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Sunday, July 26
 

13:00 EDT

WHC Board Meeting
Sunday July 26, 2026 13:00 - 22:00 EDT
Yorkville West
Screen
Projector
Laptop option? Ask Ann Yeung- secretary
cables

Sunday July 26, 2026 13:00 - 22:00 EDT
Yorkville West
  Meeting
 
Tuesday, July 28
 

09:00 EDT

WHC Board Meeting
Tuesday July 28, 2026 09:00 - 12:00 EDT
Yorkville West

Tuesday July 28, 2026 09:00 - 12:00 EDT
Yorkville West
  Meeting

14:00 EDT

Opening Ceremonies
Tuesday July 28, 2026 14:00 - 14:15 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall Foyer
Tuesday July 28, 2026 14:00 - 14:15 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall Foyer
  Meeting

14:15 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open
Tuesday July 28, 2026 14:15 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
Tuesday July 28, 2026 14:15 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Exhibits

14:30 EDT

Neuron Mirror Neuron II
Tuesday July 28, 2026 14:30 - 16:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
A hybrid installation-performance inviting audiences to co-create sound through physical gestures, blending pose-tracking technology with harp improv for an experience inspired by human mirror neurons.
Presenters
avatar for Ariel Sol

Ariel Sol

Ariel Sol pioneers the future of sound as an LA-based composer, harpist, and interactive media designer. Hailing from Chicago, he is passionate about bridging disciplines to foster community. From cinematic pop to virtual reality soundscapes- storytelling, identity, and empowerment... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 14:30 - 16:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Performance, Multimedia

15:45 EDT

Xinghai Conservatory of Music Harp Ensemble
Tuesday July 28, 2026 15:45 - 16:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom Lobby

Presenters
avatar for Dan Yu

Dan Yu

Dan Yu received the USA International Harp Competition Gold Medal in 2001, and was hailed by New York critics as “in a class of her own” following her debut recital in Alice Tully Hall in 2002. She has performed on broadcast television and radio stations in the USA, China, and... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Xinghai Conservatory of Music Pre-college Harp Ensemble

Xinghai Conservatory of Music Pre-college Harp Ensemble

All performers (ages 12–21) are harp students at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music and its Pre-College in Guangzhou, China, studying under harp teacher Dan Yu.

Performers
Harpists: Wenxuan Huang, Ziling Huang, Danqi Lin, Siyan Tao, Zile Yang
Singer: Ziyun Huang

... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 15:45 - 16:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom Lobby
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

16:30 EDT

Harp Spectacular! A tribute to Susann McDonald
Tuesday July 28, 2026 16:30 - 18:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Perspectives on Susann McDonald’s singular achievements to create community and excellence connecting harpists and audiences through the harp. Curated by Sirin Pancaroglu and Ann Yeung.
Presenters
avatar for Jaymee Haefner

Jaymee Haefner

International Harp Archives & UNT Harp Beats
Jaymee Haefner (DM, MM, BM), is the University Distinguished Research Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. She has premiered works by composers Libby Larsen, Paul Patterson, and Gary Schocker; taught masterclasses in the... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Hainen

Elizabeth Hainen

Hailed by the Washington Post for her “unusual presence with silky transparency,” Elizabeth Hainen has thrilled audiences throughout the world as a virtuoso soloist and as Principal Harp of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Hainen is the Artistic Director for the USA International Harp... Read More →
avatar for Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

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 →
avatar for Şirin Pancaroğlu

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 →
avatar for Isabelle Perrin

Isabelle Perrin

Isabelle Perrin, former co-principal harpist with the Orchestre National de France, has performed recitals and concertos worldwide and recorded numerous CDs. A devoted teacher, she conducts masterclasses globally. Currently, she is a Professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music and... Read More →
avatar for Linda Wood Rollo

Linda Wood Rollo

Linda Wood Rollo has taught on the faculties of Indiana University, San Francisco State University, Dominican College and the Ursuline School of Music and Drama.  Her honors include the World Harp Congress Award of Recognition, American Harp Society Lifetime Achievement... Read More →
avatar for Pat Wooster

Pat Wooster

World Harp Congress
Patricia Wooster has served as President of the American Harp Society, and Chairman of the Board of the World Harp Congress for 17 years.  She holds degrees in music and education, and served on the music faculty at the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University... Read More →
avatar for Ann Yeung

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 →
avatar for Naoko Yoshino

Naoko Yoshino

London-born Japanese harpist Naoko Yoshino started her solo career after winning First Prize at the Ninth International Harp Contest in Israel, in 1985. Her solo engagements with the world’s top orchestras have included the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 16:30 - 18:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, History & Practice

19:15 EDT

Vancouver Academy of Music Harp Ensemble
Tuesday July 28, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Lobby
The Vancouver Academy of Music Student Harp Ensemble serves students ages 8-18 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The ensemble welcomes harp students at all levels for both lever harp and pedal harp. Directed by Rosanna Chiu and Joy Yeh, the ensemble performs regularly in celebrated events including the VAM Harp Fest, Vancouver Harp Day, and the Kiwanis Festival. Ensemble members for One Harp...
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Presenters
avatar for Rosanna Chiu

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 →
Ensembles
avatar for Vancouver Academy of Music Student Harp Ensemble

Vancouver Academy of Music Student Harp Ensemble

Vancouver Academy of Music Student Harp Ensemble is a an ensemble for students age 8-18 in Vancouver,Canada. The ensemble has harp students at all levels for both lever harp and pedal harp. Directed by Rosanna Chiu and Joy Yeh, the ensemble performs regularly in celebrated events... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Lobby
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

20:00 EDT

Gala Opening Program: Canadian Music and Musicians 🍁
Tuesday July 28, 2026 20:00 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Master of Ceremonies, Tom Allen (CBC) with harpists Lori Gemmell, Erica Goodman, Renee Qui, Angela Schwarzkopf, Jennifer Swartz, Kristan Toczko, Sharlene Wallace, Noel Wan and Joy Yeh, with collaborating musicians performing music by Canadian composers Alexina Louie, Andrew P MacDonald, Caroline Lizotte, Marjan Mozetich, Kevin Lau, Renee Qin, Sharlene Wallace, & Kristan Toczko!
Moderators
avatar for Tom Allen
Presenters
avatar for Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf concertizes throughout North America as soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is the guest principal harpist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, and principal harpist with the London, Ontario, Symphonia. Angela is the first harpist to earn the... Read More →
avatar for Kaili Maimets

Kaili Maimets

Flute, Topaz Duo
Canadian flutist Kaili Maimets is in demand as an orchestral performer, chamber musician, and soloist. She regularly performs with the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada (NACO) and has held positions as Second Flute & Piccolo of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (2016-2018), and... Read More →
avatar for Danielle Nutting

Danielle Nutting

Flute
Dani Nutting brings her insightful and creative mind to a multi-hyphenate career: she is an award-winning flutist, ethnographer of Bulgarian flute culture, founder of The Collective, and certified Alexander Technique teacher. Her research has been funded by Fulbright and other grants... Read More →
avatar for Erica Goodman

Erica Goodman

American Harp Society
A native of Toronto, Canada, Juno award-winning harpist Erica Goodman received her training in Toronto, Interlochen MI and at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She has appeared world-wide as a recitalist and chamber musician and is also a charter member of Toronto's New... Read More →
avatar for Joy Yeh

Joy Yeh

Joy Yeh (B.Mus. UBC, M.Mus. Yale, D.Mus. Indiana) is Professor and Chair of the Harp Division at the Vancouver Academy of Music, which, under her visionary leadership, has grown into one of the largest of its kind in North America. She is also a distinguished adjudicator at international... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Swartz

Jennifer Swartz

Harpist Jennifer Swartz holds two of the most distinguished posts in her field in Canada, as principal harp for l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and as head of the Harp Program at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University. In addition to her OSM schedule and teaching... Read More →
avatar for Kristan Toczko

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 →
avatar for Lori Gemmell

Lori Gemmell

Lori Gemmel is principal harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and teaches at Wilfrid Laurier University and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She tours Canada with her husband Tom Allen, presenting Chamber Musicals they create together combining music, history and storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Noël Wan

Noël Wan

Lauded as “not [a harpist] to be slept on” (The Globe and Mail), Noël Wan commands a remarkably fresh creative voice, bridging charismatic artistry and intellect in her work as a solo harpist and interdisciplinary scholar. She is the 2022 Gold Medalist of USA International Harp... 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 Sharlene Wallace

Sharlene Wallace

Sharlene Wallace is a Canadian lever and pedal harpist, composer, educator and visual explorer. Winner of two international lever harp competitions, she has given concerts and workshops across Canada, the United States and Europe. Sharlene has released nine albums, including two electronic... Read More →
avatar for Chris James

Chris James

Flute
A native of Toronto, holds the solo piccolo position in the Montreal Symphony. He has appeared with the Toronto, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Nashville Symphonies and as a soloist with various orchestras in repertoire ranging from CPE Bach and Vivaldi to Schnittke and Boulez. He has been... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan

Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan

The Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan was founded in 1987 and is Canada’s first and longest-running gamelan ensemble. The ECCG commissions, premieres, tours, and records music for the bronze gongs and bamboo flutes of the West-Javanese gamelan degung. The ECGG has recorded twelve... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 20:00 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Concert, Canadian Music & Musicians
 
Wednesday, July 29
 

07:00 EDT

In Stillness, Part 1: Sound and Silence
Wednesday July 29, 2026 07:00 - 08:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Exploring and Experiencing Contemplative Music - creating immersive experiences that invite stillness, deep awareness, and reflection through mindful programming and intentional listening practices.Session 1 - The benefits reflective music offers, the power of less, practical tips, and performing in secular and sacred spaces. Experience the journey inward as Merynda performs “Sound and...
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Presenters
avatar for Merynda Adams

Merynda Adams

Merynda Adams, praised for her color and facility by the Star-Ledger and called "the highlight of the night" by The New York Times, has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Canada, including off-Broadway in The Fantasticks. Her teachers include Kathleen Bride, Erika Waardenburg, Gloria Agostini, and Elisabeth Fontan-Binoche. Merynda is founder of Chamber Music for Charity, teaches at Drew University, and has led workshops at the Frost School of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, and the Cap-Ferret Musi... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Snaufer Derosa

Kimberly Snaufer Derosa

Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, known for her “stunningly beautiful” expression, has performed across North America, in the UK, and in Australia. Her career as performer and educator includes traditional and innovative collaborations, reflective sound immersions, founding/directing the... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 07:00 - 08:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

08:30 EDT

Move Well, Play Better: #1 Balance - the essential starting point
Wednesday July 29, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT
Willow East
Move Well, Play Better: A Course of 5 Practical Interactive Workshops: Exploring 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 #1 Sitting in Balance - Learn why balance is so essential for freedom in playing. Learn how to find balance, along with...
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Presenters
avatar for Imogen Barford

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.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT
Willow East
  Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

Susann McDonald: The Virtuoso Harpist
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Grand East
Perspectives on Susann McDonald's influential performing and recording career.
Moderators
avatar for Isabel Moreton

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
avatar for Kirsten Agresta-Copely

Kirsten Agresta-Copely

Kirsten Agresta Copely is a two-time GRAMMY® nominated harpist and composer known for her distinctive blend of classical virtuosity and cinematic ambiance. She has appeared at major venues worldwide, including the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the Muziekgebouw while maintaining an active career as... Read More →
avatar for Cliona Doris

Cliona Doris

Tu Dublin Conservatoire
Clíona Doris is a Professor at TU Dublin Conservatoire where she lectures in harp, performance studies, and artistic research. She is a member of Ireland’s National Concert Hall Board and the WHC Board of Directors and Corporation. She was the Host Committee Chair when Ireland... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Hainen

Elizabeth Hainen

Hailed by the Washington Post for her “unusual presence with silky transparency,” Elizabeth Hainen has thrilled audiences throughout the world as a virtuoso soloist and as Principal Harp of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Hainen is the Artistic Director for the USA International Harp... Read More →
avatar for Şirin Pancaroğlu

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 →
avatar for Isabelle Perrin

Isabelle Perrin

Isabelle Perrin, former co-principal harpist with the Orchestre National de France, has performed recitals and concertos worldwide and recorded numerous CDs. A devoted teacher, she conducts masterclasses globally. Currently, she is a Professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music and... Read More →
avatar for Dan Yu

Dan Yu

Dan Yu received the USA International Harp Competition Gold Medal in 2001, and was hailed by New York critics as “in a class of her own” following her debut recital in Alice Tully Hall in 2002. She has performed on broadcast television and radio stations in the USA, China, and... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Panel Discussion

09:00 EDT

Mont Roz: Journey to the Heart of Traditional Celtic Music 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Cécile Delage and François-Xavier Dueymes offer a program of joyful traditional tunes from Ireland, Brittany and Quebec blending Irish, Breton, and European traditions.

Presenters
avatar for Cécile Delage

Cécile Delage

Cécile Delage is from Toulouse, France, now living in Montréal. Cecile holds the Master of Music degree in harp performance from the Université de Montréal. She founded Aziliz, a harp school that blends training in classical, Celtic, and modern styles. She performs with Mont-Roz... Read More →
avatar for François-Xavier Dueymes

François-Xavier Dueymes

Flute, Mont Roz
François-Xavier Dueymes, a self-taught Breton musician based in Montréal for a decade, began with
the bombarde in Breton Bagadoù competitions before discovering the wooden flute and Irish
music. Active in Quebec’s traditional scene, he plays with Kavaz and Saligaude, and now
Mont-Roz with Cécile Delage, exploring Celtic and European traditional music... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Canadian Music & Musicians

09:00 EDT

The Musical World of Swedish Romantic Harp Vituoso and Composer Anton Edvard Pratté.
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow
A lecture-recital exploring the musical influences of newly-rediscovered bohemian/Swedish harp virtuoso and composer Anton Edvard Pratté (1796-1875), aka ”The Harp King of the North”.
Presenters
avatar for Delphine Constantin-Reznik

Delphine Constantin-Reznik

French harpist Delphine Constantin-Reznik’s discography as a soloist includes internationally acclaimed albums, notably the first historical recordings of A.E.Pratté’s music, and commissioned concertos. She regularly performs as a soloist with many European orchestras and plays... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Lecture Recital, History & Practice

09:15 EDT

Renee Murphy: Impressions and Miniatures: The Harp’s Expressive Voice
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:15 - 10:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
American Harp Society Concert Artist Renée Murphy presents a program 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...
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Presenters
avatar for Renee Murphy

Renee Murphy

Renée Murphy is currently serving as the 2025–2027 American Harp Society Concert Artist. She is the First Prize laureate of the 30th Soka-Nippon International Harp Competition and was awarded Fifth Prize and the Mario Falcao Prize at the 13th USA International Harp Competition... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 09:15 - 10:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Solo Harp

10:00 EDT

Melina van Leeuwen: Carlos Salzedo’s theory of “New Harpism" presented by Katia Mestrovic
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:00 - 10:40 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Katia Mestrovic will deliver colleague Melina van Leeuwen's dissertation on Carlos Salzedo’s compositional theory of “New harpism.” The end result of his “complete renovation of the harp”, new harpism is the undiscovered key to understanding Salzedo’s entire oeuvre.  The pre-concert lecture will include a discussion of Salzedo's works featured in Alice Giles' 11:00 solo recital.
Presenters
avatar for katia mestrovic

katia mestrovic

Katia hopes to show audiences the versatility and power of the harp - through performing modern classical repertoire, her own compositions, commissions and arrangements. She was mentored in Sydney (Australia) by virtuoso Alice Giles AM. Some accolades include, performing as a Semifinalist... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:00 - 10:40 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Lecture, History & Practice

10:00 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Exhibits

10:15 EDT

Resonanties: A Composer’s Accessible Approach to Writing for Harp 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
A lecture-performance featuring Edward Top’s Resonanties and the Student Harp Ensemble of the Vancouver Academy of Music, showcasing accessible harp ensemble writing and collaborative composition. www.edwardtop.com/orchestra/six-pieces-for-harp-ensemble
Presenters
avatar for Edward Top

Edward Top

Dutch-Canadian composer Edward Top is Associate Professor & Division Chair of Composition at the Vancouver Academy of Music and Sessional Lecturer at the University of British Columbia. As its current mentor composer, Edward maintains a close relationship with the Vancouver Symphony... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Lecture, Harp Ensemble, Composition

10:15 EDT

The Growth of a Harp Centred Community of Practise 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Willow East
How the Huron Harp School has built an inclusive and thriving community for harp learners of all levels through group practices and performances.
Presenters
avatar for Sharon Johnston

Sharon Johnston

Huron Harp School
Sharon Johnston is a well-established musician in midwestern Ontario, performing frequently on harp and piano. She runs a busy studio in Goderich, where she directs the Huron Harp School, which has over 35 members. She is a composer, arranger, and recording artist, the most recent... 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 →
avatar for Margot Sippel

Margot Sippel

Huron Harp School
Margot Sippel is a Jungian Psychotherapist in private practice and works with clients across the globe. She is a Professor Emeritus having taught for decades, and started harp lessons despite not being able to read music and wearing two hearing aids. Now, profoundly deaf and with... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Huron Harp School

Huron Harp School

Huron Harp School is based in Goderich, ON under the direction of Sharon Johnston. Established in 2006, the harp school offers private and group lessons and has nurtured a vibrant harp community in Huron County. All students regardless of musical experience gather to make music together... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital, Pedagogy

10:15 EDT

Anne-Marie O'Farrell: Encounterpoint: A lever harp recital of contrapuntal repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
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.
Presenters
avatar for Anne-Marie O’Farrell

Anne-Marie O’Farrell

RNCM
Leading international harpist, Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell is recognized for her innovations on lever harp, demonstrated in her substantial output of publications and recordings. She has been commissioned to compose several large-scale works featuring the harp. Her compositions... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Solo Harp

10:30 EDT

Inspiring Inclusivity, Connectivity, and Creativity through International Organizations – a Presentation-Panel
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30 - 11:30 EDT
Willow
Ann Yeung and Isabel Moretón Achsel (past and current Editors of the World Harp Congress Review) moderate a presentation-panel to highlight the histories and importance of international harp organizations in nurturing the international harp community, culminating in the 2026 One Harp World event in Toronto.
Moderators
avatar for Isabel Moreton

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 →
avatar for Ann Yeung

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 →
Presenters
avatar for Mario Falcao

