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Monday, August 3
 

07:00 EDT

Mind, Body, and Harp
Monday August 3, 2026 07:00 - 08:20 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
An interactive session designed to learn about different strategies of yoga and meditation to support your harp and performance skills.
Presenters
avatar for Abigail Kent

Abigail Kent

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Abigail Kent is the principal harpist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, has established a reputation as one of today’s most compelling artists. Known for their thoughtfully curated recital programs and impactful concerto appearances, Kent’s artistry is marked by a distinct... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 07:00 - 08:20 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

Composing for Harp and Electronics: Creating Symbiosis 🍁
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:40 EDT
Willow
Breakdown of original composition by Kalen Smith, Shadow Dances, for harp and electronics, examining its magical symbiosis and performance practice.
Presenters
avatar for Kalen Smith

Kalen Smith

Kalen Smith (b.2001) is an award-winning Canadian composer and harpist. His compositions combine his experience as a performer on harp, tonal music structures, contemporary techniques from his academic studies, and effects from electronic music. The result is a musical style akin... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:40 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Composition

09:00 EDT

Duo Minuit: The Poulenc Sonata for Cello and Piano - A New Harp Transcription
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Noelia Cotuna Rizea & Anouchka Hack present a transcription of Francis Poulenc's Sonata for cello and piano, created for the harp. An analysis of techniques used in adapting this masterpiece to the harp, and a performance of the original arrangement are included in this presentation. 
Presenters
avatar for Anouchka Hack

Anouchka Hack

Cello, Duo Minuit
Cellist Anouchka Hack is the 2025 winner of the Beethoven ring, awarded by the Bürger für Beethoven (Citizens for Beethoven) association. She received the Special Prize of the German Foundation for Musical Life at the German Music Competition 2023; the Leyda Ungerer Music Prize... Read More →
avatar for Noelia Cotuna Rizea

Noelia Cotuna Rizea

Noelia Cotuna is Principal Harpist of Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana at Palau de les Arts in Valencia, Spain. She is a prize winner of several competitions, including the USA International Harp Competition. She has studied in Spain, England and Germany underAna Martínez, Gabriella... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Duo Minuit

Duo Minuit

Duo Minuit, cellist Anouchka Hack and harpist Noelia Cotuna are both award-winning, renowned soloists of their respective instruments, and finalists at the 2023 edition of the Deutscher Musikwettbewerb. After winning special prizes for their performances in the competition, they began... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Chamber Music

09:00 EDT

From Naples to Buenos Aires: The Influence of the Italian Harp School in the Development of the Harp in Argentina
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East
This lecture examines how Italian harpists shaped Argentina’s harp tradition (1850–1950), blending Italian operatic aesthetics with Argentine identity through teaching, performance, and composition.
Presenters
avatar for MARCELA NORMA MENDEZ

MARCELA NORMA MENDEZ

Marcela Méndez is an accomplished Argentinian harpist, pedagogue, and writer. Her career spans performance, education, research, and social initiatives, with a focus on promoting Argentine harp music. She has performed internationally, recorded five albums, and served as Principal... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Lecture

09:00 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 13:30 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 13:30 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Exhibits

10:00 EDT

World Harp Congress Annual Membership Meeting
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00 - 11:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00 - 11:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Meeting

10:30 EDT

Land & Sky: Original works for harp, voice & electronics, and harp & guitar
Monday August 3, 2026 10:30 - 11:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Lullabies for the Land (Eleanor Turner): Eleanor uses the language of lullabies as a backdrop to self-expression and a telling of her own truth, blending Arabic, Indian and Western musical traditions.

Southern Skies: New Australian Works for Harp and Guitar (Emily Granger & Andrew Blanch)
Presenters
avatar for Andrew Blanch

Andrew Blanch

Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Guitarist Andrew Blanch is an associate artist of the Bowerbird Collective, Vice-President of the Classical Guitar Society Sydney and a founding member and co-artistic director of the Australian Guitar Quartet. With harpist Emily Granger, Blanch collaborated on a new album described... Read More →
avatar for Emily Granger

Emily Granger

Chicago Harp Quartet
Praised for her “impressive virtuosity and eye-opening versatility" by Limelight Magazine, harpist Emily Granger is Principal Harp with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, on the faculty at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and a member of Ensemble Q. She has performed  as guest Principal Harp with orchestras in Australia and the U.S. She is a graduate of Indiana University's Jacobs School... Read More →
avatar for Eleanor Turner

Eleanor Turner

Eleanor Turner is a harpist and composer who creates intriguing and meaningful live experiences as a solo and chamber musician, in acoustic and electric performances. Eleanor’s western classical technique informs, but does not inhibit, her musical choices as she carves a unique... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 10:30 - 11:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Chamber Music, Multimedia

11:00 EDT

A Trio of Pairs
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00 - 12:30 EDT
Willow
Tracy Cheung and Oi Kiu Kilby Li perform two Cantonese art songs for Soprano and Harp

She Walks in Beauty: Passion for Mother Earth (Megan Sesma & Janinah Burnett): Duo Beloved, featuring soprano Janinah Burnett and harpist Megan Sesma, presents She Walks in Beauty: Passion for Mother Earth, a multimedia performance blending music, imagery, and environmental advocacy.

