Grandjany at The Juilliard School, and with Susann McDonald. She placed third in the Sixth International Harp Competition in Israel. Kathy was principal harp of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1993-2020, gave the world premiere of Einojuhani Rautavaara’s... Read More →

Mieko Inoue

World Harp Congress

Mieko Inoue graduated from Toho Gakuen School of Music completing its advanced program studying with Josef Molnar. She studied at Indiana University earning the Performers Diploma with Susann McDonald. Mieko is Vice President for Asia of the World Harp Congress, currently a visiting... Read More →

Kaori Ogawa

Harpist Kaori Ogawa graduated from Indiana University, The Juilliard School and The Curtis Institute of Music. She is aboard member of the USAIHC and has served as an adjudicator at several International Harp Competitions. Kaori has won numerous competitions and has given many recitals... Read More →

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz was born in Cuba. His family immigrated to Venezuela,when Alfredo was 11. He studied the Venezuelan folk harp with his Fernando Guerrero, adding studies in the Paraguayan harp with Alberto Romero. Mr. Ortiz performs folk, classical, and popular music from many... Read More →

Ann Yeung

Ann Yeung has premiered numerous compositions and is the author of articles published worldwide, particularly on the works of Henriette Renié. She is a Past President of the American Harp Society and former Editor of the World Harp Congress Review. Ann is Professor of Harp and Chair of the Strings Area at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her students are international and national competition prize winners, and leaders in secondary school music education, arts administration and entrepreneurial leadership, post sec... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Panel Discussion

12:30 EDT

The Munich Harp Quartet

Sunday August 2, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT

Open Stage, Vide Lobby

The Munich Harp Quartet sets innovative accents in the field of harp ensembles. It breaks new ground both in its choice of repertoire and in the way it presents it. Thanks to its close collaboration with composer Willi Maerz, one of the few specialists in music for harp ensembles, the Munich Harp Quartet presents music in a wide variety of styles, from classical to pop, from baroque to the Beatles.

Presenters

Lauren Schrempp

Munich Harp Quartet

Lauren Schrempp, born in Livingston, New Jersey, began harp lessons at the age of eight with Karen Lindquist. Since moving to Germany in 2017, she has studied harp performance and music education at the Nuremberg University of Music with Professor Lilo Kraus and Susanne... Read More →

Alice Proffit

Munich Harp Quartet

Alice Proffit, a French harpist (born 2005), studies at the Munich Musik Hochschule with Prof. Cristina Bianchi since 2023. Prior to that, she studied with Vassilia Briano, Letizia Belmondo, Christophe Truant in Lyon, where she earned her “Diplôme de fin de conservatoire... Read More →

Lara Faria Fonseca

Munich Harp Quartet

Lara Faria Fonseca began her musical training in 2009, ih her hometown Espinho. She completed her studies with top marks in Freiburg and Munich.
The harpist is very active in the German orchestra scene and has already had the opportunity to play with various orchestras and reknown artists. As a soloist, she is interested in blending different musical styles to demonstrate the diverse possibilities of her ins... Read More →

Ensembles

Munich Harp Quartet

The Munich Harp Quartet- Lara Faria Fonseca, Veronika Seiler, Alice Proffit, and Lauren Schrempp- first performed in Japan, at the German Pavilion at EXPO in Osaka and at the Ginza Jujiya Hall. All members of the ensemble study at renowned universities in Munich, Nuremberg, and Salzburg... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby

Performance, Harp Quartet

14:00 EDT

Fanciful Tales 🍁

Sunday August 2, 2026 14:00 - 15:30 EDT

Birchwood Ballroom

Journey of the Bard Elf (Vivian Chen): The long-lived bard has stories to tell. Through his guitar he shares his tales from the forgotten forest to magic spells.

Of Golden Apples Op. 80 for flute and harp by Andrew P MacDonald (Karen Rokos): A major work for flute and harp commissioned by Karen Rokos in 2011 depicts Hercules' quest for the Golden Apples of Zeus guarded by a 100-headed dragon.

Canadian Music for Harp & Flute (Lucile Brais Hildesheim) An eclectic mix of Canadian contemporary, traditional and jazz pieces, arranged by Sheila & Lucile for various flutes and harps.

Limoges, composed for the duo by Ottawa composer John Roy Bennett

Fantasia, composed for the duo by John Roy Bennett

Somewhere on the Ocean Floor, by harpist/composer Sharlene Wallace; original arrangement by s&l

Eonatha for solo harp, by harpist and OHW composer in residence, Caroline Lizotte.