Mario Falcao

Portugal native Mario Falcao is Professor Emeritus of the State University of New York at Fredonia and Visiting Professor at the Escola Superior de Musica de Lisboa, Portugal. Mr. Falcao’s collaborations with composers over multiple decades has resulted in numerous solo, chamber... Read More →
avatar for Mieko Inoue

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 →
avatar for Anabel Gutierrez Orraca

Anabel Gutierrez Orraca

Cuban Harp Music Inc
Anabel Guitérrez Orraca founded the Asociación Latinoamericana del Arpa in 2021, to expand access to education for harpists across Latin America. She holds advanced degrees from McGill University in Montreal; the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from the Indiana University... Read More →
avatar for Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf concertizes throughout North America as soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is the guest principal harpist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, and principal harpist with the London, Ontario, Symphonia. Angela is the first harpist to earn the... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30 - 11:30 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Panel Discussion

10:30 EDT

Focus on Youth 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity
10.30 Natalie Chee, CanadaPaul Lewis (1943) - Decospherics: No. 4 Flapper’s FoxtrotHenriette Renié (1875-1956) - Légende10.50 Charlotte Ngo, USA George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) - Prelude and Toccata (arr. Grandjany)Mikhail Glinka (1804–1857) - Variations on a Theme of Mozart11.10 Jakub Sadilek, Czech Republic Pietro Domenico Paradisi (1707-1791) - ToccataMarcel Tournier...
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Presenters
avatar for Natalie Chee

Natalie Chee

Natalie Chee is a Grade 9 student who started learning the harp at age 5. Since 2022 she has received prizes in the Korea International Harp Competition, the 7th Hong Kong International Harp Competition, the 34th Soka-Nippon International Harp Competition, the Concours Francais de... Read More →
avatar for Megan Wan Gai Wing

Megan Wan Gai Wing

Focus on Youth
Megan Wan currently holds ABRSM Grade 8 certifications in both piano and harp, and is working towards diplomas and advanced music studies in secondary school. She has performed in Korea International Harp Competition, earned Distinction with Honours and received the Best Performance... Read More →
avatar for Charlotte Ngo

Charlotte Ngo

Focus on Youth
Charlotte Ngo made her Weill Recital Hall debut in 2023 after winning First Place in the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music. Since then, she has earned over eighteen gold prizes in regional and international competition. Charlotte was awarded the Rising... Read More →
avatar for Ziling Huang

Ziling Huang

Juliana Ziling Huang was born in 2011 in Guangzhou, China. Her earliest musical training was with her mother, a pianist and the director of the International Department at the School of Music, South China Normal University. Juliana started professional piano training at 3 and harp... Read More →
avatar for Eve Lung

Eve Lung

Eve Lung has been studying the harp with Amy Tam Wai-Li since six years old. Eve has received first prizes in multiple harp competitions, including the 2024 Korean International Harp Competition, the 5th Hong Kong International Harp Competition, and the Junior Category of the 9th... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity 10 Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, M5G 1B1
  Focus on Youth Recital, Solo Harp

11:00 EDT

The Art of the New: Charting Carlos Salzedo's Iconic Influence
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:00 - 12:15 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Three of the premier innovative and influential works by Carlos Salzedo: the Five Preludes, the Five Poetical Studies, and the Sonata for Harp and Piano.
Presenters
avatar for Alice Giles

Alice Giles

Alice Giles is the First Prize winner of the 8th Israel International Harp Contest. In a singularly wide-ranging career she has performed in London’s Wigmore Hall, New York's 92nd St Y, the Frankfurt Alte Oper, and Mawson Station, Antarctica and as a concerto soloist and guest at... Read More →
avatar for Arnan Wiesel

Arnan Wiesel

Piano
Pianist Arnan Wiesel has appeared as solo and chamber musician in Australia, USA, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Israel. Performances include concertos with the Stuttgart Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and recitals in the Conce... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:00 - 12:15 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Performance

11:30 EDT

Duo Eoliha: A breath on the Strings, original music for harp & horn
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
"A breath on the Strings", original compositions for horn and harp.

Andante, Giovanni PAISIELLO (1740-1816)
Solo for horn and harp, François-Adrien BOIELDIEU (1775-1834)
Divertimento, Gaspare Luigi SPONTINI (1774-1851)
Airka, Nicola FERRO (1974)
Chambre d’âmes, Line ADAM (1972)
Tangoliha, Robert ORTMAN (1963); Suite Eoliha, Robert ORTMAN 
Presenters
avatar for Margaux Ortman

Margaux Ortman

French horn, Duo Eoliha
Originally from Thimister (near Liège), Margaux Ortman (b. 1992) studied at the Institut Royal Supérieur de Musique & de Pédagogie in Namur (IMEP) with Nico De Marchi and Francis Orval. She joined the Royal Band of the Belgian Air Force in 2013, becoming solo horn in 2016. Since 2023, she has been principal horn at the Orchestre Philh... Read More →
avatar for Gabriella Garcia

Gabriella Garcia

Duo Eoliha
Gabriella Garcia is a Belgian-Bulgarian harpist based in Liège. She graduated fromthe IMEP in Namur and the École Normale de Musique Alfred Cortot in Paris, studying with Sophie Hallynck and Nicolas Tulliez. Gabrielle was Harp Solo at the State Opera and Philharmonic of Plovdiv... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Duo Eoliha

Duo Eoliha

Duo Eoliha–Margaux Ortman, horn, and Gabriella Garcia, harp - was born during their studies at the Institut Royal de Musique et de Pédagogie in Namur (Belgium). There they studied chamber music with the renowned Sophie Hallynck and Francis Orval. Driven by a shared curiosity for... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance

11:30 EDT

21st Century Female Composers 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Beneath the Waves, Beyond the Stars. Renée Qin performs featuring original compositions 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.
Presenters
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 Anna Dunlap

Anna Dunlap

Anna Dunlap is Principal Harpist of the Huntsville, Alabama, Symphony Orchestra, and the Kalamazoo, Michigan, Symphony Orchestra. As a member of the New Downbeat collective in Cincinnati, Ohio, Anna has performed world premieres of chamber works by up-and-coming composers. Anna holds... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Multimedia

12:30 EDT

The Harp Quartet Redefined: Chicago Harp Quartet
Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
The Chicago Harp Quartet presents an exhilarating program of contemporary works, all commissioned by CHQ, highlighting innovative harp quartet writing, new textures, and a world premiere by Tristan Coelho.
Presenters
avatar for Catherine Litaker

Catherine Litaker

Chicago Harp Quartet
Catherine Yom Litaker is a versatile solo, chamber, and orchestral harpist, serving as Principal Harpist of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. She has performed internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and with ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and... 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 →
Ensembles
avatar for Chicago Harp Quartet

Chicago Harp Quartet

The Chicago Harp Quartet, described by Harp Column Magazine as “the quartet that put harp quartets on the map,” is the leading harp ensemble in the United States. Founded in 2012, CHQ has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Ravinia Festival... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
  Performance, Harp Quartet

14:00 EDT

The Beauty of Reason: new chamber works for 'cello and harp 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Written for COULOIR, this program weaves commissioned works by visionary Canadian composers Caroline Lizotte, Jocelyn Morlock, and James Maxwell, revealing the luminous, evocative sound world of the cello and harp. 
Presenters
avatar for Ariel Barnes

Ariel Barnes

Cello, COULOIR
Described as combining a “luscious tone and technical prowess”(The Vancouver Sun), Ariel Barnes has been hailed as a “truly inspiring artist…the outstanding Canadian cellist of his generation” by Maestro Bramwell Tovey. Ariel performs throughout Europe, North America and... Read More →
avatar for Heidi Krutzen

Heidi Krutzen

Heidi Krutzen is Principal Harp of the Philharmonia Orchestra, performing and touring internationally. She serves as guest principal harp with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. With COULOIR and Trio Verlaine, she tours widely, records extensively... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for COULOIR

COULOIR

COULOIR unites Ariel Barnes and Heidi Krutzen, acclaimed leaders in contemporary chamber music for cello and harp.  Dedicated to 21st-century repertoire,the duo collaborates closely with leading composers, commissioning and premiering works that expand their instrument’s kaleidoscopic... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Concert, Canadian Music & Musicians

14:00 EDT

Exploring Turkish Tunes
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 EDT
Osgoode West
Would you like to learn Turkish tunes with interesting scales, melodic behaviour, uneven rhythmicpatterns and tune your harp microtonally? Then this workshop is for you.

Seymen Özdeniz, percussion accompaniment
Presenters
avatar for Şirin Pancaroğlu

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 →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 EDT
Osgoode West
  Participatory Workshop, History & Practice

14:00 EDT

Fantasising Chromatically from J.S. Bach to New Music: A lecture-Recital by Anne-Marie O'Farrell with performance by Emmanuel Ceysson of O'Farrell's Murmuration
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow
The wide tonal and timbral range of both pedal and lever harps are showcased in two contrasting works, J.S. Bach's Chromatic Fantasy alongside O'Farrell's new composition, 'Murmuration' for pedal harp, composed especially for Emmanuel Ceysson. This lecture-recital illustrates methods of achieving the range of chromatic colour made available using two completely different mechanisms and...
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Presenters
avatar for Anne-Marie O’Farrell

Anne-Marie O’Farrell

RNCM
Leading international harpist, Dr Anne-Marie O’Farrell is recognized for her innovations on lever harp, demonstrated in her substantial output of publications and recordings. She has been commissioned to compose several large-scale works featuring the harp. Her compositions... Read More →
avatar for Emmanuel Ceysson

Emmanuel Ceysson

Laphil
Emmanuel Ceysson is Principal Harp of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and former Principal Harp with the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Paris Opera. He is Associate Artistic Director of the USA International Harp Competition, where he was awarded the Gold Medal in 2004. He received... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Lecture

14:00 EDT

Arranging, Adapting, and Transcribing: a masterful exploration
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 EDT
Grand East
An interactive exploration of the nuances of adapting, arranging, and transcribing for the harp, through an analysis of contrasting approaches to the Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega.
Presenters
avatar for Emmanuel Padilla Holguín

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 →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

14:00 EDT

Exploring the Wonders of Bill Marx's Concerto for Two Harps and Orchestra
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Bill Marx’s rediscovered double harp concerto, revived by Duo Shockoe, fuses jazz, Hollywood horror, and classical elements—bringing a lost masterpiece to life for modern global audiences.
Presenters
avatar for Colleen Thorburn

Colleen Thorburn

Dr. Colleen Potter Thorburn performs widely as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral harpist. She is establishing a harp studio at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas, where she also teaches music theory. A past winner of the AHS Anne Adams awards, she previously... Read More →
avatar for Jaclyn Wappel

Jaclyn Wappel

Jaclyn Wappel is a multifaceted harp performer, educator, and scholar recognized for her versatile performances and focus on South East and South Asian–inspired music. She holds the Doctor of Arts degree from Ball State University and serves on The American Harp Journal editorial... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Duo Shockoe

Duo Shockoe

Duo Shockoe features harpists Dr. Colleen Thorburn and Dr. Jaclyn Wappel who share nearly a decade of musical camaraderie since forming in Richmond, Virginia. As Duo Shockoe they have performed extensively across the U.S. East Coast and, as soloists, across four continents, including... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

14:00 EDT

Cosmic Journeys: Chamber music by Caroline Lizotte 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 15:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
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 Chehade perform Partita Opus 52 for violin and harp by Caroline Lizotte
Presenters
avatar for Kyra Frimout

Kyra Frimout

Kyra Frimout is a harpist from the Netherlands with a passion for contemporary and electroacoustic music. She studied at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague with Ernestine Stoop and Sylvain Blassel. Kyra now studies at the Université de Montréal under the guidance of harpist-composer... Read More →
avatar for Samuel Ouellet Mata

Samuel Ouellet Mata

Cello
Samuel Ouellet Mata is a versatile cellist from Montreal and graduated from the Faculty of Music of the University of Montreal in 2026 under the guidance of Yegor Dyachkov. Mata’s classical training includes a variety of solo and chamber standard repertoire, combined with contemporary... Read More →
avatar for Lori Gemmell

Lori Gemmell

Lori Gemmel is principal harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and teaches at Wilfrid Laurier University and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She tours Canada with her husband Tom Allen, presenting Chamber Musicals they create together combining music, history and storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Caroline Chehade

Caroline Chehade

Violin
Caroline Chehade is a Montreal-based violinist with a solo, chamber and orchestra career. She won many competitions, including many editions of the Music Instruments Bank of the Canada Council for the Arts who lent her the Windsor-Weinstein Stradivarius of 1717 for a period of three... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 15:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Canadian Music & Musicians

15:00 EDT

Let the harp sing- the art of phrasing
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:00 - 15:45 EDT
Grand East
Explore fresh ideas for creating a more singing harp line on the harp,  including alternative fingerings, enharmonic substitutions and palette of options for articulation with master artist Silke Aichorn. You love to have a singing harp line? I have many ideas, how to change the sonority, to create a more legato line, to show a powerful and not only virtuos presentation- selected...
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Presenters
avatar for Silke Aichhorn

Silke Aichhorn

"Certainly the most prominent, the most powerful, and also the most entertaining representative of her field..." Silke Aichhorn is known for her colorful sound, her moderated concerts as well as her unconditional desire to present something new and still unknown on the harp. She is... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:00 - 15:45 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

15:15 EDT

Beneath the Sea of Time, concerto for harp and orchestra by Alice Ping Yee Ho 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:15 - 16:00 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Explore the lyrical writing of Canadian composer Alice Ping Yee Ho's concerto  for harp, exploring memory, loss, and renewal, where oceanic soundscapes mirror humanity’s fragile relationship with nature.
Presenters
avatar for Teresa Suen-Campbell

Teresa Suen-Campbell

Lakehead University
Teresa Suen-Campbell released her concerto album, including concertos by Canadian composers Chan Ka Nin & James W. Campbell, with Sinfonia Toronto/Nurhan Arman, which received critical acclaim and international broadcasting. Teresa has commissioned 5 concertos, 3 solo works, and 2... Read More →
avatar for Jialiang Zhu

Jialiang Zhu

Piano
Chinese pianist Jialiang Zhu is an educator, performer, concert producer, and researcher.  She is a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto and a Chamber Music Faculty at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has produced and performed in multiple concert series... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:15 - 16:00 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

15:15 EDT

Masterclass with Guan Wang
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:15 - 16:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Masterclass, Exchange ideas on music and technology.
Presenters
avatar for Guan Wang

Guan Wang

Mrs. Guan Wang is a professor and doctoral supervisor of harp at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China, as well as the deputy director of the Teaching and Research Office for Percussion, Harp,and Guitar. She is a member of the Board of the World Harp Congress. Her outstanding... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:15 - 16:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Masterclass

15:30 EDT

The Petyan Quartet: Connection
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:30 - 16:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom

Australia’s Petyan Quartet presents a compelling program featuring Yidaki (didgeridoo), flute, viola and harp, weaving together evocative contemporary works inspired by Country, culture, birdsong and nature’s soundscapes.
Presenters
avatar for Jacinta Dennett

Jacinta Dennett

Petyan Quartet
Australian harpist Jacinta Dennett's creative practice intrinsically entwines movement and music. Drawn to the harp’s responsive nature and lingering resonance, she has developed an idiosyncratic performance style rooted in her pursuit of the essence of gesture. Inspired by Carlos... Read More →
avatar for Amos Roach

Amos Roach

Didgeridoo, Petyan Quartet
Amos Roach is an award-winning performer, composer, dancer, director and proud Djab Wurrung/Gunditj Mara and Ngarrindjeri man. Amos plays keyboard, guitar, and Didgeridoo. The inaugural First Nations Artist in Residence with the Australian Art Orchestra, Amos performs regularly including... Read More →
avatar for Johanna Selleck

Johanna Selleck

Flute, Petyan Quartet
Johanna Selleck is a composer, musicologist, and flautist. She holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, where she is currently an honorary fellow. Her compositions have been performed throughout Australia, Asia, the USA, and Europe. As a flautist, she performs regularly as a soloist and in c... Read More →
avatar for William Vyvyan Murray

William Vyvyan Murray

Viola, Petyan Quartet
William Vyvyan Murray is a Melbourne/Naarm-born violist whose passion for music has led him to study and work throughout Europe. He has worked leading the viola section of orchestras in Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin.
William's compositional work is performed in Europe, America and Asia.
He has won awards... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Petyan Quartet

Petyan Quartet

Petyan Quartet is a contemporary cross-cultural ensemble named after the wildflower season of Gariwerd. Founded in 2021 by harpist Jacinta Dennett, the quartet brings together four distinctive musical voices: Amos Roach (Yidaki), a proud Djab Wurrung/Gunditj Mara, and Ngarrindjeri... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:30 - 16:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Chamber Music

15:30 EDT

An Introduction to the Arpa Jarocha and Son Jarocho
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 EDT
Willow
This session provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to the arpa jarocha (Veracruz harp) and its pivotal role in son jarocho, a dynamic Afro-Indigenous-Mestizo musical tradition from southern Veracruz, Mexico. The session will examine the historical evolution, cultural context, and performance methodologies related to the arpa jarocha, focusing on its significance in musical...
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Presenters
avatar for Jillian Risigari-Gai

Jillian Risigari-Gai

Jillian Risigari-Gai is a Los Angeles freelance artist. She is currently Principal Harpist & Co-Founder of the Los Angeles Chamber Music Co., a non-profit providing audiences with exceptional and affordable chamber and collaborative arts concerts that inspire and promote our sense... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar is a recognized and dynamic contemporary Mexican traditional music group. Their work with pop star Camila Cabello during her performance on Tiny Desk of her original song “La Buena Vida" intertwines mariachi with pop and various Latin flavors... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 15:30 - 16:20 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

16:30 EDT

Exploring the Music Therapy profession for Harpists
Wednesday July 29, 2026 16:30 - 17:15 EDT
Willow East
Defining Music Therapy credentials and practice within the harp community as a profession, differentiating it from harp therapy training and other therapeutic music practices.
Presenters
avatar for Jessica Brizuela

Jessica Brizuela

Jessica Brizuela, MT-BC is a harpist, educator, and board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) with additional credentials in Neurological Music Therapy and Hospice & Palliative Care Music Therapy. Through her passions of music and medicine, Jessica linked her education studying: music... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 16:30 - 17:15 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, History & Practice

16:30 EDT

Canada from East to West 🍁
Wednesday July 29, 2026 16:30 - 17:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Matt Dupont's Transatlantic Journey , where we discover original works
for harp by Canadian and French female composers.