The Peace of Wild Things (Gwenllian Llyr): Inspired by the poem of the same name, The Peace of Wild Things pairs poetry with an evocative collection of music for flute and harp by Gwenllian Llyr and Sirius Chau.
Presenters
avatar for Tracy Cheung

Tracy Cheung

Soprano
Tracy Cheung received her musical training from a young age as a pianist and chorister. Discovering her potential as a vocalist, she pursued further musical studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, under the tutelage of Korean soprano Dr. In-young Lee. Tracy returned to... Read More →
avatar for Oi Kiu Kilby Li

Oi Kiu Kilby Li

Hong Kong-based harpist Li Oi Kiu Kilby performs actively across Asia with ensembles including the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Shenzhen and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestras, and at international festivals. A San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduate, she premiered Paul Patterson’s Mosquitoes... Read More →
avatar for Megan Sesma

Megan Sesma

Duo Beloved
Megan Sesma is an internationally acclaimed harpist, educator, and arts leader known for her dynamic performances and commitment to innovation in classical music. As the first enlisted principal harpist of the United States Coast Guard Band, she has performed worldwide and champions... Read More →
avatar for Janinah Burnett

Janinah Burnett

Soprano, Duo Beloved
Janinah Burnett is a versatile soprano and educator known for her dynamic artistry across opera, jazz, and contemporary styles. A closing cast member of The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, she has performed with leading ensembles worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera... Read More →
avatar for Gwenllian Llyr

Gwenllian Llyr

Welsh harpist Gwenllian Llyr was a prize winner in the 9th USA International Harp Competition in Bloomington, Indiana.  She has performed internationally as a soloist, and chamber musician with numerous internationally acclaimed instrumentalists and vocalists.  She holds degrees... Read More →
avatar for Sirius Chau

Sirius Chau

Flute, Aliara Duo
Sirius Chau holds the esteemed title of City Music Foundation Artist and has career awards from Making Music, the Tillett Trust, Talent Unlimited, and the Musicus Society, Hong Kong. In 2019 he received the Tagore Gold Medal presented by King Charles III; the Queen Elizabeth The Queen... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Aliara Duo

Aliara Duo

Flutist Sirius Chau and harpist Gwenllian Llŷr have won numerous national and international awards including at the Royal Overseas League Annual Competition and the USA International Harp Competition. Following a chance meeting as Artists with City Music Foundation, Aliara Duo was... Read More →
avatar for Duo Beloved

Duo Beloved

Duo Beloved unites soprano Janinah Burnett and harpist Megan Sesma,two acclaimed artists with wide-ranging expertise. Burnett, a versatile performer, has appeared on Broadway, at the Metropolitan Opera, and on international stages alongside legends such as Plácido Domingo and Ray... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00 - 12:30 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Performance, Chamber Music

11:00 EDT

Young Composers Project: Featured Composers works in concert
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East

Presenters
avatar for Charisma Kate Chow

Charisma Kate Chow

Focus on Youth, AHS Young Composers Project
Eleven year old Charisma Kate Chow began studying harp at the age of four, in her hometown of Hong Kong, where she studied with Ann Huang at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Charisma currently studies with Dr. Joy Yeh at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Charisma aspires to... Read More →
avatar for Aoibheann Galvin

Aoibheann Galvin

AHS Young Composers Project
Aoibheann Galvin completed a Bachelor of Music Education at Trinity College Dublin in 2023, studying harp with Clíona Doris at TU Dublin Conservatoire. She performs regularly as a harpist, including with the TU Dublin Harp Ensemble. Aoibheann has experience teaching music, including... Read More →
avatar for Divya Jayam

Divya Jayam

AHS Young Composers Project
Divya is an 11th grader from Long Island, New York. She has been playing the harp for the last 4 years. She enjoys composing music just as much as playing the harp. She takes pleasure in performing with Orchestra Long Island (OLI) and is the harpist of her school. Her passion for... Read More →
avatar for Ella Lamb

Ella Lamb

United States, AHS Young Composers Project
Ella Lamb is eight years old, and she began playing harp when she was two years old. She also plays piano and flute. Ella wants to be a professional ballerina and has studied ballet since she was 17 months old. Along with music and ballet, she enjoys building with Legos, playing with... Read More →
avatar for Jay Lamb

Jay Lamb

AHS Young Composers Project
Jay Lamb is eleven years old, and he has been playing music since he was two years old. He plays both harp and piano, and enjoys composing pieces for both instruments. Aside from music, Jay loves building with Legos, reading encyclopedias and other long books, hiking, gardening, and cooking... Read More →
avatar for Ellie Lau

Ellie Lau

AHS Young Composers Project
Ellie is 15 and began playing the harp at age 8 in Hong Kong. After moving to Vancouver,Canada, she now studies with Rosanna Chiu at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Ellie performed as harpist for United Players’“Christmas in Wales” in 2023. She won first place with scholarships... Read More →
avatar for Paul Nicolaou

