Loading…
Type: Lecture clear filter
Wednesday, July 29
 

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

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
 
Thursday, July 30
 

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 professional journey and perspectives, offering attendees a thoughtful exploration of how musicians can foster connection and dialogue across borders.
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

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
 
Friday, July 31
 

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
 
Saturday, August 1
 

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
 
Sunday, August 2
 

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
 

Get help with the event

Contact event planner Event login
View support guides Find upcoming events
Create an event you'd love to attend!
Explore why organizers choose Sched • Success stories
Event App • Event scheduling • Event registration • Event ticketing • Sched forms • Call for papers • Badges • Conferences
© 2026. SCHED LLC - All rights reserved - Helping events since 2008
Conference Scheduling Software • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Sunday, July 26
Tuesday, July 28
Wednesday, July 29
Thursday, July 30
Friday, July 31
Saturday, August 1
Sunday, August 2
Monday, August 3
Birchwood Ballroom
Canadian Music Centre
Church of the Holy Trinity
Davenport
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom Lobby
Grand East
Metropolitan United Church
Open Stage, Vide Lobby
Osgoode West
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
St. Thomas Anglican Church
Vendor Exhibit Hall
Vendor Exhibit Hall Foyer
Willow
Willow East
Yorkville West
  • Concert
  • Exhibits
  • Focus on Youth Recital
  • Lecture
  • Masterclass
  • Meeting
  • Multimedia
  • Participatory Workshop
  • Performance
  • Social Event