Josh Layne performs ... Josh Layne, original works by a Canadian original!
Presenters
avatar for Josh Layne

Josh Layne

Canadian harpist and composer Josh Layne is a frequent performer around the world, as well as being the creator of “Harp Tuesday”, a biweekly instructional series on YouTube that now spans fifteen years and over three hundred episodes. When not touring, Layne can often be found... Read More →
avatar for Matt Dupont

Matt Dupont

Matt began learning the harp in France at the age of 8. He studied with Nicolas Tulliez in Shanghai, Heidi Krutzen in Vancouver, and completed his training with Caroline Lizotte. Matt is the recipient of several awards and scholarships, including second prize in the Orford Music Prize... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 16:30 - 17:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Canadian Music & Musicians

17:00 EDT

My Life with Jean-Jacques Rousseau: A Musical Love Story
Wednesday July 29, 2026 17:00 - 17:45 EDT
Willow
Speaking from the Harp: How Rousseau's "Minuet" transformed into "Baroque Flamenco", unlocking a world of solo harp works, concertos, chamber music and education.
Presenters
avatar for Deborah Henson-Conant

Deborah Henson-Conant

Deborah "DHC" Henson-Conant is a Grammy-nominated composer and electric harpist who performs solo or with symphony on her signature instrument, the CAMAC "DHC" electric lever harp, in performances inspired by jazz, blues, flamenco and storytelling. Her compositions, like the groundbreaking... Read More →
avatar for Evelyn Huber

Evelyn Huber

Evelyn Huber earned her Master’s degree in Munich under Professor Helga Storck. Drawn to jazz, she studied in the U.S. with Carrol McLaughlin and Deborah Henson-Conant, earning recognition at the International Jazz Harp Competition in Arizona. She has taught at the University of... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 17:00 - 17:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

17:15 EDT

The Terra Infirma Project: Environmental Activism Through New Music with Yolanda Kondonassis
Wednesday July 29, 2026 17:15 - 18:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
The Terra Infirma Project: Environmental Activism Through New Music; Live Concert/Documentary Preview, Conversation, and Performance Demo. Yolanda Kondonassis will host a discussion on her recent world premiere concerto project, Terra Infirma by Reena Esmail. Written for Ms. Kondonassis as both harp and percussion soloist, Terra Infirma is the latest environmentally...
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Presenters
avatar for Yolanda Kondonassis

Yolanda Kondonassis

Yolanda Kondonassis enjoys a career as one of the world’s leading solo harpists and has performed around the globe as a concerto soloist and in recital. She is the author of several standard books in harp literature, is professor of harp at The University of Michigan, a speaker... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 17:15 - 18:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Multimedia, Lecture Recital

17:15 EDT

Susann McDonald's Gifts to Youth
Wednesday July 29, 2026 17:15 - 18:00 EDT
Grand East
Concert featuring works by Susann McDonald and Linda Wood Rollo from the Harp Solos: Graded Recital Pieces and Haiku for the Harp that generations of young harpists have enjoyed worldwide. 
Moderators
avatar for Isabel Moreton

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 →
avatar for Linda Wood Rollo

Linda Wood Rollo

Linda Wood Rollo has taught on the faculties of Indiana University, San Francisco State University, Dominican College and the Ursuline School of Music and Drama.  Her honors include the World Harp Congress Award of Recognition, American Harp Society Lifetime Achievement... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Camille Frye

Camille Frye

Camille Frye is a harpist and pianist of over a decade who is committed to breaking barriers in classical music. She works to ensure talent is never defined by zip code, access, or stereotypes. A three-year member of the Urban Youth Ensemble, she served as principal harpist for the... Read More →
avatar for Zeynep Duru Güleç

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 →
avatar for Alice Han

Alice Han

Alice Han is a 12 year old young musician with a deep passion for both harp and piano.   Alice was the provincial winner in the 2025 Canadian Music Competition. In 2023, Alice was selected as Young Composers at the AHS Summer Institute, where she further developed her creativity... Read More →
avatar for Grace Han

Grace Han

AHS Chapter Ambassador
Grace Han is a 15 years old harpist who adores music and sports, she is a senior level figure skater and a musician who plays several instruments. She enjoys sharing her love of music with the community. In her spare time, Grace likes to create skating programs with her own... Read More →
avatar for Ziling Huang

Ziling Huang

Juliana Ziling Huang was born in 2011 in Guangzhou, China. Her earliest musical training was with her mother, a pianist and the director of the International Department at the School of Music, South China Normal University. Juliana started professional piano training at 3 and harp... Read More →
avatar for Hara Lim

Hara Lim

Hara Lim is a vibrant South Korean harpist in the 10th grade. Since starting in the 5th grade, she has shown exceptional artistic evolution, winning first prize in her age category at the 2025 Suoni d'Arpa International Harp Contest and the 2026 International Competition of... Read More →
avatar for Amber Nelms

Amber Nelms

Amber Nelms is an in-coming freshman at Vanderbilt University and harpist with the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble. She studies under Elisabeth Remy Johnson and serves as a teaching assistant for Urban Youth’s afterschool harp program. Amber was selected principal harpist for... Read More →
avatar for Siyan Tao

Siyan Tao

Focus on Youth
Tao Siyan currently studies with Dan Yu at the Music School attached to the Xinghai Conservatory of Music, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Ms. Tao is principal harpist of the school orchestra and frequently performs with the university symphony. She won first prize in the... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 17:15 - 18:00 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Solo Harp

19:15 EDT

Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble
Wednesday July 29, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Metropolitan United Church
A selection of Irish traditional and newly composed airs and dance tunes arranged for harp ensemble, directed by Gráinne Hambly.
Ensembles
avatar for Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble

Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble

Music Generation Mayo Harp Ensemble is made up of young musicians aged 10-18 years hailing from all parts of County Mayo Ireland, directed by acclaimed musicians Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson.  Recent performances include annual Harp Day performances at Foxford Traditional... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Metropolitan United Church 56 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2Z3, Canada
  Concert, Harp Ensemble

20:00 EDT

Chamber Orchestra Concerto Night
Wednesday July 29, 2026 20:00 - 22:00 EDT
Metropolitan United Church
Saucerful of Memories, Concerto for harp solo, string orchestra & French horn obbligato (2023), Gilad Cohen. Performed by Sivan Magen.A new jazz fusion work for amplified harp, bass, and drums and chamber orchestra composed by Ben Creighton Griffiths and performed by Chube; Ben Creighton Griffiths, electric harp and keys, Ashley John Long, bass, and Jon Bradford-Jones on drums.Petite Symphonie...
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Presenters
avatar for Jon Bradford-Jones

Jon Bradford-Jones

Drums, Chube
Jon Bradford-Jones is a professional drummer and percussionist based in South Wales, UK, with extensive experience across live performance, theatre, studio recording, and touring productions. A graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Jon has performed internationally... Read More →
avatar for Arnan Wiesel

Arnan Wiesel

Piano
Pianist Arnan Wiesel has appeared as solo and chamber musician in Australia, USA, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Israel. Performances include concertos with the Stuttgart Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and recitals in the Conce... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Oldengarm

Jonathan Oldengarm

Harpsichord
Jonathan is Minister of Music and Organist at Toronto’s Metropolitan United Church, where he oversees an extensive musical programme that includes multiple ensembles, two concert series, and numerous annual musical service highlights. He holds degrees in organ and harpsichord performance... Read More →
avatar for Ben Creighton Griffiths

Ben Creighton Griffiths

Benjamin Creighton Griffiths is a harpist and bandleader based in Wales. He made his International debut at the 2004 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France where, aged 7, he came second in the U18 division. In 2006 he won the U13 Division of the Wales International... Read More →
avatar for Sivan Magen

Sivan Magen

Sivan Magen has appeared as a recitalist and as a soloist with orchestras worldwide, in venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Sydney Opera House and the Vienna Konzerthaus, and with orchestras including the Israel Philharmonic, the Saint-Paul Chamber Orchestra and the... Read More →
avatar for Ashley John Long

Ashley John Long

Bass, Chube
Ashley John Long is a virtuoso double bassist and composer active in a diverse range of musical idioms. His work as a soloist includes premieres of numerous new works for solo bass. He participated in the 2018-2019 London Philharmonic Orchestra young composers scheme culminating in... Read More →
avatar for Anne-Sophie Bertrand

Anne-Sophie Bertrand

Anne-Sophie Bertrand is Principal Harpist of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and Visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Music, London, as well as faculty at the Akademie für Tonkunst, Darmstadt. A laureate of international competitions, she has performed at Wigmore Hall... Read More →
avatar for Naoko Yoshino

Naoko Yoshino

London-born Japanese harpist Naoko Yoshino started her solo career after winning First Prize at the Ninth International Harp Contest in Israel, in 1985. Her solo engagements with the world’s top orchestras have included the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra... Read More →
avatar for Mayumi Seiler

Mayumi Seiler

Violin
Mayumi Seiler is an internationally celebrated violinist known for concerto, recital, and chamber performances worldwide. She has appeared at venues including Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall for The Proms, performing with leading orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 20:00 - 22:00 EDT
Metropolitan United Church 56 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2Z3, Canada
  Concert, Concerto

22:00 EDT

Let’sGoTrio : groovy harp!
Wednesday July 29, 2026 22:00 - 22:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Funk, jazz, soul and world music reimagined for harp, bass and drums —a trio driven by groove, balancing structure with free-flowing improvisation.
Presenters
avatar for Florence Laouenan

Florence Laouenan

Flo is a French-Swiss harpist based in London, UK. She graduated from the Musikhochschule Basel, Switzerland, with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Performance. Alongside her classical studies, she also received jazz training at the Jazzcampus Basel, performing in various ensembles... Read More →
avatar for Gus Granchelli

Gus Granchelli

Bass, Let'sGoTrio
Gus Granchelli is a recording musician specialised on bass. Coming from a background of politics and youth leadership, he naturally aligned with bands such as Rage Against The Machine. Gus is also a versatile instrumentalist and Musical Director. He records on-line and on site (UK/EU... Read More →
avatar for Leonardo Gonzalez Figueroa

Leonardo Gonzalez Figueroa

Drums & Percussion, Let'sGoTrio
Leonardo Gonzalez Figueroa is a versatile drummer from Málaga, Spain, based in London, UK. Trained in classical piano and jazz drums, he is also a composer, arranger, and sound engineer. He performs with Foxpalmer  and Let’s Go Trio, blending groove and creativity across genres... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Let'sGoTrio

Let'sGoTrio

Let’sGoTrio is a groove-driven project led by harpist Florence Laouénan (Flo), with Leo Figuero on drums & percussion and Gus Granchelli on bass & guitar. Blending funk, jazz, soul and world music, they reinterpret and arrange pieces inspired by The Meters, Ikebe Shakedown, John... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 22:00 - 22:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Contemporary Styles
 
Thursday, July 30
 

07:00 EDT

In Stillness, Part II: The Spaces in Between
Thursday July 30, 2026 07:00 - 08:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Exploring and Experiencing Contemplative Music - creating immersive experiences that invite stillness, deeper awareness and reflection through mindful programming and intentional listening practices.Session 2 - Inspirations, improvisation and repertoire suggestions; preparing yourself; embracing this genre for self-practice. Experience the journey inward as Kimberly performs “The Spaces in...
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Presenters
avatar for Merynda Adams

Merynda Adams

Merynda Adams, praised for her color and facility by the Star-Ledger and called "the highlight of the night" by The New York Times, has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Canada, including off-Broadway in The Fantasticks. Her teachers include Kathleen Bride, Erika Waardenburg, Gloria Agostini, and Elisabeth Fontan-Binoche. Merynda is founder of Chamber Music for Charity, teaches at Drew University, and has led workshops at the Frost School of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, and the Cap-Ferret Musi... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Snaufer Derosa

Kimberly Snaufer Derosa

Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, known for her “stunningly beautiful” expression, has performed across North America, in the UK, and in Australia. Her career as performer and educator includes traditional and innovative collaborations, reflective sound immersions, founding/directing the... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 07:00 - 08:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Participatory Workshop, Healh & Wellness

08:30 EDT

Move Well, Play Better: #2 Tools for overcoming Performance Anxiety
Thursday July 30, 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 #2 Practical Tools for Overcoming Performance Anxiety - How to transform stress problems.
Presenters
avatar for Imogen Barford

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.
Thursday July 30, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT
Willow East
  Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

AHS IDEA Round Table
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Willow
Join the IDEA Committee for an engaging Round Table discussion spotlighting distinguished guest Zachary Hatcher. He currently serves as Principal Harpist of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and as a faculty member at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. His work exemplifies artistry grounded in diplomacy, cultural engagement, and collaborative exchange. This session will highlight his...
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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.
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Panel Discussion

09:00 EDT

USA IHC Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest: 2025 Finalists & Panel
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East
A lecture/recital about contest opportunities for composers, featuring two finalists from the USAIHC 8th Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest, and a panel discussion presented by leaders of new music opportunites for composers and performers.
Presenters
avatar for Evelyn Thienert

Evelyn Thienert

Evelyn Theinert is a German-American harpist whose passion to help others shapes her artistic journey. She performed in ensembles from Germany to D.C., and loves chamber music, lm scores, and premiering works, including her own compositions. Presently, she is pursuing the Master of... Read More →
avatar for Sonja Inglefield

Sonja Inglefield

The USA International Harp Competition was founded in 1989 by world-renowned harpist Susann McDonald. As part of its mission to promote harp music, the USAIHC sponsors a Composition Contest every three years, prior to the performance Competition. A distinguished panel of harpists... Read More →
avatar for Alice Giles

Alice Giles

Alice Giles is the First Prize winner of the 8th Israel International Harp Contest. In a singularly wide-ranging career she has performed in London’s Wigmore Hall, New York's 92nd St Y, the Frankfurt Alte Oper, and Mawson Station, Antarctica and as a concerto soloist and guest at... Read More →
avatar for Nicoletta Sanzin

Nicoletta Sanzin

Nicoletta Sanzin is Principal harpist of the Slovenska Filharmonija, and a very active performer both as soloist and chamber musician in Italy and abroad. She holds positions as Professor of Harp at G.Tartini Conservatory in Trieste and at S.Cecilia Portogruaro. As a member of the... Read More →
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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

09:30 EDT

Harp Works of Marjan Mozetich and Eileen Padgett 🍁
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:30 - 10:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
The harp works of Marjan Mozetich and his former student Eileen Padgett, each shaped by reflections on nature and nurture, reveal two unique voices in dialogue across generations. This concert will explore the relationship between the two composers Marjan Mozetich and Eileen Padgett, who had followed his composition courses. Referencing Mozetich's Songs of Nymphs (excerpted performance), this...
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Presenters
avatar for Claire Augier De Lajallet

Claire Augier De Lajallet

Claire Augier de Lajallet is a French harpist whose debut CD Memories (2023, Klarthe) received widespread critical acclaim. Based between France and Germany, she is an active freelance musician, performing as a soloist, chamber musician, and guest harpist with major European orchestras... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:30 - 10:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Canadian Music & Musicians

09:30 EDT

When the Harp Dances: Iconic works transcribed for Harp 🍁
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:30 - 10:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
The Firebird for Solo Harp (Ben Albertson): An arrangement performance of Stravinsky's 1919 Firebird Suite for Solo Harp 

When the Saint Marches (Lenka Petrović): Featuring solo harp transcriptions of piano compositions by Mozart, Ravel, and Kodály, the common thread in this program is dance.
Presenters
avatar for Ben Albertson

Ben Albertson

Ben Albertson is an accomplished harpist with over eighteen years of performance experience across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Ben is in his third season as the principal harpist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra; he was appointed adjunct professor of harp at the University... Read More →
avatar for Lenka Petrović

Lenka Petrović

Serbian harpist Lenka Petrović is the first prize winner of the 20th International Harp Contest in Israel and also won the Bronze Medal at the 10th USA International Harp Competition in Bloomington. Lenka is principal harpist of the Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra and has been... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 09:30 - 10:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Solo Harp

10:00 EDT

The Harpist’s Digital Toolbox: Mastering the iPad for Practice, Performance, & Teaching
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00 - 10:45 EDT
Osgoode West
A practical session on using the iPad to enhance practice, performance, and teaching—bringing organization, creativity, and modern efficiency to every harpist’s daily routine.
Presenters
avatar for Kaffee Peck

Kaffee Peck

Kaffee Peck is a Malaysian-born harpist, composer, and educator based in California. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California. With a background in piano and classical guitar, she brings cross-cultural and multi-instrumental influences... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00 - 10:45 EDT
Osgoode West
  Lecture, Technology

10:00 EDT

Conversations on Mental Illness through Music
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00 - 10:50 EDT
Willow East
This concert-presentation encourages open conversations about mental illnesses that many musicians live with, through personal stories and commissioned works by Caroline Lizotte and Nathan Cornelius.
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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00 - 10:50 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

10:00 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Exhibits

10:30 EDT

Focus on Youth 🍁
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity
10.30 Jiayang Li, ChinaHenriette Renié (1875-1956) - Pièce symphoniqueRuan Ji (3rd Century) - Ravings while drinking, an ancient Guqin song10.50 Xi Yu Ge Liu, ChinaMarcel Grandjany (1891-1975) - Fantasie sur un Thème de HaydnGuillaume Connesson (1970) - Toccata (2023)11.10 Reina Yoshida, JapanEkaterina Walter-Kühne (1870-1930) - Fantasy on Themes from Tsjaikowski’s opera Eugene OneginPierick...
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Presenters
avatar for Jiayang Li

Jiayang Li

Focus on Youth
Jiayang Li studies with Guan Wang in the high school affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. She has received awards in multiple international competitions including the gold medal in Group F in the 7th Hong Kong International Harp Competition, first prize in... Read More →
avatar for Liu Xiyuge

Liu Xiyuge

Liu Xiyuge began studying the harp with her mother at age 5. She is a student at the Primary School Affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music. She has won numerous awards including in the Ukraine International Harp Competition, the Serbia International Music Competition, the China Har... Read More →
avatar for Reina Yoshida

Reina Yoshida

Reina Yoshida (b. 2008, Japan) began her harp studies under the guidance of Atsuko Sato and now continues with Ms. Sato and Alexander Boldachev. Her musical achievements include First Prize and a Special Award in the Junior Division of the Osaka International Music Competition (2023... Read More →
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 Luo Siyu

Luo Siyu

Focus on Youth
13 year old Luo Siyu studies in the Central Conservatory of Music Middle School in China, with Professor Wang Guan. Siyu won first prize in the 2024 Japan Soka International Harp Competition, first place with a perfect score in the National Pedal Harp Competition at the 2023 China... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity 10 Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, M5G 1B1
  Focus on Youth Recital, Solo Harp

11:00 EDT

International Competition Winners in Recital
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00 - 12:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom
A recital exploring how composers use humour to look at the world differently. 2024 ARD Award winner Tjasha Gafner and 2025 USAIHC Gold Medalist Shamim Minoo in recital
Presenters
avatar for Shamim Minoo

Shamim Minoo

Shamim Minoo is an internationally recognized Iranian harpist. She won the Gold Medal and Renié Prize at the 13th USA International Harp Competition (2025). She studied at the Conservatoire régional de Paris with Ghislaine Petit-Volta and earned her master’s degree at the Conservatoire... Read More →
avatar for Tjasha Gafner

Tjasha Gafner

Swiss harpist Tjasha Gafner won First and Audience Prizes at the 2023 ARD International Music Competition. Named by Die Zeit among Germany’s 30 most influential under 30, she studied at Juilliard and the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne. Soloist from age ten in venues including... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00 - 12:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Solo Harp

11:30 EDT

Celebrating Henriette Renie’s Legacy through Intermedia
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Willow
This recital will feature Renie’s photographs and writings interwoven with ensemble performances of her works and modern-day photographs of the places that inspired Renie’s compositions.
Presenters
avatar for Jaymee Haefner

Jaymee Haefner

International Harp Archives & UNT Harp Beats
Jaymee Haefner (DM, MM, BM), is the University Distinguished Research Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. She has premiered works by composers Libby Larsen, Paul Patterson, and Gary Schocker; taught masterclasses in the... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for UNT Harp Beats

UNT Harp Beats

The UNT Harp Beats have attracted national attention for their innovative and diverse recitals since 2006. The ensemble has performed worldwide, including appearances in Hong Kong (Center for Performing Arts), Chicago (Lyon & Healy Hall), Orlando, San Antonio, New Orleans, Fort Worth... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, History & Practice

11:30 EDT

Exploring Compositions of Jeffrey Mumford
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Workshop on composer Jeffrey Mumford and his inspirations including Elliott Carter or Claude Debussy
Presenters
avatar for Anne-Sophie Bertrand

Anne-Sophie Bertrand

Anne-Sophie Bertrand is Principal Harpist of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and Visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Music, London, as well as faculty at the Akademie für Tonkunst, Darmstadt. A laureate of international competitions, she has performed at Wigmore Hall... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

11:30 EDT

Everyday Harp Care: Regulation
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
Regulation:  What is it, what is the standard work and what is not, how to prepare and avoid appointment sabotage.