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 →
avatar for Renée Qin

Renée Qin

AHS Young Composers Project
Renée Qin is a harpist-composer bridging classical tradition and emerging technologies. She holds a B.A. in Music and Economics from Stanford, an Artist Diploma from OAcademy, and is pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science from Stanford. A 2025 Orchestra of the Americas fellow... Read More →
avatar for Elysha Vorstenbosch

Elysha Vorstenbosch

Huron Harp School, AHS Young Composers Project
Elysha Vorstenbosch is a harp player, composer, and improviser living in Perth County, Ontario. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied lever harp, composition, and improvisation. Elysha performs frequently as a soloist all around Southern... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Solo Harp

11:30 EDT

Teaching to Empower Music Students with Mental Health Challenges
Monday August 3, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Willow East
This session presents four research-based pedagogical and relational approaches for music teachers to support students living with mental health challenges, with specific suggestions for application.
Presenters
avatar for Heather Cornelius

Heather Cornelius

Heather Cornelius’ research and performance projects focus on helping music teachers empower students experiencing mental health challenges. She obtained Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Minnesota, studying with Kathy Kienzle. She earned... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

11:30 EDT

Everyday Harp Care: Pre-owned Harps, and DIY Fixes
Monday August 3, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
  • Pre-owned Harps, and DIY Fixes:  What to look for besides sound?  What are the safe actions a harpist can take to fix common problems?

    • 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
    avatar for Jo Baee

    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 →
    avatar for Gabriel Diaz

    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 →
    avatar for Peter Wiley

    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.
    avatar for Danielle Williams

    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.
    Monday August 3, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
    Osgoode West
      Lecture

    11:30 EDT

    Ruth Papalia Scholarship Award winners in recital
    Monday August 3, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
    Grand Ballroom
    A solo harp recital featuring two recent recipients of the AHS Ruth Wickersham Papalia Scholarship.  
    Maya Lai:  A program exploring the harp’s capabilities through color, texture, and atmosphere— including works by Takuma Itoh, Jean Cras, and Marcel Grandjany.
    Zora Evangeline: A recital-presentation aimed to present research on Black women harpists and promote contemporary, multi-genre harp music. Featuring works by Alice Coltrane, Brandee Younger, Dorothy Ashby, Germaine Tailleferre, Adolphus Hailstork, and Caroline Lizotte. 
    Presenters
    avatar for Zora Evangeline

    Zora Evangeline

    Zora Evangeline is the recipient of the 2024 American Harp Society Ruth Wickersham Papalia Scholarship Award and holds the Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University, studying with Elizabeth Hainen. Zora is passionate about diverse programming and community engagement. She performs... Read More →
    avatar for Maya Lai

    Maya Lai

    Maya Lai is a harpist at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, studying with Yolanda Kondonassis. Winner of the 2025 Mitchell-Hogg Competition, she appeared as a featured soloist with the Houston Symphony performing the Ginastera Harp Concerto. Maya... Read More →
    Monday August 3, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
    Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
      Performance, Solo Harp

    12:30 EDT

    The Hong Kong Harp Chamber Ensemble
    Monday August 3, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
    Open Stage, Vide Lobby
    The Hong Kong Harp Chamber Ensemble showcases enchanting city spirit through harp — jazz rhythms and Cantone pop medley, celebrating our beautiful city with vibrant musical harmony.

    Program
    Kangding Love song
    Jasmine FlowersEnchanting City
    Under the  Lion Rock
    Colourful Cloud chasing Moon

    Ensembles
    avatar for Hong Kong Harp Chamber Ensemble

    Hong Kong Harp Chamber Ensemble

    Comprised of passionate harpists ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals, the Hong Kong Harp Chamber Ensemble gathers weekly to perform collaboratively and explore diverse repertoire. The ensemble performs regularly across Hong Kong, delighting audiences with programs that... Read More →
    Monday August 3, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
    Open Stage, Vide Lobby
      Performance, Harp Ensemble

    12:30 EDT

    AHS IDEA Soundboard Session
    Monday August 3, 2026 12:30 - 13:15 EDT
    Willow
    The IDEA Committee will host an informal Meet & Greet to get to know harpists and friends of the harp, and hear their ideas to support a more inclusive community. All are invited to this event.
    Presenters
    avatar for Juan Riveros

    Juan Riveros

    Michigan State University
    Juan Riveros serves as the AHS Diversity Coordinator and the IDEA Committee (Co-Chair). Riveros is currently the Associate Professor of Harp at Michigan State University, and Principal Harpist of the Flint Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Opera.
    Monday August 3, 2026 12:30 - 13:15 EDT
    Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
      Participatory Workshop

    13:30 EDT

    Closing Ceremonies
    Monday August 3, 2026 13:30 - 14:00 EDT
    Grand Ballroom

    Monday August 3, 2026 13:30 - 14:00 EDT
    Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
      Meeting
     

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