Kapakayak, by Québec accordeonist Danielle Martineau; original arrangement by s&l

Fall Finds Me Home, by Toronto based composer Michelle Lorimer; original arrangement by s&l

Presenters

Lucile Brais Hildesheim

sheila&lucile

Lucile Brais Hildesheim is an innovative harpist who explores a wide range of music. From her classical background to electric harp, she pushes boundaries, often bringing a variety of harps to her live performances and recordings. Her career includes a residency at the Banff Centre... Read More →

Sheila White

Flute, sheila&lucile

Sheila White is a Canadian flutist, educator and director. She has performed across Canada and internationally in chamber ensembles, with orchestras, in concert bands, and in Celtic ensembles. In collaboration with harpist Lucile Brais Hildesheim, the duo of sheila&lucile have been performing and recording for over a decade. The duo create a sound that is fresh and uniqueI, inspired by their eclectic musical backgrounds and years of experience... Read More →

Karen Rokos

Karen Rokos began her University training with Marjorie Call at the University of Redlands and completed her formative studies with internationally renowned harpist Susann McDonald at Indiana University with a Master's degree in Harp Performance, graduating with distinction. She has... Read More →

Casey Granofsky

Flute

From standard symphonic repertoire to contemporary premieres, flutist Casey Granofsky is celebrated for her musical sensitivity and technical command. As Principal Flute of Symphony Nova Scotia, she is regularly featured as a soloist in music ranging from the Baroque period to newly... Read More →

Vivian Chen

The Lavender Duo

Vivian completed her Master of Music degree in Harp Performance studying with Heidi Krutzen in Vancouver, B.C. Vivian was principal harpist in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and competed in the Vancouver International Music Competition Strings division, receiving both the... Read More →

Alec Pearson

Guitar, The Lavender Duo

Alec Pearson currently serves as a sessional instructor of guitar at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. He has performed as a soloist and in ensembles across Canada, Spain, Colombia, Greece and the U.S. Alec holds the degree Máster en Interpretación de Guitarra Clasica from the... Read More →

Ensembles

sheila&lucile

The Canadian flute and harp duo sheila&lucile creates a unique sound inspired by their background in classical, traditional and light jazz. Their original arrangements embrace the palette of colours heard in and between the variety of instruments they play; wood, brass, silver flutes... Read More →

The Lavender Duo

Vivian Chen, harp, and Alec Pearson, guitar, first worked together in 2023 on a music video recording. Since then they have found a shared passion of making music. On top of performing together locally in Vancouver, Canada, they have also tried arranging, composing,and working with... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 14:00 - 15:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom

Performance, New Music

14:00 EDT

Focus on Youth

Sunday August 2, 2026 14:00 - 16:00 EDT

Church of the Holy Trinity

14.00 Yunyan Liu, China
André Caplet (1878-1925) - Divertissement à l’Espagnole & Divertissement à la Française
Paul Ben Haim (1897-1984) - Poème

14.20 Renee Zhou, Canada
Lori Pappajohn - Girl in the Red Skirt
Anonymus - Variations sur un thème de Mozart arr Odette Le Dentu

14.40 Zeynep Duru Güleç, Turkey
Hasan Uçarsu (1965) - Blue Moon is Grey, Yellow Night is Wall
Şirin Pancaroğlu (1968) - Intisab
Ulvi Cemal Erkin (1906-1972) - Impressions: Little Shepherd & Game

15.00 Mizuki Namba, Japan
Henriette Renié (1875-1956) - Légende
Toshio Hosokawa (1955) - Two Japanese folk songs: 1. Falling cherry blossoms

15.20 Serene Tu, Taiwan
Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) - The Moldau (transcribed by H. Trnecek)
Ya-Yun Tseng - Raining in the Silence (2010)

15.40 Jianong Wu, China
Henriette Renié (1875-1956) - Pièce symphonique
Ren Guang (1900-1941) - Moonlight Chasing Clouds (arrangement of a traditional Chinese orchestral piece)

Presenters

Yunyan Liu 刘芸嫣

Focus on Youth

Yunyan Liu was born in 2010. She began learning the harp at the age of six. From September 2016 to July 2022, she studied at Xiamen Music School under the guidance of Teacher Junying Pan. In September 2022, she was admitted to the Harp Department of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music... Read More →