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.
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
  Lecture

11:30 EDT

Kevin Le Pennec
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Coming Out is a vibrant set of original songs for harp and voice, where trad influences emerge indifferent ways — through rhythms, melodies, or the lyrics themselves.Drawn from Kevin Le Pennec’s new 2026 album Coming Out, the program blends these roots withcontemporary and pop-infused colours to explore queer, feminist and humanist themes with poeticwriting, a rhythmic, expressive harp, and a...
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Presenters
avatar for Kevin Le Pennec

Kevin Le Pennec

Kevin Le Pennec, trained as a traditional musician in Brittany, France, is a harpist, singer and composer recognised for his expressive, rhythm-driven lever harp style and his clear, compelling voice. Active as both a soloist and ensemble musician, he has performed widely across Europe... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Solo Harp

11:45 EDT

Become a Better Sight reader, Part 1: Classical and Popular Styles
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East
Explore resources and training options that support building improvisational skills and confidence! 
Presenters
avatar for Felice Pomeranz

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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East
  Participatory Workshop, History & Practice

12:30 EDT

Central Conservatory of Music Harp Ensemble
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
The Echo6 Harp Ensemble is from the Middle School affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China. Original work, world premiere — a Chinese story that blends classical and innovative elements, fusing Western instruments with Eastern motifs.ProgramWaterweed Dance.            Du Ming Xin/Wu Zu Qiang,  Arranged by Sun Xiao SongCoral...
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Presenters
avatar for Guan Wang

Guan Wang

Mrs. Guan Wang is a professor and doctoral supervisor of harp at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China, as well as the deputy director of the Teaching and Research Office for Percussion, Harp,and Guitar. She is a member of the Board of the World Harp Congress. Her outstanding... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for CCOM Harp Ensemble

CCOM Harp Ensemble

The members of CCOM Harp Ensemble all come from the Middle School Affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China, where they are students of Professor Guan Wang. Ranging in age from 12 to 16 years old, each of these young musicians is an international competition... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

14:00 EDT

Symphonic Journeys: Morphose Trio
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Symphonic Tales (Morphose Trio): An enchanting programme that brings timeless stories to life through arrangements for saxophone, viola, and harp of some of the most beloved orchestral pieces.
Presenters
avatar for Judith Soumillion

Judith Soumillion

Judith Soumillion holds the Bachelor of Music degree from the LUCA School of Arts, Belgium, the Master of Music degree from the Conservatorium Maastricht, the Netherlands, with further studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music, Norway. She won the Henriette Hustinx Prize in 2018 with... Read More →
avatar for Cédric Delvaux

Cédric Delvaux

Saxophone, Morphose Trio
Cédric Delvaux is a versatile Belgian saxophonist, active as a soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. Driven by innovation, he explores the boundaries of his instrument by performing in ensembles with unconventional formations and collaborating with composers and other art forms... Read More →
avatar for Xavier Timmermans

Xavier Timmermans

Viola, Morphose Trio
Xavier Timmermans is a Belgian violist with a wide-ranging artistic profile. Curious and open-minded, he enjoys expanding his repertoire and exploring new ways of sharing music with audiences. His performances span a broad spectrum of styles, from Baroque and Classical to Romantic... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Morphose Trio

Morphose Trio

Morphose Trio is a unique Belgian chamber music ensemble with an exceptional combination of instruments: saxophone, viola, and harp. Their mission is to go beyond the well-trodden paths of the classical music landscape. The trio creates new music in collaboration with composers and... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Chamber Music

14:00 EDT

AI marketing: enhancing personalization and social media exposure for music entrepreneurship.
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Osgoode West
Jessica Yuen is an internationally recognized Canadian musician & educator whose work bridges artistry and innovation.She has performing in concerts across Asia, Europe, and North America, with a debut at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, and recordings in Paris and Switzerland. Having mentored over 1,800 students, she also focuses her academic research on AI marketing inmusic and education entrepreneurship,...
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Presenters
avatar for Jessica Yuen

Jessica Yuen

Jessica Yuen is an internationally recognized Canadian musician & educator whose work bridges artistry and innovation. She has performed in concerts across Asia, Europe, and North America, with a debut at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, and recordings in Paris and Switzerland. Having mentored... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Osgoode West
  Lecture, Technology

14:00 EDT

Spanish Reflections I
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Grand East
Concert featuring works transcribed by Susann McDonald and Linda Wood Rollo from the Spanish Music collections that have expanded harp repertoire worldwide. 

Moderators
avatar for Kirsten Agresta-Copely

Kirsten Agresta-Copely

Kirsten Agresta Copely is a two-time GRAMMY® nominated harpist and composer known for her distinctive blend of classical virtuosity and cinematic ambiance. She has appeared at major venues worldwide, including the White House, Carnegie Hall, and the Muziekgebouw while maintaining an active career as... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Emmanuel Padilla Holguín

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 →
avatar for Mieko Inoue

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 →
avatar for Marcelo Penido Da Silva

Marcelo Penido Da Silva

Marcelo Penido earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Harp Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, studying with Susann McDonald. Penido serves professor de Harp at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil. He has performed with the lead... Read More →
avatar for Tine Rehling

Tine Rehling

Tine Rehling graduated from Royal Danish Academy of Music and IU School of Music, studying with Susann McDonald.  She is the winner of several Danish music awards, including the recent Wilhelm Hansen Foundation Honorary Award. Tine performs as soloist and chamber musician in Denmark... Read More →
avatar for Elisa Torres

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 →
avatar for Celia Chan Valerio

Celia Chan Valerio

Celia Chan Valerio is the former principal harpist of the Sarasota Orchestra and Harp Professor at Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, and the University of California Riverside. She is a multiple winner in the Anne Adams Awards and won top prizes in the American String... Read More →
avatar for Erin Wood

Erin Wood

Erin Wood’s first international performance was at the Seventh World Harp Congress in Prague as part of the only chamber ensemble selected for the Focus on Youth series. She is delighted to be appearing again with a flute, harp, and viola trio. Erin teaches harp at the University... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Solo Harp

14:00 EDT

Strings, Voice & Rhythm: The Harp Reimagined with Pia Salvia
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow
Harpist-vocalist Pia Salvia infuses Jazz, Pop, and World music with her distinctive sound, joined by drummer Noam Israeli for a unique, dynamic performance.
Presenters
avatar for Noam Israeli

Noam Israeli

Drums
Noam Israeli is a Los Angeles–based drummer, producer, and recording artist known for his dynamic sound and global musical approach. A Berklee College of Music graduate with a Master’s in Performance and Production, he was also selected for the prestigious Berklee Global... Read More →
avatar for Pia Salvia

Pia Salvia

Award-winning Belgian harpist, vocalist, and composer Pia Salvia is known for blending jazz, pop, and world influences into a uniquely expressive sound. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she has performed at major festivals including the Hollywood Bowl, Festival Mundial del... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Performance, Contemporary Styles

14:00 EDT

Baroque Concertos for the Arpa Doppia
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 15:00 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Presenters
avatar for Matthew Antal

Matthew Antal

Viola, Elixir Ensemble Toronto
Matthew Antal was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto under Katharine Rapoport and a master’s degree from the University of Victoria under Joanna Hood, both in viola performance. He is a regular performer with several... Read More →
avatar for Maria Christina Cleary

Maria Christina Cleary

Multi disciplinary harpist Maria Christina Cleary specializes in research and performance on historical harps. Her  PhD thesis, “Harpe Organisée, 1720-1840: Rediscovering the lost pedal techniques on harps with a single-action pedal mechanism”, is the first monograph on pedalling... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 15:00 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Performance

14:00 EDT

Music for Harp and Percussion 🍁
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 15:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom
World Premiere of "JSB SE RS" for harp and vibraphone (Sanya Eng & Ryan Scott): Composer Chris Paul Harman describes this World Premiere as follows: "Twenty-five refashioned chorales by J.S. Bach are presented in a quasi-continuous narrative that explores new twists in tonal harmony and rhythm, and subtle contrasts in timbre and texture between the harp and vibraphone."Harp from the Mexican...
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Presenters
avatar for Juan Martínez Cortés

Juan Martínez Cortés

Percussion
Juan Martínez Cortés completed his Master ́s Degree at the Royal Conservatoire (The Hague, Netherlands) and his Bachelor ́s Degree at the Universidad Veracruzana Music Faculty (Mexico). Juan has performed in 25 countries around Europe, Asia, Africa and America, working with different... Read More →
avatar for Eugenia Espinales Correa

Eugenia Espinales Correa

Graduated with honors from the Faculty of Music at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the École Normale de Musique de Paris “Alfred Cortot” under the guidance of Isabelle Perrin. Eugenia has performed as a soloist with orchestras in Mexico, given recitals... Read More →
avatar for Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf concertizes throughout North America as soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is the guest principal harpist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, and principal harpist with the London, Ontario, Symphonia. Angela is the first harpist to earn the... Read More →
avatar for Etienne Levesque

Etienne Levesque

Percussion
Étienne Levesque (MMus UofT) is known for his versatility as a percussionist. He has been sought after to perform in orchestras, opera companies, and musicals throughout Eastern Canada, such as Esprit Orchestra, Kingston Symphony, Symphony New-Brunswick, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra... Read More →
avatar for Sanya Eng

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 →
avatar for Ryan Scott

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 →
Thursday July 30, 2026 14:00 - 15:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Chamber Music

15:00 EDT

Alexander Rider: Divertissement à la roumaine
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:00 - 15:50 EDT
Willow East
A lecture performance that documents the contribution of Romanian harpists to the French repertoire of the 20th century.
Presenters
avatar for Alexander Rider

Alexander Rider

Alexander Rider freelances with major UK ensembles including the BBC Symphony, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Royal Opera and Ballet Orchestra; the City of Birmingham Symphony, Brighton Philharmonic, Gabrieli Consort, and the Academy of Ancient Music. Passionate about French... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:00 - 15:50 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital, History & Practice

15:10 EDT

From Italy to Hollywood: a 20th Century Harp Legacy Part I
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:10 - 15:50 EDT
Willow
Part 1: Origins of Repertoire: Clelia Gatti Aldrovandi, one of the leading virtuosi of the harp
Presenters
avatar for Patrizia Tassini

Patrizia Tassini

Patrizia Tassini studied harp in Trieste. Italy, in France, and in the USA at the Eastman School of Music. She received the 2nd Prize at the 8th International Harp Contest in Israel and the USA Concerto Competition. She has been a member of the jury for numerous international harp... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:10 - 15:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, History & Practice

15:15 EDT

Two by Two: Harp Duos Chiaroscuro & Arc de Temps
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:15 - 16:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Chiaroscuro: A Dialogue of Contrasts. Exploring contrast through Schubert’s lyrical Romanticism and the vibrant rhythms of contemporary music, blending tradition and innovation in expressive synergy.Harpduo Arc du temps:  Erik Groenestein-Hendriks & Viktor Hartobanu. César Franck's mind crossed borders from Baroque to Belle Époque, from organ to orchestra. This program transfers his...
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Presenters
avatar for Isabella Cambini

Isabella Cambini

Isabella Cambini began her harp studies with Simona Marchesi. Isabella is the recipient of multiple awards in International competitions and a scholarship recipient from the Bracco and Brusoni foundations, providing performance opportunities on an international stage.
Isabelle graduated from the Civic School of Music Claudio Abbado in Milan, under the guidance of Irina Zingg. Isabelle is currently performing with the Oslo Philharmonic orchestra and the Oslo Opera while continuing her master’s degree at the Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo... Read More →
avatar for Zoja Đorđević

Zoja Đorđević

Chiaroscuro Duo
Zoja Đorđević began playing the harp at the age of nine in her native Belgrade. She completed the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance at the Norwegian Academy of Music, studying with Professor Isabelle Perrin. Zoja has been deeply engaged in collaborative projects and... Read More →
avatar for Erik Groenestein-Hendriks

Erik Groenestein-Hendriks

Arc de temps
Erik Groenestein-Hendriks has been principal harpist of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra since 2013 and was previously solo harpist of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago (2007–2010). He has performed with renowned conductors including Haitink, Dudamel, Blomstedt, and Gardiner... Read More →
avatar for Viktor Hartobanu

Viktor Hartobanu

Viktor first studied the piano and harp with his mother, and completed his Master’s studies in harp with Florence Sitruk and Jana Boušková. Viktor was a member of the Orchestra Academy of the Staatskapelle Berlin. He began teaching in 2017 as harp professor at the Stella Vorarlberg... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Arc de Temps

Arc de Temps

Arc de Temps is a harp duo born from a shared passion for historical harps. Viktor Hartobanu & Erik Groenestein-Hendriks met during a Ring project with their Erard instruments. Their Toronto program explores César Franck's boundless musical mind—bridging Baroque grace and Belle... Read More →
avatar for Chiaroscuro Duo

Chiaroscuro Duo

Chiaroscuro is a harp duo formed in 2022 by Isabella Cambini and Zoja Đorđević at the Norwegian Academy of Music. Their playing spans from classical to contemporary repertoire, with a shared musical sensitivity and a strong chamber connection. Mentored by Isabelle Perrin, they’ve... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:15 - 16:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Harp Duos

15:30 EDT

Strings and Beyond: a Celebration of Young Harpists-Artists
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:30 - 16:30 EDT
Grand East
In a world where tradition meets innovation, a new generation of performers: creators, dreamers, and storytellers, is quietly reweaving the fabric of classical music. Their time to be heard is now. Rosie Murphy, Paidir chiúin a rá (2024) (Ireland), Maximilian Treller, suite for harp nr1 (Germany), Nadja Floder, Longing for Eternity, opus 22 (2022) (Austria), Charisma Chow...
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Presenters
avatar for Ernestine Stoop

Ernestine Stoop

Ernestine Stoop studied with Edward Witsenburg in Amsterdam. She then studied for two years with the legendary harpist Pierre Jamet. She is harp-professor at the Royal College of Music in the Hague. She initiated the 3rd and 5th European Harp Symposia (1995 and 2001) in Amsterdam... Read More →
avatar for Veronika Lemishenko

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 →
avatar for Natasha Burns

Natasha Burns

Natasha Burns is an award-winning composer and musician based in Scotland. Her work ranges from classical repertoire to contemporary multidisciplinary approaches. She studies with Eleanor Turner, and is an alumna of Sound and Music and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Recognition... Read More →
avatar for Rosie Murphy

Rosie Murphy

Rosie Murphy is a harpist and composer, graduating from The Royal Conservatoire The Hague, under Ernestine Stoop and Live Electronic Music at the Institute of Sonology. She is the BBC-ACNI Young Musician Platform Awardee and a Britten-Pears Young Artist for Composition and Performance. Establishin... Read More →
avatar for Eileen C.K. Shafer

Eileen C.K. Shafer

Eileen C.K. Shafer (b. 2002) is an internationally recognized harpist composer from the United States of America with a passion for writing gratifying and accessible pieces for all harpists. From stage to screen, she regularly promotes the harp’s acoustic versatility which is reflected in her growing... Read More →
avatar for Maximilian Robin Treller

Maximilian Robin Treller

Maximilian Robin Treller (*2003, Germany) is a harpist, composer, and improviser working at the intersection of contemporary music and improvisation. He studies harp at the Lübeck University of Music with Gesine Dreyer. Since 2020, Treller has been composing original works and developing... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 15:30 - 16:30 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Solo Harp

16:00 EDT

The Érard Family
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:00 - 16:45 EDT
Willow East
A new edition of the first published research on the Érard harp production (including Pleyel and L&H harps) based on original documents and instruments
Presenters
avatar for Giuliano Marco Mattioli

Giuliano Marco Mattioli

After two Harp Diplomas in just six years of study in 2005 and 2007, Giuliano Marco Mattioli delved into historical performance practice with Mara Galassi. He won several competitions and collaborated with various orchestras, including LaVerdi, Concerto Köln, Dresdner Festspielorchester... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:00 - 16:45 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital, History & Practice

16:10 EDT

From Italy to Hollywood: a 20th Century Harp Legacy Part 2
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:10 - 16:30 EDT
Willow
Between Two Worlds: Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Works for Harp. Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's artistic journey presented through the lens of his harp compositions, including the 1937 Concertino commissioned by Gatti-Aldrovandi and other collaborations with leading harpists
Presenters
avatar for Diana Castelnuovo-Tedesco

Diana Castelnuovo-Tedesco

Diana oversees the musical legacy of her grandfather, composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco. Diana studied Art History and Italian at Smith College before settling in New York, where she worked in international communications. Since 2017 she has focused on making her grandfather’s... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:10 - 16:30 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, History & Practice

16:30 EDT

Resonating Within: Awakening the Psyche and Spirit Through the Harp
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Using the principles of Helen Bonny’s Guided Imagery in Music, this workshop explores how harpists can shape performance programs to deepen listening, enhance narrative flow, and connect to meaningful human experiences.
Presenters
avatar for Jeremy Chesman

Jeremy Chesman

Jeremy Chesman is Professor of Music at Missouri State University, where he teaches harp and maintains a small Suzuki pre-college studio. He studied with Lynne Aspnes and Alice Chalifoux and performs regularly with the Springfield Symphony and Ozarks Lyric Opera. Also a Speech-Language... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:30 - 17:20 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

16:30 EDT

A Susann McDonald Soirée
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:30 - 18:00 EDT
Osgoode West
An informal celebration and gathering for friends and students of Susann McDonald. Open to all, to share music and memories. 

