One Harp World

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”.

How the Huron Harp School has built an inclusive and thriving community for harp learners of all levels through group practices and performances.

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.

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.

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 examples are shown for some spicification of your next pieces.

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.

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 traditions, communal events (fandangos), and poetic improvisation. Participants will get practical experience with the instrument's musical lexicon, study its construction and performance techniques, and examine significant repertoire, including sones such as “La Bamba,” “El Cascabel,” and “La Bruja.” We will analyze the intersection of décima poetry and call-and-response singing with the harp's rhythmic and harmonic foundation in ensemble performance. This workshop is suitable for musicians, educators, folklorists, Latin American music students, and community members interested in decolonial musical practices, oral traditions, and the expressive potential of Mexican regional music. Educational Aims: Participants will comprehend the historical origins and cultural importance of son jarocho and the arpa jarocha. Determine the principal characteristics of son jarocho song structures, rhythmic patterns, and harmonic frameworks. Identify the composition of conventional verses and their function in collective improvisation. Listen, applaud, sing, and participate in instrumental practice to engage in the collaborative elements of Son Jarocho. Workshop Activities: Exhibition of the arpa jarocha method and its tuning Examine the social and political aspects of son jarocho as a dynamic tradition of resistance and cultural validation. The workshop will involve both live and recorded performance excerpts. Directed auditory engagement and lyrical examination of chosen songs Engagement in conventional coro–copla (chorus–verse) frameworks Lever harp, pedal harp, and synthetic rhythm instruments (quijada, pandero, or clapping) are welcome. Technical Specifications: Multiple arpa jarocha, lever, and pedal harp instruments Audio reproduction apparatus Projector for slides or video clips Area designated for collective vocalization or participatory engagements

Speaking from the Harp: How Rousseau's "Minuet" transformed into "Baroque Flamenco", unlocking a world of solo harp works, concertos, chamber music and education.

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.

Workshop on composer Jeffrey Mumford and his inspirations including Elliott Carter or Claude Debussy

A lecture performance that documents the contribution of Romanian harpists to the French repertoire of the 20th century.

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

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.

A story about Amy’s journey, exploring the harp's potential as a modern percussive instrument through pop covers and original compositions.

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.”

Explore modern Canadian harp music, chronologically delving into the repertoire and what it means to write Canadian music for harp.

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.

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 American works for Harp) (Juan Riveros): A showcase program of diverse works highlighting the aesthetics of Alba Quintanilla, Arturo Márquez, Mario Ruiz Armengol, and María Suárez.

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.

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.

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.

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.