One Harp World: Full Schedule

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

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

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 →

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 →

Elizabeth Hainen

USA International Harp Competition

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 →

Sirin Pancaroglu

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 →

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 →

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

10:15 EDT

The Growth of a Harp Centred Community of Practise 🍁

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT

Grand 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

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 →

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 →

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 →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Lecture Recital, Pedagogy

14:00 EDT

Exploring Turkish Tunes

Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 EDT

Grand East

Would you like to learn Turkish tunes with interesting scales, melodic behaviour, uneven rhythmic patterns and tune your harp microtonally? Then this workshop is for you.

If the session reserved slots are full, you are still welcome to attend to observe and listen. You just will not have a hands-on experience with an instrument. You may still add it to your schedule, where it will appear as "Waitlisted".

Seymen Özdeniz, percussion accompaniment

Presenters

Sirin Pancaroglu

The Turkish Harp

Wednesday July 29, 2026 14:00 - 14:30 EDT
Grand East

Participatory Workshop, History & Practice

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 lines 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? Come hear ideas on how to change the sonority, to create a more legato line, to show a powerful and not only virtuoso presentation. Selected examples are shared, for you to use in your next pieces.

Presenters

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

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 opportunities for composers and performers.

Presenters

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 →

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 →

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 →

Kaitlin Miller

Kaitlin Miller, a Los Angeles-based harpist, loves opening new windows into the harp’s brilliant color palette by premiering new works. She was a winner of the 2020 Anne Adams Awards Competition and received fellowships from the Music Academy of the West in 2022 and 2023... Read More →

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 →

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 →

Evelyn Theinert

Indiana University Jacobs School Of Music

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 →

Thursday July 30, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Lecture Recital

10:15 EDT

The Harpist’s Digital Toolbox: Mastering the iPad for Practice, Performance, & Teaching

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:15 - 11:00 EDT

Grand East

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

Kaffee Peck

Triplett Harps

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 10:15 - 11:00 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Technology

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

Felice Pomeranz

American Harp Society/world Harp Congress

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

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

Kirsten Agresta-Copely

Presenters

Emmanuel Padilla Holguín

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 →

Marcelo Penido Da Silva

Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais (ufmg)

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

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

Kristal Schwartz

Bay Area Harp Academy

Kristal Schwartz is a San Francisco Bay Area harpist and educator. She holds a Master of Music degree in Harp Performance with honors from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and is the founder of both the Bay Area Harp Academy and the Bay Area Harp Foundation. Kristal serves... Read More →

Presenters

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Vincent Pierce

California Harp Center

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 in... Read More →

Katryna Tan

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

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 →

Kela Walton

AHS Chairman & TCU Harp Instructor

Kela Walton is a past Chairman of the Board for the American Harp Society, and is on the faculty of Texas Christian University, Dallas TX. She co-directed the AHS youth harp ensemble at the 2016 National Conference, is a frequent adjudicator throughout the United States, and is the... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 16:45 - 17:45 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Panel Discussion

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

Isabel Moreton

Editor, World Harp Congress Review

Presenters

Nancy Allen

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

Jaymee Haefner

University Of North Texas

Jaymee Haefner, Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies at the UNT College of Music, has performed in Hong Kong, Moscow, Prague, New York City, New Orleans, Atlanta, Mexico, and has adjudicated competitions in Hong Kong, Italy and the US. Oxford University Press (Grove... Read More →

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 →

Elisa Torres

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 →

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

09:45 EDT

Functional Movement and Instrumental Gesture

Friday July 31, 2026 09:45 - 10:30 EDT

Grand East

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

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 09:45 - 10:30 EDT
Grand East

Lecture, Health & Wellbeing

14:30 EDT

International Transformations 🍁

Friday July 31, 2026 14:30 - 15:30 EDT

Grand East

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.

Presenters

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 →

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 →

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 14:30 - 15:30 EDT
Grand East

Concert, 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

Emily Granger

Queensland Symphony Orchestra

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 →

Eleanor Kirk

Chicago Harp Quartet

Praised for her “especially fine contributions” and “standout solo work,” Eleanor Kirk was appointed Principal Harpist of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in 2025. She appears with leading ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota... Read More →

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 →

Julie Spring

Chicago Harp Quartet

Julie Spring has held Principal Harp positions with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Hartford (Connecticut) Symphony orchestra, and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has been a guest performer with the Chicago Symphony, the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago, and the Grant Park... Read More →

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

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

Ensembles

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

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

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 →

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 instrument, as well a... Read More →

Alice Proffit

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 →

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 →

Veronika Seiler

Munich Harp Quartet

Bavarian harpist Veronika Seiler has been a member of the Munich Harp Quartet since 2025. Currently she is studying instrumental and vocal pedagogy at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, majoring in harp and taking additional courses in double bass and jazz and pop music. Veronika is a member... Read More →

Maria Gamboz

Sih4rps Slovenian Harp Quartet

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 →

Tea Plesničar

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 →

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 →

Urska Kriznik Zupan

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

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 →

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

10:30 EDT

Contemporary and Jazz-infused Guzheng Performance

Saturday August 1, 2026 10:30 - 11:15 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.

Spain - Chick Corea
Such As - Danhong Wang
ETUDE 21 - Cesar Secundino
Waves of the ocean - Rui Wang

Presenters

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 →

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

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 10:30 - 11:15 EDT
Grand East

Performance, Contemporary Styles

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

Photo credit: Family Noor Inayat Khan

Presenters

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

15:45 EDT

21st Century Female Composers: Australia

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

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. Katia was mentored in Sydney (Australia) by virtuoso Alice Giles AM. Some accolades include, performing as a Semifinalist... Read More →

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 →

Paul Nicolaou

“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

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

Sirin Pancaroglu

The Turkish Harp

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

Lecture, Lecture Recital

11:45 EDT

Susann McDonald: The World of the Harp

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

Grand East

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

Moderators

Isabel Moreton

Editor, World Harp Congress Review

Presenters

Jana Boušková

Royal College of Music (London), Academy of Performing Arts ( Prague)

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

Kathy Kienzle

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

Mieko Inoue

World Harp Congress

Kaori Ogawa

AOYAMA HARP of Canada Ltd.

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

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

Ann Yeung

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Known for her intrepid and multi-faceted career, 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... Read More →

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

Lecture, Panel Discussion

14:30 EDT

African American Spirituals for Harp Ensemble

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

Grand East

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

Presenters

Maurice Draughn

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

Lecture, Lecture Recital

15:15 EDT

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

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

Grand East

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

Presenters

Alba Brundo

HarpMasters, PR & Communications Director, 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

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

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

11:00 EDT

A Trio of Pairs

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00 - 12:30 EDT

Grand East

Tracy Cheung and Oi Kiu Kilby Li perform two Cantonese art songs for Soprano and Harp

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

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

Presenters

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 →

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 →

Megan Sesma

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

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 →

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
Grand East

Performance, Chamber Music