Thursday July 30, 2026 16:30 - 18:00 EDT
Osgoode West
  Participatory Workshop, Solo Harp

16:45 EDT

Building the Next Generation: Harp Ensembles as Training Grounds for Musicianship, Leadership, and Community
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:45 - 17:45 EDT
Grand East
This panel brings together leading directors of youth and pre-college harp ensembles from around the world with diverse perspectives on institutional models, to explore how how the ensemble experience influences learning, mentorship, and artistic aspiration, and the essential role the ensemble experience plays in shaping not only musicianship, but confidence, leadership, creativity, and belonging.

Moderators
avatar for Kristal Schwartz

Kristal Schwartz

Kristal Schwartz is a San Francisco Bay Area harpist with a Master’s Degree in Performance with honors from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Kristal is the founder of the Bay Area Harp Academy and the Bay Area Harp Foundation, and director of its youth ensemble, which has... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Betzer

Jennifer Betzer

Jennifer Betzer is Instructor for the Urban Youth (Atlanta, GA) Harp Ensemble, and on the faculty of Oglethorpe University. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in harp from the University of North Texas, where her dissertation was on 20th Century harpist Dorothy Ashby. Jennifer... Read More →
avatar for Rosanna Chiu

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 →
avatar for Maurice Draughn

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 →
avatar for Gustavo Jimenez Pereira

Gustavo Jimenez Pereira

Gustavo Jimenez Pereira is a Brazilian harp teacher and researcher who recently completed his PhD in Music Education at Western University. His work focuses on harp pedagogy, social justice in music education, and expanding access to harp instruction. He has taught at universities... Read More →
avatar for Vincent Pierce

Vincent Pierce

Dr. Vincent Pierce is a co-owner and founder of California Harp Center, a premier harp showroom in Hayward, California. He previously taught in the Ector County and Round Rock ISD public school harp programs and at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and Odessa College... Read More →
avatar for Katryna Tan

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 →
avatar for Guan Wang

Guan Wang

Mrs. Guan Wang is a professor and doctoral supervisor of harp at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China, as well as the deputy director of the Teaching and Research Office for Percussion, Harp,and Guitar. She is a member of the Board of the World Harp Congress. Her outstanding... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 16:45 - 17:45 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Panel Discussion

17:10 EDT

Syzygy: My Journey as a Percussive Harpist
Thursday July 30, 2026 17:10 - 18:00 EDT
Willow East
A story about Amy’s journey, exploring the harp's potential as a modern percussive instrument through pop covers and original compositions.
Presenters
avatar for Amy Turk

Amy Turk

Amy Turk is a multi-genre harpist, arranger, composer, educator and session artist from the UK. With special interests in percussion, video game music, film music and popular music of all styles, Amy has created a unique career path through her presence online, pioneering compositions... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 17:10 - 18:00 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

17:15 EDT

Maud and Music: A Lecture Recital on Lucy Maud Montgomery and the Sound of Anne 🍁
Thursday July 30, 2026 17:15 - 18:00 EDT
Willow
An illuminating refection on L.M. Montgomery’s musical legacy, featuring the world premiere of the only authorized harp arrangement of Hagood Hardy’s “Anne’s Theme.”
Presenters
avatar for Anastasia Pike

Anastasia Pike

Anastasia Pike is a harpist, educator, and arts leader whose work spans performance, scholarship, and administration. She teaches at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is Founder/Director of the Hampton Roads Harp Festival and HRHF Summer Institute. An active performer and... Read More →
avatar for Grace Chesnut-Pike

Grace Chesnut-Pike

Grace Chesnut-Pike is an American multi-instrumentalist on violin, piano, and harp. Her performance credits include the White House; the World Harp Congress in Cardiff; the In and Out Club in London; public television; and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She has also... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 17:15 - 18:00 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

19:15 EDT

China FAEF Harp Committee harp ensemble
Thursday July 30, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Lobby
Founded as China's first and only provincial-level academic harp organization, the FAEF Harp Committee combines artistic and educational missions to promote harp knowledge and culture in China. The vision of the FAEF Harp Committee is to share the harp culture of China with the world, tounite a new generation of Chinese harpists, foster cultural exchange with students globally and, through this...
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Presenters
avatar for Gao Lanyan

Gao Lanyan

Ms. Gao Lanyan currently serves as the Secretary-General and Executive Vice Chairperson of the Harp Professional Committee of the Fujian Vocational Education Society for Arts. She is also the Artistic Director of the Cross-Strait Harp Competition (National Caiyi Cup) and the Chief... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for China FAEF Harp Committee

China FAEF Harp Committee

Phil Young (Yang Zhihua) is a Chinese-American composer and educator, celebrated for his unique fusion of Eastern musical heritage with Western compositional techniques. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music, his extensive catalog spans symphonic works, chamber music, and... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Lobby
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

20:00 EDT

Something Special This Way Comes
Thursday July 30, 2026 20:00 - 21:00 EDT
Willow

Music by R. Murray Shafer and Claude Debussy
Presenters
avatar for Phoebe Powell

Phoebe Powell

Canadian harpist Phoebe Powell has been Principal Harpist of the Sarasota Orchestra since 2023, previously holding the same position with the New World Symphony (2020–2023). She has performed with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, and appears regularly at the Sun V... Read More →
avatar for Kaili Maimets

Kaili Maimets

Flute, Topaz Duo
Canadian flutist Kaili Maimets is in demand as an orchestral performer, chamber musician, and soloist. She regularly performs with the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada (NACO) and has held positions as Second Flute & Piccolo of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (2016-2018), and... Read More →
avatar for Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf concertizes throughout North America as soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is the guest principal harpist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, and principal harpist with the London, Ontario, Symphonia. Angela is the first harpist to earn the... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 20:00 - 21:00 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

20:00 EDT

Something Special This Way Comes 🍁
Thursday July 30, 2026 20:00 - 22:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Watch this space for an evening celebration of extraordinary musicianship, and a lifetime of dedicated partnerships that changed the landscape of contemporary music for the harp!
Moderators
avatar for Tom Allen
Presenters
avatar for Julia Seager-Scott

Julia Seager-Scott

Born and raised in Toronto, Julia Seager-Scott has had the privilege of leading a multi-harp, multi-genre freelance career. Starting at age 8 on the lever harp, Julia switched to concert grand pedal harp at age 12, studying with Judy Loman. Now in her 50s Julia also plays baroque... Read More →
avatar for Alanna Ellison

Alanna Ellison

Ontario Harp Society
Alanna Ellison is a versatile harpist recognized for expressive, sensitive performances across Canada. She studied with Judy Loman at the University of Toronto and Jennifer Swartz at McGill University, following early mentorship from Sharlene Wallace and Marie Lorcini... Read More →
avatar for Lori Gemmell

Lori Gemmell

Lori Gemmel is principal harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and teaches at Wilfrid Laurier University and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She tours Canada with her husband Tom Allen, presenting Chamber Musicals they create together combining music, history and storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Heidi Krutzen

Heidi Krutzen

Heidi Krutzen is Principal Harp of the Philharmonia Orchestra, performing and touring internationally. She serves as guest principal harp with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. With COULOIR and Trio Verlaine, she tours widely, records extensively... Read More →
avatar for Amahl Arulanandam

Amahl Arulanandam

Cello, Venuti String Quartet

Amahl Arulanandam is a versatile cellist equally at home in baroque and metal. Performs with Soundstreams, Esprit Orchestra, and New Music Concerts, and is a founding member of VC2 Cello Duo.  Amahl is a specialist in extended technique and new music.
avatar for Drew Jurecka

Drew Jurecka

Violin, Venuti String Quartet
Originally trained as a classical violinist, Drew Jurecka earned his degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music before returning to Toronto to play with the legendary guitarist Jeff Healey.  A musician of extraordinary range, Drew Jurecka has won a Grammy award as a producer, records... Read More →
avatar for Rebekah Wolkstein

Rebekah Wolkstein

Violin, Venuti String Quartet
Rebekah Wolkstein is a passionate chamber musician and a multi-award winning creative force in the Canadian music scene — a violinist, vocalist, songwriter, and composer. She serves as first violinist of the Venuti String Quartet, and has performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra... Read More →
avatar for Phoebe Powell

Phoebe Powell

Canadian harpist Phoebe Powell has been Principal Harpist of the Sarasota Orchestra since 2023, previously holding the same position with the New World Symphony (2020–2023). She has performed with the Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, and appears regularly at the Sun V... Read More →
avatar for Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf

Angela Schwarzkopf concertizes throughout North America as soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. She is the guest principal harpist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, and principal harpist with the London, Ontario, Symphonia. Angela is the first harpist to earn the... Read More →
avatar for Kaili Maimets

Kaili Maimets

Flute, Topaz Duo
Canadian flutist Kaili Maimets is in demand as an orchestral performer, chamber musician, and soloist. She regularly performs with the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada (NACO) and has held positions as Second Flute & Piccolo of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (2016-2018), and... Read More →
avatar for Julie Umbrico

Julie Umbrico

Julie Umbrico
Julie Umbrico began lessons with her mother, harpist Judy Loman‚ and continued with Alice Chalifoux at the Salzedo Harp School, and Marilyn Costello at the Curtis Institute of Music. Julie has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player in ensembles across Canada including the O... Read More →
avatar for Sharlene Wallace

Sharlene Wallace

Sharlene Wallace is a Canadian lever and pedal harpist, composer, educator and visual explorer. Winner of two international lever harp competitions, she has given concerts and workshops across Canada, the United States and Europe. Sharlene has released nine albums, including two electronic... Read More →
avatar for Hope Wilk

Hope Wilk

Originally from New York; Hope Wilk has performed with The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Syracuse Symphony, and the Chautauqua Symphony. She participated in the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, the Bowdoin International Music Festival... Read More →
avatar for Charlene Chin

Charlene Chin

Seattle native, Charlene Chin currently serves as the Principal Harpist for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. She began her Canadian journey studying at the Glenn Gould School of Music with acclaimed harpist, Judy Loman and Heidi Bearcroft. Her studies continued at the Indiana University... Read More →
avatar for Clara Wang

Clara Wang

Praised as a "beautiful artist with unlimited potential" (Yolanda Kondonassis), Clara Wang serves as the Principal Harp of the National Ballet of Canada. Clara can also be seen performing with numerous groups around Toronto, including the Canadian Opera Company and Toronto Symphony... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Topaz Duo

Topaz Duo

Angela Schwarkopf and Kaili Maimets first performed together in 2008. They officially formed their duo in 2010 and have been performing throughout Ontario ever since. Kaili and Angela bring a commitment to a high, professional level of musical interpretation, and a varied repertoire... Read More →
avatar for Venuti String Quartet

Venuti String Quartet

“Captivating… Breathtaking tour de force… plays with joie de vivre!” raves The WholeNote. The Venuti String Quartet brings together four of Toronto’s most sought-after musicians, performing regularly with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, National... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 20:00 - 22:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Concert
 
Friday, July 31
 

07:00 EDT

In Stillness, Part III: Whisper of the Ancients
Friday July 31, 2026 07:00 - 08:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Session 3.  Learn how sound and vibrational frequencies may be used to influence the body, calm the nervous system, and support emotional and energetic balance. Experience a soundscape meditation with harp (electric), crystal bowl, didgeridoo, flute, and gong.



Presenters
avatar for Alexander Coronado

Alexander Coronado

Alexander Coronado is founder of Mystical Xander Vibes, a Dallas-based wellness and experiential education practice integrating sound healing, energy work, ancient symbolic traditions, Authentic Relating, and communication facilitation. He creates transformative experiences that cultivate... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Snaufer Derosa

Kimberly Snaufer Derosa

Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, known for her “stunningly beautiful” expression, has performed across North America, in the UK, and in Australia. Her career as performer and educator includes traditional and innovative collaborations, reflective sound immersions, founding/directing the... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 07:00 - 08:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Participatory Workshop, Healh & Wellness

08:30 EDT

Move Well, Play Better: #3 The Arms and how we use them
Friday July 31, 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 #3: The Arms and How We Use Them - We will explore the arm/hand structure in our own bodies and discover useful ways of...
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Presenters
avatar for Imogen Barford

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.
Friday July 31, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT
Willow East
  Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

Susann McDonald: Thoughts for Teachers and Students
Friday July 31, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Grand East
Perspectives on Susann McDonald's inspirational teaching legacy through generations of harpists and harp teachers. 
Moderators
avatar for Isabel Moreton

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
avatar for Nancy Allen

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 →
avatar for Jaymee Haefner

Jaymee Haefner

International Harp Archives & UNT Harp Beats
Jaymee Haefner (DM, MM, BM), is the University Distinguished Research Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. She has premiered works by composers Libby Larsen, Paul Patterson, and Gary Schocker; taught masterclasses in the... Read More →
avatar for Linda Wood Rollo

Linda Wood Rollo

Linda Wood Rollo has taught on the faculties of Indiana University, San Francisco State University, Dominican College and the Ursuline School of Music and Drama.  Her honors include the World Harp Congress Award of Recognition, American Harp Society Lifetime Achievement... Read More →
avatar for Elzbieta (Ela) Szmyt

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 →
avatar for Elisa Torres

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 →
avatar for Naoko Yoshino

Naoko Yoshino

London-born Japanese harpist Naoko Yoshino started her solo career after winning First Prize at the Ninth International Harp Contest in Israel, in 1985. Her solo engagements with the world’s top orchestras have included the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Panel Discussion

09:00 EDT

Functional Movement and Instrumental Gesture
Friday July 31, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow
AMTA- Analysis of instrumental gestures from the perspective of functional movement and biomechanics. Lecture; interactive practical demonstrations with and without harp with auxiliary tools.
Presenters
avatar for lisetta rossi

lisetta rossi

Lisetta Rossi has held lectures, seminars and masterclasses in Europe, China and California. A former Professor at the Milan Conservatory, she was principal harpist in prestigious symphony and opera orchestras. She has performed at international contemporary music festivals, including... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

09:30 EDT

Valentina V. by Timothy Roy, for Solo Harp and Immersive Electroacoustic Sound
Friday July 31, 2026 09:30 - 10:05 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Valentina V. is a powerful and evocative new work for harp and immersive electronics exploring the dramatic and tragic life of Valentina Visconti.
Presenters
avatar for Timothy Roy

Timothy Roy

Electronics
Timothy Roy composes music steeped in imagery and allusion, which seeks to elicit a sense of time, place, and feeling. His music has been presented at such venues and events as the National Theater of Taipei, Music Biennale Zagreb, ZKM Karlsruhe, Los Angeles County Arboretum... Read More →
avatar for Hope Cowan

Hope Cowan

Hope Cowan performs and teaches throughout the Houston area as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, and event harpist. Active as both an orchestral and chamber musician, she is principal harpist with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and is a core member of the chamber music... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 09:30 - 10:05 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Multimedia

09:30 EDT

Steel6ix 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 09:30 - 10:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Harpist Heidi Bearcroft and flutist Kelly Zimba Luckic, offer an program spanning evocative 19th Century French lyricism to polyphonic African Pygmy chants.
Presenters
avatar for Heidi Bearcroft

Heidi Bearcroft

Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Heidi Bearcroft is the Principal harpist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Sun Valley (Idaho) Summer Symphony. Ms. Bearcroft is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where she studied with Nancy Allen. She is the winner of numerous U.S. national competitions, and... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Zimba Lukić

Kelly Zimba Lukić

Flute, Steel6ix
Kelly Zimba Lukić joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Principal Flute in 2017. She teaches at the Glenn Gould School, the University of Toronto, and the OAcademy Orchestra Institute. She has served on the faculties of NYO Canada, NYO-USA, Atlantic Music Festival, Orford Winds... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Steel6ix

Steel6ix

Steel6ix, a duo of harpist Heidi Bearcroft and flutist Kelly Zimba Lukić, blends two iconic representations of our hometowns: Steel for our beloved Pittsburgh roots, and 6ix for the six boroughs of Toronto, our new home.
Friday July 31, 2026 09:30 - 10:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Chamber Music

10:00 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open
Friday July 31, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall

Friday July 31, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Exhibits

10:15 EDT

An Overview of Modern Canadian Music for the Harp 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 10:15 - 10:50 EDT
Willow
Explore modern Canadian harp music, chronologically delving into the repertoire and what it means to write Canadian music for harp.
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 →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:15 - 10:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Lecture Recital, Canadian Music & Musicians

10:30 EDT

The Italian Triple Harp as a Solo Instrument
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30 - 11:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
“The Italian triple harp as a solo instrument” is a 45-min performance on the Italian triple harp.
Presenters
avatar for Lise Vandersmissen

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 →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30 - 11:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Solo Harp

10:30 EDT

Focus on Youth 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity
10.30 Hanyun Yu, ChinaRobert Nicolas Charles Bochsa (1789-1856) - Zitti, zitti (Rondeau on the Trio Zitti, zitti from Rossini’s opera Barber of Seville)Yinghai Li (1927) - Spring on the moonlit river10.50 Anna-Helena Hamann, FinlandJ.S. Bach (1685-1750) - Praeambulum from Partita n. 5 in G Major BWV 829Marcel Grandjany (1891-1975) - RhapsodieL. MÅRTENSON (1934-2016) - Theme from Myrskyluodon...
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Presenters
avatar for Hanyun Yu