Zeynep Duru Güleç

The Turkish Harp

Born in 2008, Zeynep Duru Güleç started harp education with Şirin Pancaroğlu. She received; 1st Prize and "Best Performed Obligated Piece" at 14th Italy Suoni d'Arpa International Harp Contest. Gold Medal and “Best Performed Obligated Composition” at 6th Slovenian International... Read More →

Serene Shiu-Ning Tu

Focus on Youth

Serene Shiu-Ning Tu is from Taiwan where she began studying harp with Shannon Shuen Chieh. Serene won first prize at the 34th Soka-Nippon International Harp Competition (2022) and performed as a soloist in the closing concert. She is a prize winner in the Korea International Harp... Read More →

Jianong WU

Central Conservatory Of Music

Wu Jianong studied with Professor Linlin Wei at the Middle School Affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music and with Professor Guan Wang at the Central Conservatory of Music. Since 2021 Ms. Jianong has been a prize winner in multiple competitions including the Hong Kong International... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 14:00 - 16:00 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity 10 Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, M5G 1B1

Focus on Youth Recital, Solo Harp

14:30 EDT

African American Spirituals for Harp Ensemble

Sunday August 2, 2026 14:30 - 15:00 EDT

Grand East

An exploration of ways to arrange folk music for harp ensembles of all skill levels utilizing a collection of African American spirituals for harp ensemble.

Presenters

Maurice Draughn

Maurice Draughn is currently a freelance harpist performing with several orchestras throughout Southeastern Michigan and Western Ontario. As an arranger and composer specializing in music for harp and chorus, Maurice regularly receives commissions further expanding the harp canon... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 14:30 - 15:00 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Lecture Recital

15:00 EDT

The Ukrainian Harp Festival in Exile touring Europe

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:00 - 15:45 EDT

Willow

A duo concert and video presentation, highlighting Ukrainian harpists in European exile who have together toured 12 European cities since 2022. We would like to have you take part in the joy, emotions, and bitter moments of this unique initiative.

Presenters

Veronika Lemishenko

Veronika Lemishenko is a distinguished Ukrainian harpist with an international career as principal harpist of the Croatian National Theater in Osijek, visiting artist at the Royal Birmingham Conservatory, artistic director of the “Glowing Harp" competition and festival.nnVeronika... Read More →

Florence Sitruk

Florence Sitruk has been a professor of harp at the universities of Vilnius, Geneva, Krakow, Tokyo Tech, and more recently at Indiana University, Bloomington (2017-2020) following Distinguished Professor Susann McDonald. With Susann McDonald, Florence created the USA-Israel exchange... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:00 - 15:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Concert, Lecture Recital

15:15 EDT

Singing Strings: The Aesthetic and Dramatic Role of the Harp in Rossini

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:45 EDT

Grand East

Why does Rossini entrust the harp with some of the most emotionally charged and poignant moments in his operas?nThis lecture explores the aesthetic, timbral, and dramaturgical functions of the instrument within the Rossinian operatic tradition.

Presenters

Alba Brundo

Fine Arts Academy Of Naples

Alba Brundo is an Italian harpist and PhD candidate in Performing Arts at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Napoli. Her work brings together performance and research, with a focus on the harp’s history, repertoire, and contemporary development. She has premiered new works and collaborates... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:15 - 15:45 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, History & Practice

15:15 EDT

Teach to the Top: Pedagogical Insights of Elzbieta Szmyt

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:15 - 16:00 EDT

Willow East

Elzbieta will explore selected pieces and discuss challenges of choosing the right repertoire to enhance learning and help one become a better harpist and musician.

Presenters

Elzbieta (Ela) Szmyt

Elzbieta Szmyt is Professor of Music and Chair of the Harp Department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. A native of Poland, she has given master classes, judged competitions and performed recitals in Europe, Canada, Asia, and the United States. She has been a featured... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:15 - 16:00 EDT
Willow East

Lecture, Lecture Recital, Pedagogy

15:45 EDT

Tír Nua – A Celtic Journey

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:45 - 16:30 EDT

Birchwood Ballroom

The trio follows in the footsteps of the Celts, starting in Switzerland and journeying through Bretagne, Spain, and Italy to Scotland and Ireland.