Hanyun Yu

15 years old Yu Hanyun began learning the guzheng at the age of five and the harp at seven. She was admitted to the Primary School Affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music in 2019. She studies with Professor Wang Guan. Yu has won numerous international and domestic harp awards... Read More →
avatar for Anna-Helena Hamann

Anna-Helena Hamann

Finnish-American harpist Anna-Helena Hamann began playing the harp at age 8 at the Vantaa Conservatory (Finland). She is currently completing her first year of harp performance studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki studying under Päivi Severeide, with additional studies with... Read More →
avatar for Emma Sarang Wong

Emma Sarang Wong

Emma Sarang Wong is a 4th-grade student at James Thompson Elementary School in Richmond, B.C., Canada. She studies harp with Rosanna Chiu (harp) Emma has received numerous awards at local and international competitions including First Class Honours with Distinction and the B.C... Read More →
avatar for Martin Sadílek

Martin Sadílek

Martin Sadilek began his musical journey as a member of the boys' choir Pueri gaudentes. He studied with Hana Müllerová from 2016 until 2024, and currently studies at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague with Ernestine Stoop and Sylvain Blassel. Martin has won first prizes in numerous... Read More →
avatar for Yixuan Bing

Yixuan Bing

Focus on Youth
Bing Yi Xuan is currently an undergraduate student at Shenyang Conservatory of Music, studying with Professor Hong He. In 2024, Bing was shortlisted for the finals of the second "Guoyun Cup" National Traditional Musical Instrument Art Exhibition. She performed at the cultural dinner... Read More →
avatar for Yan Lin

Yan Lin

Focus on Youth
Lin Yan studies at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music's Ethnic Instruments Department. She studies under the renowned Konghou artist Professor He Hong. During secondary school, she has performed at the 13th World Harp Congress and the Sino - Slovak anniversary concert, and won awards... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity 10 Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, M5G 1B1
  Focus on Youth Recital, Solo Harp

10:45 EDT

Decoding Spohr: A Journey Through the Newly Published URTEXT Editions
Friday July 31, 2026 10:45 - 11:30 EDT
Grand East
This presentation explores the newly published URTEXT Bärenreiter edition of Spohr’s works, offering fresh insights into his musical language through the lens of historically informed performance. By examining period-specific phrasing, articulation, and expressive detail, we aim to illuminate interpretive possibilities that go beyond the written notes.
Presenters
avatar for Masumi Nagasawa

Masumi Nagasawa

Masumi Nagasawa studied in the Netherlands with Phia Berghout. Masumi is a world-renowned harpist, celebrated for her expressiveness and stylistic mastery. She blends classical and contemporary repertoire with deep insight into 18th and 19th century performance practice. A PhD graduate... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 10:45 - 11:30 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

11:15 EDT

Original Voices: New Works for Organ & Harp
Friday July 31, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 EDT
Metropolitan United Church
Aaron David Miller and Rachel Brandwein present a stellar program of originally composed and newly arranged works by the performers, for harp & organ. 
Presenters
avatar for Rachel Brandwein

Rachel Brandwein

Rachel Brandwein has toured the United States and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist. She is on the faculty of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and is the recipient of multiple first prizes in performance competitions as well as receiving grants and... Read More →
avatar for Aaron David Miller

Aaron David Miller

Organ
Aaron David Miller is Director of Music and Organist at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. He concertizes regularly throughout the U.S., and is a forensic musicologist for Donato Music. Mr. Miller is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, studying organ... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 11:15 - 12:15 EDT
Metropolitan United Church 56 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2Z3, Canada
  Performance, Chamber Music

11:30 EDT

Everyday Harp Care: Strings and Tuning
Friday July 31, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
Strings and Tuning:  How to identify strings moving toward falseness and breakage. Mechanics of string movement, dynamics. Mechanics of optimal tuning.

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.
Friday July 31, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
  Lecture

11:30 EDT

Sylvain Blassel
Friday July 31, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Presenters
avatar for Sylvain Blassel

Sylvain Blassel

Keen to expand the repertoire available to him as a harpist, Sylvain Blassel has come to specialise in the virtuoso adaptation of music hitherto undreamt-of on the harp. He performs not simply transcriptions of digestible solos, but giants of the piano and orchestra repertoire. These... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Concert, Solo Harp

12:30 EDT

Stringing Waters
Friday July 31, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
A flowing journey through Slovenian heritage and global classics, uniting water’s motion, reflection, and emotion in a narrative for harp quartet from Škerjanc to Piazzolla.
Presenters
avatar for Maria Gamboz

Maria Gamboz

SIH4rps
Slovenian native Maria Gamboz grew up in Tokyo, Japan, where she studied with Sumire Kuwashima.  Maria has won several scholarships and international competitions including the Victor Salvi Competition and the TIM, Salon de Provence, France, competition. She released the CD R... Read More →
avatar for Tea Plesničar

Tea Plesničar

SIH4rps
Tea Plesničar is a graduate of the Academy of Music in Ljubljana studying with Ruda Ravnik Kosi, and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels studying with Jana Bouškova. Tea is an avid chamber musician and has performed at festivals in Belgium, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and... Read More →
avatar for Sofia Ristic

Sofia Ristic

SIH4rps
Since 1996 Sofia Ristic* has been the Principal Harpist of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra. Her recordings of Handel, Mozart, and Gliere performed with the RTV Slovenia Symphony orchestra are frequently broadcast throughout most major european national radios. Sofia graduated... Read More →
avatar for Urška Križnik Zupan

Urška Križnik Zupan

SIH4rps
Urška Križnik Zupan graduated from the Academy of Music of the University of Ljubljana in 2003 and is currently the solo harpist in the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra.  She performs as a soloist and in various chamber groups including for the Festival Ljubljana, Piran Music... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for SIH4rps, Slovenian Harp Quartet

SIH4rps, Slovenian Harp Quartet

SIH4rps is a Slovenian harp quartet of concert artists—Urška Križnik Zupan, Maria Gamboz, Sofia Ristic, and Tea
Plesničar—active in major orchestras and conservatories. They have commissioned works from Bec and Naumovski Potisk, a Škerjanc arrangement by Maerz, and pieces by Maria and Tea. Their concerts, many recorded by RTV Slovenia, are heard across Slovenia and Croatia, and they will... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
  Performance, Harp Quartet

14:00 EDT

Evelyn Huber - Magic of Harp
Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow
Evelyn performs originals and favorites with loop station and improvisations, blending jazz, world music and contemporary classical for a distinctive and personal harp style.
Presenters
avatar for Evelyn Huber

Evelyn Huber

Evelyn Huber earned her Master’s degree in Munich under Professor Helga Storck. Drawn to jazz, she studied in the U.S. with Carrol McLaughlin and Deborah Henson-Conant, earning recognition at the International Jazz Harp Competition in Arizona. She has taught at the University of... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Performance, Contemporary Styles

14:00 EDT

Music Unearthed from the Silk Road 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Grand East
Historical background of the Konghou and demonstrations of contemporary and traditional repertoire featuring various techniques unique to the instrument.
Presenters
avatar for Nathania Ko

Nathania Ko

Nathania Ko is Canada’s first Konghou performer and an educator in both Harp and Konghou. A faculty member at the Vancouver Academy of Music and conductor of the B.C. Youth Chinese Orchestra, her award-winning Konghou compositions are now part of Shenyang Conservatory’s undergraduate... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Lecture Recital

14:00 EDT

Nico Muhly's The Street
Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 15:15 EDT
St. Thomas Anglican Church
 The Street is fourteen meditations on the Stations of the Cross, music composed by Nico Muhly, text/libretto by Alice Goodman. The Street was commissioned by King’s College, Cambridge, with the generous support of the American Harp Society, the Association of Anglican Musicians, Michael Davidson and Benedict Cadbury. First performed on April 16, 2022 and recorded by Parker Ramsay. The...
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Presenters
avatar for Parker Ramsay

Parker Ramsay

Parker Ramsay has forged a career that defies classification. Whether premiering, rediscovering, or transcribing, he dedicates himself to expanding the harp’s repertoire, bringing the instrument to conversations — and audiences — it had never before known.
Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 15:15 EDT
St. Thomas Anglican Church 383 Huron Street, Toronto
  Performance, Multimedia

14:30 EDT

In Memoriam: Daphne Boden 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 14:30 - 15:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Tribute to Daphne Boden (1942 – 2025).Daphne Boden served on the Corporation and Board of Directors of the World Harp Congress from 2002-2025. For many Congresses (until 2014) she managed the Focus on Youth program.Itheia Bong & Natalie Lee, SingaporeDeborah Henson-Conant (1953) - Baroque Flamenco (1994)Meredith Hau, UKPearl Chertock (1918-1981) - Around the Clock Suite: Ten past two, Beige...
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Moderators
avatar for Ernestine Stoop

Ernestine Stoop

Ernestine Stoop studied with Edward Witsenburg in Amsterdam. She then studied for two years with the legendary harpist Pierre Jamet. She is harp-professor at the Royal College of Music in the Hague. She initiated the 3rd and 5th European Harp Symposia (1995 and 2001) in Amsterdam... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Itheia Bong

Itheia Bong

Itheia Bong, who has recently turned 8, absolutely loves music. Under the tutelage of Ms Katryna Tan and Ms Cheryl Tan of Rave Harps, Itheia started performing on the harp at age 4. Itheia’s harp journey has taken her to Germany for solo, ensemble, and orchestra performances, and... Read More →
avatar for Meredith Hau

Meredith Hau

UK-based harpist Meredith Hau studies with Gabriella Dall’Olio, and is a music scholar at Godolphin & Latymer School in London. Meredith achieved distinctions in ABRSM Grade 8 harp and piano at age 10, was harpist with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain for four... Read More →
avatar for Viktoria Smetana

Viktoria Smetana

Focus on Youth
Viktoria Smetana is a versatile harpist with a passion for exploring a wide range of styles and genres. She began studying the harp at the age of seven in Kharkiv, Ukraine, under the guidance of Larisa Klievtsova. Since then, she has been recognized as a laureate of numerous Ukrainian... Read More →
avatar for Momoko Komori

Momoko Komori

Momoko Komori attended the Toho Gakuen Music High School and Toho Gakuen College, studying with Kazuko Shinozaki, Ayako Shinozaki, and Mieko Inoue. Currently she studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music with Isabelle Perrin. Momoko is the recipient of multiple awards including from... Read More →
avatar for Ng Yi Wei

Ng Yi Wei

Focus on Youth
Ng Yi Wei was born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, and migrated to Singapore at 13, where she is a year 12 student in an international school. Her parents instilled an early interest in music, and her harp lessons, beginning at the age of 6, under Rave Harps Academy. Ng Yi chose the... Read More →
avatar for Armand Morelli di Popolo

Armand Morelli di Popolo

Cello, Focus on Youth
Cellist Armand Morelli di Popolo is completing the Bachelor of Music degree this year at the Amsterdam Conservatory. Since 2023, Armand has participated in the orchestra academy of the Jong Metropole Orkest in the Netherlands, and in 2024 as solo cellist. Armand participates in projects... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 14:30 - 15:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Focus on Youth

15:00 EDT

How the Light Gets In: Poetry in Music
Friday July 31, 2026 15:00 - 15:50 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Cosmic Fragments: Words and Music About Life, the Universe, and Everything (Amy Nam): A sweeping, whimsical, and sincere survey of human experience and the cosmos, “Cosmic Fragments” pairs poetry with contemporary harp works exploring impermanence, wonder, and possibility.The Listening of Light — a poetic study for solo harp (Uno Alexander Vesje): A new minimalist project for solo harp by...
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Presenters
avatar for Amy Nam

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 →
avatar for Uno Alexander Vesje

Uno Alexander Vesje

@unoharp
Uno Alexander Vesje is a Norwegian harpist and composer with a distinctive artistic voice. Combining artistic curiosity with a rich and varied sonic palette, he creates music that resonates emotionally and invites reflection — challenging conventions and encouraging deeper listening... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 15:00 - 15:50 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Solo Harp

16:30 EDT

Exploring Turkish Tunes
Friday July 31, 2026 16:30 - 17:00 EDT
Osgoode West
Would you like to learn Turkish tunes with interesting scales, melodic behavior, uneven rhythmic patterns and tune your harp microtonally? Then this workshop is for you.

Seymen Özdeniz, percussion accompaniment
Presenters
avatar for Şirin Pancaroğlu

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 →
Friday July 31, 2026 16:30 - 17:00 EDT
Osgoode West
  Participatory Workshop, History & Practice

16:30 EDT

Research into the Validity of Therapeutic Harp Music and Opportunities in the Field
Friday July 31, 2026 16:30 - 17:15 EDT
Willow East
In this workshop we will cover the science and research why live therapeutic music is effective and explore training and job opportunities in the field.
Presenters
avatar for Barbara Lepke-Sims

Barbara Lepke-Sims

USAIHC
Barbara Lepke-Sims is a professional harpist in Denver, CO, after graduating in 1978 from The Juilliard School with her MM under Susann McDonald. Also interested in arts management, Barb earned her MBA in 1986. In 2017 Barbara was awarded the AHS Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 16:30 - 17:15 EDT
Willow East
  Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

16:30 EDT

International Transformations 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 16:30 - 17:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Italy in Edinburgh (Julia Seager Scott & Alison Melville): In the mid-1600's, Italy was all the rage. Other countries adopted their artistic tastes and this led to some interesting developments, especially in music. We explore this topic with our instruments: harp and wooden flutes and recorders. Listen for some Vivaldi appearing in a Scottish folk tune!Obras latinoamericanas para arpa (Latin...
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Presenters
avatar for Julia Seager-Scott

Julia Seager-Scott

Born and raised in Toronto, Julia Seager-Scott has had the privilege of leading a multi-harp, multi-genre freelance career. Starting at age 8 on the lever harp, Julia switched to concert grand pedal harp at age 12, studying with Judy Loman. Now in her 50s Julia also plays baroque... Read More →
avatar for Alison Melville

Alison Melville

Flute, recorder
Alison Melville’s career as a performer on historical flutes and recorders has taken her across North America, Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. She performs with the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, is a former member of Toronto Consort and Ensemble Polaris, and was Artistic... Read More →
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.
Friday July 31, 2026 16:30 - 17:30 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

17:00 EDT

Concept to Concert: Composing for Harp Quartet
Friday July 31, 2026 17:00 - 17:45 EDT
Grand East
Chicago Harp Quartet alongside composers Alfredo Rolando Ortiz and Tristan Coelho demonstrate and discuss the collaborative process of composing, workshopping, and performing new works for harp quartet.
Presenters
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 Catherine Litaker

Catherine Litaker

Chicago Harp Quartet
Catherine Yom Litaker is a versatile solo, chamber, and orchestral harpist, serving as Principal Harpist of the San Luis Obispo Symphony. She has performed internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and with ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and... Read More →
avatar for Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

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 →
Ensembles
avatar for Chicago Harp Quartet

Chicago Harp Quartet

The Chicago Harp Quartet, described by Harp Column Magazine as “the quartet that put harp quartets on the map,” is the leading harp ensemble in the United States. Founded in 2012, CHQ has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Ravinia Festival... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 17:00 - 17:45 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Composition

17:00 EDT

Les signes de l'arc: A Guide to the Contemporary Harp
Friday July 31, 2026 17:00 - 17:50 EDT
Grand Ballroom
The association Les signes de l’arc is dedicated to organising harp related events, creation, combining contemporary and experimental music figures (commissions, concerts, recordings, conferences, editions). The association supports the Collegium21 project, composer masterclasses and competition on contemporary harp repertoire.
Presenters
avatar for Laurence Bancaud

Laurence Bancaud

Laurence Bancaud obtained a First Prize in Harp at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris in 1993 and holds the Master of Music degree in Musicology from the University of Tours. She is President and co-founder of the association Les Signes de l'Arc; co-artistic... Read More →
avatar for Hélène Breschand

Hélène Breschand

Les signes de l’arc
Performer, composer, improviser… harpist Hélène Breschand 's approach stems from a collaborative process that unites sound, gesture, and vibration in a resolute engagement with the world. Born in Paris, her solo career began at the age of twenty. She works with numerous composers... Read More →
avatar for Eloïse Labaume

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 →
Ensembles
avatar for Les signes de l'arc

Les signes de l'arc

The association Les signes de l’arc is dedicated to organising harp related events, creation, and combining contemporary and experimental music figures (commissions, concerts, recordings, conferences, editions). The association supports the Collegium21 project: composer masterclasses... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 17:00 - 17:50 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Participatory Workshop, Composition

19:15 EDT

Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble
Friday July 31, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Metropolitan United Church
Composition process, original music created by children and young people in collaboration with a professional musician. The program includes excerpted movements from The Day of Seven Storms and White Horse.
Aoife Buckley
Emily Breslin
Kiêu Conroy
May Jo Faherty
Lucy Molloy
Eunice Grobler
Ciara Kennedy
Presenters
avatar for Siobhan Buckley

Siobhan Buckley

Music Generation Laois
Siobhan Buckley is a harper from Co Cork who has performed nationally and internationally at festivals including Electric Picnic. Siobhan has collaborated and performed with various groups and musicians, and features on singer songwriter John Spillane’s album ‘One Hundred Snow... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble

Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble

Established in 2015,the Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble, directed by Siobhan Buckley has collaborated with Catriona McKay, Michael Rooney, Maeve Gilchrist and Ernestine Healy. Live performances include a Tour of Japan, US Ambassador to Ireland’s Residence, Edinburgh International... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 19:15 - 19:45 EDT
Metropolitan United Church 56 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2Z3, Canada
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

20:00 EDT

Concerto Night with Full Orchestra 🍁
Friday July 31, 2026 20:00 - 22:00 EDT
Metropolitan United Church
Sisters Joana and Elena Daunytė perform Lithuanian composer Jonas Jurkūnas, On Being for solo harp and solo violoncello. The iconic Judy Loman performs Kelly Marie Murphy's powerful concerto, And Then At Night I Paint the Stars,  commissioned by the CBC in 2002 to mark Judy's retirement from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Caroline Lizotte & Etienne Ratthe perform Lizotte's Concerto Techno....
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Presenters
avatar for Sylvain Blassel

Sylvain Blassel

Keen to expand the repertoire available to him as a harpist, Sylvain Blassel has come to specialise in the virtuoso adaptation of music hitherto undreamt-of on the harp. He performs not simply transcriptions of digestible solos, but giants of the piano and orchestra repertoire. These... Read More →
avatar for Elena Daunytė

Elena Daunytė

Cello
Lithuanian cellist Elena Daunytė is a Grand Prix winner and international competition laureate, a member of the Čiurlionis Quartet, and of the ensemble Regnum Musicale. She lectures at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. She has performed as soloist in Europe, Asia, and... Read More →
avatar for Joana Daunytė

Joana Daunytė

Všį Arfos Menas
Dr. Joana Daunytė is harpist of the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Associate Professor of Harp Performance at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and director of Arfos menas (Harp Art), an organization dedicated to performance, education, and new repertoire. A soloist... Read More →
avatar for Judy Loman

Judy Loman

A prominent soloist and teacher, Judy Loman studied with Carlos Salzedo at the Curtis Institute of Music. She received Canada’s Juno Award, the Canada Council’s Grand Prix du disque Canadien, and in 2015 was appointed to the Order of Canada. Judy Loman served as principal harpist... Read More →
avatar for Caroline Lizotte

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 →
avatar for Isabelle Moretti

Isabelle Moretti

Camac Harps
Isabelle Moretti is an iconic figure in today’s harp world, captivating audiences worldwide with her charisma and powerful yet refined playing. A highly respected teacher, she shares her passion through international masterclasses and teaches at the Conservatoire National Supérieur... Read More →
avatar for Étienne Ratthé

Étienne Ratthé

Étienne Ratthé is a multi-instrumentalist and a live electronic act musician who recorded and toured with many French Canadian pop singers. As the music director of Québec Issime, a production company whose shows were seen by more than a million spectators, he leads his... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 20:00 - 22:00 EDT
Metropolitan United Church 56 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2Z3, Canada
  Concert, Concerto

22:00 EDT

Exploring the Harp in Jazz through Standards and Original Compositions
Friday July 31, 2026 22:00 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Exploring the harp in jazz through standards and original compositions, this session blends classical forms with improvisation, highlighting the instrument’s expressive potential across harmonic, rhythmic, and stylistic boundaries. This session explores the creative fusion of classical and jazz traditions through original compositions for harp that incorporate improvisation as a central element....
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Presenters
avatar for Klara Poznachowska

Klara Poznachowska

Klara Poznachowska is a harpist and composer from Poland with Ukrainian heritage, known for her versatility across many forms and genres of music. She has performed both in Poland and internationally, collaborating with orchestras and choirs. In 2020, Klara attended Berklee College... Read More →
Friday July 31, 2026 22:00 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Contemporary Styles
 
Saturday, August 1
 

08:15 EDT

Young Composers Project: Meet & Greet (Private)
Saturday August 1, 2026 08:15 - 08:50 EDT
Willow

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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 08:15 - 08:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Meeting

08:30 EDT

Move Well, Play Better: #4 Legs, Feet and the Secret Ingredient for undoing tension
Saturday August 1, 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 #4: The Legs and Feet, plus the Secret Ingredient for Undoing Tension - We will explore the structure and use of the...
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Presenters
avatar for Imogen Barford

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.
Saturday August 1, 2026 08:30 - 09:20 EDT
Willow East
  Participatory Workshop, Health & Wellbeing

09:00 EDT

Echoes of the Çeng: A Postmigrant Dialogue
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Echoes of the Çeng reimagines an ancient West Asian angular harp as a symbol of displacement, weaving voice, field recordings, and tradition into a soundscape of postmigrant identity and belonging.
Presenters
avatar for Samira Memarzadeh

Samira Memarzadeh

Samira Memarzadeh
Samira Memarzadeh is a harpist, educator, and dramaturg of Persian-German heritage whose work moves fluidly between cultures, generations, and musical worlds. Drawing on traditions from Mongolia, Southwest Asia, and Senegal, she weaves improvisation, microtones, and traditional sounds on concert har... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Lecture, Lecture Recital

09:00 EDT

AHS Chapter Ambassadors Poster Session
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Osgoode West
Recipients of the AHS Chapter Ambassador Awards program grants showcase their community engagement projects through a poster session. It's a musical science fair! Stop by and be introduced to the 2026 AHS CA's and see and hear more about how they are engaging with their communities and chapters.
Moderators
avatar for Charles W. Lynch III

Charles W. Lynch III

Duo Profundis
Dr. Charles W. Lynch III is the Harp Specialist for the Mesa (Arizona) Public Schools. He directs the MPS Harp Program, which currently numbers 240 harp students at seventeen district junior & senior high schools. Charles is a Faculty Associate in Harp at Arizona State University... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Charlene Cao

Charlene Cao

Charlene Cao is a freshman at Smithtown High School East in St. James, NY. She serves as principal harpist of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, Suffolk Principal Orchestra. She began studying the harp at age seven. With a strong foundation in both solo and ensemble playing, she co... Read More →
avatar for Caroline Bombach

Caroline Bombach

Caroline Bombach is a 9th-grade harpist from Katy, Texas, with seven years of experience.A dedicated performer, she has earned honors in TMEA Region and Area competitions and actively participates in her high school orchestra. Beyond her technical achievements in masterclasses and... Read More →
avatar for Serena Hunnicutt

Serena Hunnicutt

Serena Hunnicutt is an 18 yr old harpist born in Boulder, Colorado, attending the University of Washington as a music major this year. She is attending One Harp World as an AHS Chapter Ambassador.
avatar for Danatra Widjaja

Danatra Widjaja

Danatra Widjaja is a sophomore at Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas, and an emerging harpist dedicated to community impact. In response to the proposed phase-out of his district’s harp program, he founded Harmony for Hunger, an initiative that uses music to address food insecurity... Read More →
avatar for Lucelia Wolff

Lucelia Wolff

Lucelia Wolff is a student harpist and Bay Area Chapter Ambassador. She is currently spearheading a community service project in partnership with Mission Action in San Francisco, organizing free concerts to support local immigrant families and increase accessibility to live harp music... Read More →
avatar for Stella Lien

Stella Lien

AHS Chapter Ambassador
Stella Lien began her journey with the harp in 2019. Studying under Tasha Smith Godinez in 2020. She started with lever harp and quickly began the pedal harp. Stella joined the American and San Diego harp societies, participating in performances, workshops, events, and masterclasses... Read More →
avatar for Evelyn Bender

Evelyn Bender

AHS Chapter Ambassador
Evelyn Bender is a high school student from Chicago, Illinois. She has been a member of the Symphony Orchestra in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras since 2024, performing at venues including Chicago’s Symphony Center and Grant Park, Lollapalooza, and the Granada Music Festival... Read More →
avatar for Max Chernok

Max Chernok

AHS Chapter Ambassador
Max Chernok is 14 years old and has been playing harp for four years. He is currently taking lessons from Rebecca Moritzky in Colorado and performing with both his school orchestra and in personal performances. He is honored to be an AHS Chapter Ambassador for the Mile High (Denver... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Le

Jennifer Le

Jennifer Le is an Asian American student harpist studying under Anna Vorhes. She is dedicated to sharing the beauty of harp music through performances and community outreach. As an active member of her local harp community, Jennifer encourages others to explore and appreciate the... Read More →
avatar for Vaishavi Pandey

Vaishavi Pandey

Vaishavi Pandey is a dedicated harpist of five years and proud to be representing Dallas as an AHS Chapter Ambassador. Vaishavi studies with Yumiko Schlaffer and Leanna Johnson within the Frisco district harp program and is the harpist for the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra... Read More →
avatar for Sihan Wu

Sihan Wu

Sihan Wu is a junior high school student who has studied harp for six years at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Pre-College program under Dr. Fanfen Tai. Sihan won first place in the Young Artist’s Harp Seminar New Artist Division and third place in the American Harp... Read More →
avatar for Vivian Zhang

Vivian Zhang

Vivian is 11 years old and has been playing lever harp since age 7 under Natalie Hoffmann. She has earned RCM Levels 2 and 4 with High Distinction, won 1st place in solo and ensemble at the National Kiwanis Music Festival 2025 and 2026 and 2nd place Provincial competition in 2025... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Osgoode West
  Participatory Workshop, Pedagogy

09:00 EDT

From Concept to Composition - Unlocking New Soundscapes
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East
How can a harp ensemble be effectively staged musically and what steps are necessary for this? This lecture shows the necessary methodological steps.
Presenters
avatar for Willi Maerz

Willi Maerz

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... Read More →
avatar for Lara Faria Fonseca

Lara Faria Fonseca

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 →
avatar for Alice Proffit

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 →
avatar for Lauren Schrempp

Lauren Schrempp

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 →
avatar for Maria Gamboz

Maria Gamboz

SIH4rps
Slovenian native Maria Gamboz grew up in Tokyo, Japan, where she studied with Sumire Kuwashima.  Maria has won several scholarships and international competitions including the Victor Salvi Competition and the TIM, Salon de Provence, France, competition. She released the CD R... Read More →
avatar for Tea Plesničar

Tea Plesničar

SIH4rps
Tea Plesničar is a graduate of the Academy of Music in Ljubljana studying with Ruda Ravnik Kosi, and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels studying with Jana Bouškova. Tea is an avid chamber musician and has performed at festivals in Belgium, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and... Read More →
avatar for Sofia Ristic

Sofia Ristic

SIH4rps
Since 1996 Sofia Ristic* has been the Principal Harpist of the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra. Her recordings of Handel, Mozart, and Gliere performed with the RTV Slovenia Symphony orchestra are frequently broadcast throughout most major european national radios. Sofia graduated... Read More →
avatar for Urška Križnik Zupan

Urška Križnik Zupan

SIH4rps
Urška Križnik Zupan graduated from the Academy of Music of the University of Ljubljana in 2003 and is currently the solo harpist in the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra.  She performs as a soloist and in various chamber groups including for the Festival Ljubljana, Piran Music... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Munich Harp Quartet

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 →
avatar for SIH4rps, Slovenian Harp Quartet

SIH4rps, Slovenian Harp Quartet

SIH4rps is a Slovenian harp quartet of concert artists—Urška Križnik Zupan, Maria Gamboz, Sofia Ristic, and Tea
Plesničar—active in major orchestras and conservatories. They have commissioned works from Bec and Naumovski Potisk, a Škerjanc arrangement by Maerz, and pieces by Maria and Tea. Their concerts, many recorded by RTV Slovenia, are heard across Slovenia and Croatia, and they will... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East
  Lecture, Composition

09:00 EDT

Young Composers Project: Q & A with Rachel Brandwein, Kevin Lau and Amy Nam
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow

Moderators
avatar for Rachel Brandwein

Rachel Brandwein

Rachel Brandwein has toured the United States and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist. She is on the faculty of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and is the recipient of multiple first prizes in performance competitions as well as receiving grants and... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Lau

Kevin Lau

Composer, AHS Young Composers Project
One of Canada's most sought-after composers, and recipient of the prestigious 2025 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize, Kevin Lau’s music has been described as “brilliantly idiomatic” (New York Times) and “masterful” (Classical Music Sentinel). He has been commissioned... Read More →
avatar for Amy Nam

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 →
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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Lecture, Panel Discussion

09:30 EDT

Fresh Insights: 21st Century Chamber Music
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:30 - 11:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Duo Profundis: Dragtuba & Harp (Charles Lynch & Sean Kennedy): Duo Profundis explores queer voices and performance through new and challenging, yet evocative, works by queer and alternative composers.COMPOSED CONNECTIONS: Contemporary works for Sax and Harp (Alba Brundo & Gianfranco Brundo): A father-daughter duo explores new sonic horizons for saxophone and harp through contemporary works written...
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Presenters
avatar for Alba Brundo

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 →
avatar for Gianfranco Brundo

Gianfranco Brundo

Saxophonist Gianfranco Brundo is the recipient of multiple international music performance awards and performs as a soloist and in various chamber music groups in Italy and abroad. A passionate teacher, Brundo gives masterclasses and advanced courses, and serves on judging panels... Read More →
avatar for Charles W. Lynch III

Charles W. Lynch III

Duo Profundis
Dr. Charles W. Lynch III is the Harp Specialist for the Mesa (Arizona) Public Schools. He directs the MPS Harp Program, which currently numbers 240 harp students at seventeen district junior & senior high schools. Charles is a Faculty Associate in Harp at Arizona State University... Read More →
avatar for Sean Kennedy

Sean Kennedy

Tuba, Duo Profundis
Tuba player, performance artist, and composer Dr. Sean Kennedy focuses their collaborative efforts on immersive performance practice, performance art, improvisation, and new works for tuba. Sean has worked with The Chuppers, the Martin Funk Band, Dan Allen, Sand Box, Robyn Schulkowsky... Read More →
avatar for Erin Wood

Erin Wood

Erin Wood’s first international performance was at the Seventh World Harp Congress in Prague as part of the only chamber ensemble selected for the Focus on Youth series. She is delighted to be appearing again with a flute, harp, and viola trio. Erin teaches harp at the University... Read More →
avatar for Boris Vayner

Boris Vayner

Viola, Trio Lawrence
Boris Vayner, originally from Novosibirsk, Russia, has had a diverse career in music as a violist, educator, and conductor. He joined the faculty of the University of Kansas as Viola Professor in August 2017, having previously served as an adjunct faculty member and a member of the... Read More →
avatar for Daniel Velasco

Daniel Velasco

Flute, Trio Lawrence
Daniel Velasco is Associate Professor of Flute at the University of Kansas, principal flutist with the Miami-based NuDeco Ensemble, and artist in residence at the Bay View Music Festival in Michigan. An award-winning flutist, he has been featured as a recitalist and soloist across... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Trio Lawrence

Trio Lawrence

Trio Lawrence is composed of University of Kansas faculty members Boris Vayner, Daniel Velasco, and Erin Wood. Hailing from around the globe, they met in Lawrence and have been performing together since 2018 as part of the inaugural Kansas Public Radio Live Day. Their debut album... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 09:30 - 11:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Chamber Music

10:00 EDT

Contemporary and Jazz-infused Guzheng Performance
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:00 - 10:45 EDT
Grand East
Contemporary and jazz-infused guzheng performance showcasing innovative techniques and expressive artistry, presenting the traditional Chinese zither as a unique harp from China.
Presenters
avatar for Jiayu Liu

Jiayu Liu

Lil' Fish No. 2
Jiayu Liu, received is an American Harp Foundation scholarship recipient and a Harvard University U30 Cultural Communication Leader. She has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, Sydney Opera House, Vancouver, and Boston Symphony Hall. Liu’s music... Read More →
avatar for He Pan

He Pan

Lil' Fish No. 2
Mariya Pan is a Chinese pianist, composer, and educator whose work blends Eastern sensitivity with Western innovation. She has been invited to perform at leading venues such as Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, and Boston Symphony Hall, and has collaborated with multiple Grammy-winning... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Lil' Fish No. 2

Lil' Fish No. 2

Lil’ Fish No.2 is a cross-genre music duo formed by two Chinese female graduates of Berklee College of Music,
Jiayu Liu and He Pan. The group blends guzheng, harp, piano, and electronic textures, fusing world music, film scoring, popular melodies, and traditional Chinese aesthetics. They are active in performance, education, composition, visual content, and interdisciplinary projects. With the si... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:00 - 10:45 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Contemporary Styles

10:00 EDT

Young Composers Project Recording Opportunity
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:00 - 12:30 EDT
Canadian Music Centre

Presenters
avatar for Joseph Glazer

Joseph Glazer

Canadian Music Centre
As both a composer and arts administrator Joseph Glazer’s interest lies in making Canadian contemporary music broadly accessible to the public.  He  joined CMC Canada, eventually becoming the Coordinator of Music Services and Events. He became the Director of the Ontario... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Brandwein

Rachel Brandwein

Rachel Brandwein has toured the United States and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist. She is on the faculty of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and is the recipient of multiple first prizes in performance competitions as well as receiving grants and... Read More →
avatar for Rosanna Chiu

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 →
avatar for Kevin Lau

Kevin Lau

Composer, AHS Young Composers Project
One of Canada's most sought-after composers, and recipient of the prestigious 2025 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize, Kevin Lau’s music has been described as “brilliantly idiomatic” (New York Times) and “masterful” (Classical Music Sentinel). He has been commissioned... Read More →
avatar for Amy Nam

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 →
avatar for Elisa Torres

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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:00 - 12:30 EDT
Canadian Music Centre 20 St Joseph St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1J9, Canada

10:00 EDT

Exhibit Hall Open
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:00 - 18:00 EDT
Vendor Exhibit Hall
  Exhibits

10:15 EDT

Trees.Listen 🍁
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:15 - 11:05 EDT
Willow
An immersive sonic journey for lever harp and fixed electronics by Canadian composers Frank Horvat and Sharlene Wallace with photography-video-projections by Sharlene.
Presenters
avatar for Sharlene Wallace

Sharlene Wallace

Sharlene Wallace is a Canadian lever and pedal harpist, composer, educator and visual explorer. Winner of two international lever harp competitions, she has given concerts and workshops across Canada, the United States and Europe. Sharlene has released nine albums, including two electronic... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:15 - 11:05 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Performance, Multimedia

10:30 EDT

Focus on Youth
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity
10.30 Marcel Schumacher, Hong KongMarcel Grandjany (1891-1975) - Fantasie sur un Thème de HaydnYiqian Sun (1945) - Dancing Grains (transcribed for pedal harp by Dan Yu)10.50 Tao Siyan, ChinaMarcel Grandjany (1891-1975) - RhapsodiePhil Young - Suzhou River11.10 Enzhuo Wu, ChinaHenriette Renié (1875-1956) - LégendeSegej Prokofiev (1891-1953) – Prelude in C Major, opus 12 nr 711.30 Hanae...
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Presenters
avatar for Marcel Schumacher

Marcel Schumacher

Focus on Youth
Marcel Schumacher began his musical journey at the age of four. He currently studies with Ms. Dan Yu. He has garnered top prizes in the Hong Kong International Harp Competition, the 9th France Harp Competition, and the Camac Harp Competition Taiwan. Marcel is actively involved in... Read More →
avatar for Siyan Tao

Siyan Tao

Focus on Youth
Tao Siyan currently studies with Dan Yu at the Music School attached to the Xinghai Conservatory of Music, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Ms. Tao is principal harpist of the school orchestra and frequently performs with the university symphony. She won first prize in the... Read More →
avatar for Enzhuo Wu

Enzhuo Wu

Enzhuo Wu started learning piano at age five and the harp at age eight. She has presented both piano and harp recitals. She was admitted to the Pre-College of Darmstadt Academy for Tonkunst in March of 2025, where she currently studies with Anne-Sophie Bertrand. Enzhuo loves nature... Read More →
avatar for Hanae Ishikawa

Hanae Ishikawa

Hanae Ishikawa began her harp studies Ms. Noriko Sakomoto. In 2015 Hanae moved from Tokyo to Hong Kong, studying with Ms. Dan Yu. Hanae has performed in concerts with various musicians in Tokyo. She is a prize winner in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition... Read More →
avatar for Valerij Greblo

Valerij Greblo

Focus on Youth
10 year old Valerij Greblo received a gold medal at the 6th International Competition of the Slovenian Harp Association and gold in the national TEMSIG competition. He won the first absolute award in category E in the International Competition in Palmanova, Italy in 2024, and the... Read More →
avatar for Evelin Greblo

Evelin Greblo

12 year old Evelin Greblo represented Slovenia in the Virtuosos v4 competition in 2022, earning a Maestro Placido Domingo award and performing at his concert in Budapest in 2023. Evelin has performed with the Hungarian Radio Orchestra, won a gold award in the International Harp Competition... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 10:30 - 12:30 EDT
Church of the Holy Trinity 10 Trinity Square, Toronto, ON, M5G 1B1
  Focus on Youth Recital, Solo Harp

11:30 EDT

Leonard Jacome & his Venezuelan Electric Harp "Electrollanera 37"
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Venezuelan electric harp creator Leonard Jácome showcases groundbreaking innovations that redefine Latin American harp traditions through electro-acoustic artistry, extended techniques, and 21st-century performance.
Presenters
avatar for Leonard Jacome

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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 12:15 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Solo Harp

11:30 EDT

Everyday Harp Care: Levers
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
Levers:   Exlploring different types of levers, and the basis of identifying noises. What are the most common fixes?