Presenters

Yvonne Deusch-Cammarosano

Tir Nua

Born in Lörrach and raised in Reinach, Yvonne Deusch-Cammarosano began studying harp with Karin Frigerio at the local music school in Reinach. She later studied at the Basel Academy of Music under Ursula Holliger, earning teaching, orchestra, and concert diplomas. Together with her... Read More →

Michael Deusch

Percussion, Tir Nua

Born in Oberndorf am Neckar, Michael Deusch studied percussion in Lörrach and later at the Basel Academy of Musicwith Siegfried Schmid, earning teaching, orchestral, and concert diplomas. Further studies at the Federal Academy of Music in Trossingen expanded his expertise. He performed... Read More →

Ensembles

Tir Nua

Tìr Nua – Gaelic for “New Land” – is a Swiss trio born at the Arlesheim Music School. Violinist Alexandra Iosif, harpist Yvonne Deusch-Cammarosano, and percussionist Michael Deusch explore the richness of Celtic music, blending energy and poetry from Bretagne to the Mediterranean... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 15:45 - 16:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom

Performance

16:30 EDT

Cirque des harpes! A Gala Festival Evening of Music, Dance, & Theatre 🍁

Sunday August 2, 2026 16:30 - 22:30 EDT

Grand Ballroom

A freewheeling and eclectic afternoon and evening of unique performers. Come and go as you wish throughout this kaleidascope of music!

Cirque des harpes presents new for 2026, a PLUCK MUSICAL production entitled “PLUCK & PIZZ”, produced by Katryna Tan with Rave Harpers and the RAMP violin ensemble; Leonard Jacome; Kristan Tozcko & Sarah Veber; Caroline Lizotte with aerialist Anga Luna; the PhoeNX Ensemble with Little Pear Dance, presenting the Legend of Chang'e, Immortal Goddess of the Moon; Emily Sanzaro and Radiohead!, Quartet Eveline, and Kety Fusco!

Presenters

Emily Sanzaro

Anja Marina Habegger

Anja Luna

Anja Marina Habegger (*1997) is a Swiss harpist and aerialist whose work blends poetic aerial dance, acrobatics, and live music. For her 2022 graduation at École nationale de cirque Montréal, she created the aerial harp performance Lunarpa. Active since 2014 in national and international productio... Read More →

Lina Cao

Guzheng Player, PhoeNX Ensemble

Lina Cao is a Chinese-Canadian guzheng virtuoso, educator, and artistic director based in Toronto. She is the founder of the Toronto Guzheng Ensemble. She has received major awards including China’s Golden Bell Award, the Wenhua Award, and grants from the Canada Council... Read More →

Patty Chan

Erhu, PhoeNX Ensemble

Patty Chan is a second-generation Chinese Canadian erhu musician, educator, and author. She is the Concertmaster of the Toronto Chinese Orchestra, Co-founder of PhoeNX Ensemble with harpist Sanya Eng, and the Founder of the Centre for Music Innovations. Patty has premiered... Read More →

Sanya Eng

PhoeNX Ensemble

Sanya Eng is one of Canada’s most sought-after harpists, equally celebrated as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has been described as “an outstanding musical talent” by the Jerusalem Post; “remarkably polished” by the Globe and Mail, Toronto, and “dazzling... Read More →

Éveline Gregoire-Rousseau

Quartet ÉVELINE

ÉVELINE - Éveline Gregoire-Rousseau, harpist and singer of a thousand projects - has an original background spanning a myriad of musical genres. She plans to demystify the harp, taking the less-trodden path of popular music, and creation. We have seen Éveline on stage with The... Read More →

Olivier Guertin

Drums, Quartet ÉVELINE

Olivier Guertin has been active on the Montreal scene since 2015, developing a unique musical language that blends jazz heritage with a contemporary approach. He has collaborated with artists such as Michel Cusson, the Orchestre national de Barbès, Christine Jensen, Richard Séguin... Read More →

François Jalbert

Guitar, Quartet ÉVELINE

François Jalbert is a Montreal-based guitarist, composer, and producer. Often described as a "chameleon" musician, he enjoys—or at least tries to—navigate a multitude of styles: folk, jazz, progressive rock, electroacoustic, swing, bluegrass, old-time, and even gypsy jazz. He... Read More →

Rémi-Jean LeBlanc

Bass, Quartet ÉVELINE

Montreal based Rémi-Jean LeBlanc has been active on the Canadian music scene since 2005 and has collaborated with an array of musicians in Montreal and in Canada including Yannick Rieu, Jean-Michel Pilc, Marianne Trudel, Steve Amirault, Carol Welsman.. RJ has also toured extensively... Read More →