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.
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 12:20 EDT
Osgoode West
  Lecture

11:30 EDT

New Works for Harp from Latin America to Scandinavia
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
Willow
...into the now! (Elizabeth Plank): Based on the idea to make contemporary music more accessible, this program presents contemporary pieces inspired by musical traditions of Italy, Colombia, and Greece.

From the North (Zachery Hatcher); A new perspective on the harp’s capacities from the rich and inspired Copenhagen music scene.
Presenters
avatar for Elisabeth Plank

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 →
avatar for Zachary James Hatcher

Zachary James Hatcher

Zachary Hatcher is an American harp soloist residing in Copenhagen. At nineteen he won the International music competition ‘Leopold Bellan’ in Paris, and was installed as the principal harpist of the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra a month later. He is now the head of the harp... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 12:30 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Performance, Solo Harp

11:30 EDT

Powerful Imagery, With and Without Words
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 13:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
Gallos y Huesos for Harp and Vocal Ensemble (Lucrecia Jancsa): Original composition by Pablo Ortiz, poetry by Sergio Chejfec, for three sopranos, two altos, baritone, and harp, exploring ontological themes on roosters and bones, with visuals images by Eduardo Stupía. Hear US (Veronika Lemishenko): The program features works by contemporary female harpist-composers, each carrying a profound...
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Presenters
avatar for Veronika Lemishenko

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 →
avatar for Lucrecia Jancsa

Lucrecia Jancsa

Whc
Lucrecia Jancsa is Principal Harpist of the Argentine National Symphony Orchestra and Professor at the Falla Conservatory in Buenos Aires. She has performed major harp concertos with leading Argentine orchestras, collaborated with international ensembles including the Dresden Philharmonic... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:30 - 13:00 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Multimedia

11:45 EDT

The Princess Spy: in honor of Noor Inayat Khan
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East
Noor Inayat Khan, harpist, writer, composer and spy for the Allied Forces in World War II
Presenters
avatar for Florence Sitruk

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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Grand East
  Performance

12:15 EDT

AHS Officers & Executive Luncheon (by invitation)
Saturday August 1, 2026 12:15 - 13:45 EDT
Davenport

Saturday August 1, 2026 12:15 - 13:45 EDT
Davenport
  Social Event

12:30 EDT

Nanyang Sketches: Rave Mosaic Ensemble
Saturday August 1, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
Experience an exciting journey where East meets West with Rave Mosaic, a vibrant ensemble led by harpist Katryna Tan and violinist Cindy Yan, featuring Rave Harp faculty and a passionate group of adult non-professional harpists from Singapore and Malaysia. The ensemble weaves tradition and innovation into a vibrant performance that celebrates harmony, culture, and creativity.

Presenters
avatar for Katryna Tan

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 →
avatar for Cindy Yan

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
avatar for Rave Mosaic Ensemble

Rave Mosaic Ensemble

Rave Harp Mosaic consists of a passionate group of adult non-professional harpists from Singapore and Malaysia, joined by Rave Harp faculty to create music together and share the joy of making music as an ensemble. The group has performed in Singapore and France (2025).

HARP: Katr... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 12:30 - 13:00 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

12:30 EDT

AHS IDEA Soundboard Session
Saturday August 1, 2026 12:30 - 13:15 EDT
Osgoode West
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.
Saturday August 1, 2026 12:30 - 13:15 EDT
Osgoode West
  Participatory Workshop

14:00 EDT

A Sea of Stars: Contemporary Music for Lever Harp
Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Lauren Scott performs her evocative & innovative original compositions for solo lever harp. Joined by Amy Turk for world premiere of a new duo piece.
Presenters
avatar for Amy Turk

Amy Turk

Amy Turk is a multi-genre harpist, arranger, composer, educator and session artist from the UK. With special interests in percussion, video game music, film music and popular music of all styles, Amy has created a unique career path through her presence online, pioneering compositions... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is a British composer & harpist whose evocative, expressive, and filmic music delights audiences with entertaining, innovative pieces. Known for her bestselling Adventures for Lever Harp series & the recently released Modern Etudes for Solo Harp, she crafts accessible... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 14:50 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, New Music

14:00 EDT

Les signes de l'arc: hands on exploration
Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 15:00 EDT
Osgoode West

Presenters
avatar for Hélène Breschand

Hélène Breschand

Les signes de l’arc
Performer, composer, improviser… harpist Hélène Breschand 's approach stems from a collaborative process that unites sound, gesture, and vibration in a resolute engagement with the world. Born in Paris, her solo career began at the age of twenty. She works with numerous composers... Read More →
avatar for Eloïse Labaume

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 →
avatar for Laurence Bancaud

Laurence Bancaud

Laurence Bancaud obtained a First Prize in Harp at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris in 1993 and holds the Master of Music degree in Musicology from the University of Tours. She is President and co-founder of the association Les Signes de l'Arc; co-artistic... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 15:00 EDT
Osgoode West
  Participatory Workshop, Contemporary Styles

14:00 EDT

Young Composers Project: Public Masterclass
Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 16:00 EDT
Willow

Moderators
avatar for Kevin Lau

Kevin Lau

Composer, AHS Young Composers Project
One of Canada's most sought-after composers, and recipient of the prestigious 2025 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize, Kevin Lau’s music has been described as “brilliantly idiomatic” (New York Times) and “masterful” (Classical Music Sentinel). He has been commissioned... Read More →
avatar for Amy Nam

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 →
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 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 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 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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 16:00 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre
  Masterclass, Composition

15:00 EDT

Spanish Reflections II
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:00 - 15:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Concert featuring works arranged by Susann McDonald and Linda Wood Rollo from the Spanish Music collections that have expanded harp repertoire worldwide. 
Moderators
avatar for Cliona Doris

Cliona Doris

Tu Dublin Conservatoire
Clíona Doris is a Professor at TU Dublin Conservatoire where she lectures in harp, performance studies, and artistic research. She is a member of Ireland’s National Concert Hall Board and the WHC Board of Directors and Corporation. She was the Host Committee Chair when Ireland... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Jaymee Haefner

Jaymee Haefner

International Harp Archives & UNT Harp Beats
Jaymee Haefner (DM, MM, BM), is the University Distinguished Research Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. She has premiered works by composers Libby Larsen, Paul Patterson, and Gary Schocker; taught masterclasses in the... Read More →
avatar for Baltazar Juárez

Baltazar Juárez

Baltazar Juarez Davila is the Principal Harp of the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico and Founder and Artistic Director of the Mexico International Harp Competition and Festival. He´s invited as a concert artist and to give Masterclasses in different parts of the world. As a... Read More →
avatar for Anabel Gutierrez Orraca

Anabel Gutierrez Orraca

Cuban Harp Music Inc
Anabel Guitérrez Orraca founded the Asociación Latinoamericana del Arpa in 2021, to expand access to education for harpists across Latin America. She holds advanced degrees from McGill University in Montreal; the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from the Indiana University... Read More →
avatar for Nadia Pessoa

Nadia Pessoa

Nadia Pessoa resides in Washington, D.C., where she performs as a guest musician for the Baltimore Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, the American Pops, and at the Kennedy Center. She earned her B.M. and Performer Diploma at Indiana University, and has won awards from the National Society... Read More →
avatar for Florence Sitruk

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 →
avatar for Elzbieta (Ela) Szmyt

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 →
avatar for Naoko Yoshino

Naoko Yoshino

London-born Japanese harpist Naoko Yoshino started her solo career after winning First Prize at the Ninth International Harp Contest in Israel, in 1985. Her solo engagements with the world’s top orchestras have included the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra... Read More →

Saturday August 1, 2026 15:00 - 15:45 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Solo Harp

15:00 EDT

Vivid Storytelling: A Rose for Harp, Stasa Mirkovic Grujic: Orpheus, Love, Loss & Myth, Joost Willemze
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:00 - 16:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom

Stasa Mirkovic Grujic: A vivid journey through Serbian solo harp music, from royal origins to today,  featuring tradition, humor, and spirit, including virtuosic Oro and the world premiere of A Rose for Harp.

Joost Willemze: The story of Orpheus unfolds on harp, blending traditional repertoire and new works to explore love, loss, and the timeless force of myth.

Presenters
avatar for Staša Mirković Grujić

Staša Mirković Grujić

Stasa Mirkovic Grujic, the first Serbian member of the World Harp Congress Board of Directors, is a distinguished professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and Artistic Director of the International Competition “Petar Konjovic.” An acclaimed soloist with leading regional orchestras... Read More →
avatar for Johannes Willemze

Johannes Willemze

Joost Willemze was awarded first prize in the Princess Christina Competition in The Hague, at age sixteen. Subsequent competition success include the International Harp Competition in Porto, the Italian competition ‘Suoni d'Arpa, the Dutch Classical Talent Award, where the jury praised his pla... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:00 - 16:15 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, New Music

15:45 EDT

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:45 - 16:15 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Presents a three part program, Journeys in Space, Time, & Spirit, of music from contemporary under-represented composers Jennifer Betzer, Connor Chee, Maurice Draughn, Cindy Horstman, Molly O'Roark, and Brandee Younger.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Betzer

Jennifer Betzer

Jennifer Betzer is Instructor for the Urban Youth (Atlanta, GA) Harp Ensemble, and on the faculty of Oglethorpe University. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in harp from the University of North Texas, where her dissertation was on 20th Century harpist Dorothy Ashby. Jennifer... Read More →
Ensembles
avatar for Urban Youth Harp Ensemble

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble

The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble delivers quality musical instruction on the harp, developing music reading skills and musicianship in students across Atlanta, Georgia, at no cost to the students. The 501c3 non-profit organization was founded in 2000 and currently serves over 90 students... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:45 - 16:15 EDT
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
  Performance, Harp Ensemble

15:45 EDT

21st Century Australian Female Composers
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:45 - 16:30 EDT
Grand East
A program of works by living Australian composers Lisa Cheney, Mary Doumany, Natalia Mann & Katia Mestrovic,  including prepared harp, solos and trios with Ariel Sol and Paul Nicolaou. The works are inspired by the Yoruba religion, spiders, the ‘dirty-beautiful,’ the Earth’s vibrations, and Greek modes and rhythms.
Presenters
avatar for katia mestrovic

katia mestrovic

Katia hopes to show audiences the versatility and power of the harp - through performing modern classical repertoire, her own compositions, commissions and arrangements. She was mentored in Sydney (Australia) by virtuoso Alice Giles AM. Some accolades include, performing as a Semifinalist... Read More →
avatar for Ariel Sol

Ariel Sol

Ariel Sol pioneers the future of sound as an LA-based composer, harpist, and interactive media designer. Hailing from Chicago, he is passionate about bridging disciplines to foster community. From cinematic pop to virtual reality soundscapes- storytelling, identity, and empowerment... 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 →
Saturday August 1, 2026 15:45 - 16:30 EDT
Grand East
  Performance, Solo Harp

16:30 EDT

Judy Loman: masterclass
Saturday August 1, 2026 16:30 - 18:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom

Presenters
avatar for Judy Loman

Judy Loman

A prominent soloist and teacher, Judy Loman studied with Carlos Salzedo at the Curtis Institute of Music. She received Canada’s Juno Award, the Canada Council’s Grand Prix du disque Canadien, and in 2015 was appointed to the Order of Canada. Judy Loman served as principal harpist... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 16:30 - 18:00 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Masterclass

20:00 EDT

Chamber Music Concert
Saturday August 1, 2026 20:00 - 21:30 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Claudia Lamanna, CPE Bach, Maurice Ravel, & Theodore Dubois

Emmanuel Ceysson: Chamber Music of Marcel Tournier
Presenters
avatar for Emmanuel Ceysson

Emmanuel Ceysson

Laphil
Emmanuel Ceysson is Principal Harp of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and former Principal Harp with the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Paris Opera. He is Associate Artistic Director of the USA International Harp Competition, where he was awarded the Gold Medal in 2004. He received... Read More →
avatar for Claudia Lamanna

Claudia Lamanna

Multi-award-winning harpist Claudia Lamanna is the First Prize Winner at The International Harp Contest in Israel 2022. As soloist, she has performed in prestigious Festivals and venues worldwide, from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, from Oslo to Cairo. She released two albums and took part in multidisciplinary projects, like TE... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 20:00 - 21:30 EDT
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9, Canada
  Concert, Chamber Music

22:00 EDT

Harp Revolution
Saturday August 1, 2026 22:00 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom
Harp Revolution redefines harp performance with percussive techniques, cross-genre compositions, and captivating stage energy.
Presenters
avatar for Adriano Sangineto

Adriano Sangineto

Adriano Sangineto is an acclaimed Italian harpist and composer, internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to the contemporary lever harp scene. His dynamic stage presence and genre-defying compositions have brought his music to audiences worldwide — from Europe... Read More →
Saturday August 1, 2026 22:00 - 22:30 EDT
Grand Ballroom Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
  Performance, Contemporary Styles
 
Sunday, August 2
 

08:30 EDT

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

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Imogen Barford

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
avatar for Emily Sanzaro

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
avatar for Şirin Pancaroğlu

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
avatar for Matthew Karas

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 →
avatar for Danielle Kuntz

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 →
avatar for Amy Nam

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 →
avatar for Elisabeth Plank

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 →
avatar for Joseph Rebman

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
avatar for Kiernan O'Mara

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
avatar for Carys Gittins

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 →
avatar for Lise Vandersmissen

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 →
avatar for Agnieszka Żyniewicz

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
avatar for Aglica Trio

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
avatar for Nancy Allen

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
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 →
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...
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Presenters
avatar for Rosanna Chiu

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 →
avatar for Elisa Torres

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
avatar for Eloïse Labaume

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
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.
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
avatar for Felice Pomeranz

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
avatar for Isabel Moreton

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
avatar for Jana Boušková

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 →
avatar for Kathy Kienzle

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 →
avatar for Mieko Inoue

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 →
avatar for Kaori Ogawa

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 →
avatar for Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

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 →
avatar for Ann Yeung

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Lauren Schrempp

Lauren Schrempp

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 →
avatar for Alice Proffit

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 →
avatar for Lara Faria Fonseca

Lara Faria Fonseca

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
avatar for Munich Harp Quartet

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...
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Presenters
avatar for Lucile Brais Hildesheim

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 →
avatar for Sheila White

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 →
avatar for Karen Rokos

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 →
avatar for Casey Granofsky

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 →
avatar for Vivian Chen

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 →
avatar for Alec Pearson

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
avatar for sheila&lucile

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 →
avatar for The Lavender Duo

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, ChinaAndré Caplet (1878-1925) - Divertissement à l’Espagnole & Divertissement à la FrançaisePaul Ben Haim (1897-1984) - Poème14.20 Renee Zhou, CanadaLori Pappajohn - Girl in the Red Skirt Anonymus - Variations sur un thème de Mozart arr Odette Le Dentu 14.40 Zeynep Duru Güleç, TurkeyHasan Uçarsu (1965) - Blue Moon is Grey, Yellow Night is WallŞirin Pancaroğlu (1968)...
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Presenters
avatar for Yunyan Liu 刘芸嫣

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 →
avatar for Zeynep Duru Güleç

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 →
avatar for Serene Shiu-Ning Tu

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 →
avatar for Jianong WU

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
avatar for Maurice Draughn

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
avatar for Veronika Lemishenko

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 →
avatar for Florence Sitruk

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
avatar for Alba Brundo

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
avatar for Elzbieta (Ela) Szmyt

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
avatar for Yvonne Deusch-Cammarosano

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 →
avatar for Michael Deusch

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
avatar for Tir Nua

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;...
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Presenters
avatar for Emily Sanzaro

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 →
avatar for Anja Marina Habegger

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 →
avatar for Lina Cao

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 →
avatar for Patty Chan

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 →
avatar for Sanya Eng

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 →
avatar for Éveline Gregoire-Rousseau

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 →
avatar for Olivier Guertin

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 →
avatar for François Jalbert

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 →
avatar for Rémi-Jean LeBlanc

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 →
avatar for Kety Fusco

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 →
avatar for Emmanuel Padilla Holguín

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 →
avatar for Leonard Jacome

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 →
avatar for Caroline Lizotte

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 →
avatar for Ryan Scott

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 →
avatar for Katryna Tan

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 →
avatar for Kristan Toczko

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 →
avatar for Sarah Veber

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 →
avatar for Cindy Yan

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
avatar for Little Pear Garden Dance Company

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.
avatar for PhoeNX Ensemble

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 →
avatar for Quartet EVELINE

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 →
avatar for RAMP Violin Ensemble

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 →
avatar for Rave Harpers

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
 
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 →
Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:45 EDT
Birchwood Ballroom
  Performance, Solo Harp

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 HarpShe 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...
See More →
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...
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    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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