Kety Fusco

Kety Fusco is a Swiss harpist and composer redefining the harp through live electronics and experimental sound. She has performed worldwide, including a sold-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and collaborated with artists such as Iggy Pop. Her work blends classical roots with... Read More →

Emmanuel Padilla Holguín

Mexican harpist Emmanuel Padilla Holguín became the first Latin American harpist to win an international harp competition by receiving 1st prize and the Audience Award at the Dutch Harp Competition 2016. He is the first harpist to be part of the prestigious group of soloists “Concertistas... Read More →

Leonard Jacome

Leonard Jacome is an internationally acclaimed harpist, composer, producer, and educator bridging South American harp traditions with 21st-century innovation. With Camac Harps, Leonard created the Venezuelan Electric Harp, Electrollanera 37. He advances the arpa llanera through electro-acoustic... Read More →

Caroline Lizotte

Caroline Lizotte is the Composer-in-Residence for One Harp World. She is a Québécoise harpist and award-winning composer whose works have become pillars of the contemporary harp repertoire. An associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre, her music – distributed through les... Read More →

Ryan Scott

Percussion, PhoeNX Ensemble

Canadian percussionist Dr. Ryan Scott has been hailed as “Fierce and delicate…a chameleon-like virtuoso who triumphs over the varied colouristic demands and technical challenges” (Gramophone). Ryan has performed in over 400 world premieres, appears regularly as a guest artist... Read More →

Katryna Tan

Katryna Tan is an award-winning harpist, educator, and arts leader based in Singapore and Malaysia. Recipient of Singapore’s Young Artist Award (2005) and Malaysia’s STM title, she holds a Master of Music in Harp Performance from the University of Michigan. Founder... Read More →

Kristan Toczko

Kristan Toczko (@HarpistKT) is one of the most widely seen classical musicians in the world. With over 4 million followers, her harp performances reach hundreds of millions globally. Her music has charted on Billboard, she has won major competitions, performed at Carnegie Hall, and... Read More →

Sarah Veber

Sarah Veber balances her time as a classical harpist, music educator, and medical student in her hometown of St. John’s, NL. With a focus on orchestral performance, Sarah toured transcontinentally with various groups before taking on the role of Principal Harpist with the Newfoundland... Read More →

Cindy Yan

Violin, Rave Mosaic Ensemble

Cindy Yan is the Founder & Director of the Singapore Raffles International Music Festival, and a sought after performer and teacher. She has held principal positions in orchestras in New Zealand and Singapore, served on the faculty of the National University of Singapore Symphony... Read More →

Ensembles

Little Pear Garden Dance Company

Little Pear Garden Dance Company is one of the most sought-after dance troupes in Canada. Inspired by the rich tapestry of Chinese dance vocabularies, the company creates powerful works that encompass both classical and contemporary productions. Emily Cheung, choreographer.

PhoeNX Ensemble

PhoeNX Ensemble is a cross-cultural chamber ensemble which blends East Asian and Western instruments. Their vision is to explore, promote, and expand the East/West mixed-musical medium through performances, educational workshops,commissioning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration... Read More →

Quartet EVELINE

ÉVELINE, harpist and singer, is joined by François Jalbert, guitar, Rémi-Jean Leblanc, bass, and Olivier Guertin, drums, performing her second album: “Après la Tempête”, a blend of hard-hitting rock and 1980s synthesizers, with catching melodies and heartfelt lyric... Read More →

RAMP Violin Ensemble

RAMP Violin Ensemble is led by violinist Cindy Yan. The ensemble comprises all ages, from young children to talented youths. The Ensemble has performed in many string festivals notably the SRIMF and Vienna Virtuoso festivals in Singapore, Vienna, and Berlin.
VIOLINISTS: Seo Rui Ting Victoria Eden, Sera Sophia, Celestine Sheum, Tay Hao Xuan, Ge Zhenghao, Foo Chuan Hee, Lo Xinle Joy... Read More →

Rave Harpers

Rave Harpers is Singapore’s leading harp ensemble, led by Young Artist award-winner Katryna Tan. Founded in 2004, they have performed extensively throughout Asia and in Europe in many music events, festivals and concerts. The ensemble comprises harpists of all ages, from young children... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 16:30 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Concert, Solo Harp, Chamber Music, Contemporary Styles, Multimedia