One Harp World: Full Schedule

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

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 compositional methods, including transcription approaches for chromaticism on lever harp.

Presenters

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 →

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

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 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

Presenters

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

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

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

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 →

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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

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 →

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 →

Angela Schwarzkopf

Thursday July 30, 2026 20:00 - 21:00 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

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

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

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

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

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

Evelyn Huber

Friday July 31, 2026 14:00 - 14:45 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Performance, Contemporary Styles

08:15 EDT

Young Composers Project: Meet & Greet (Private)

Saturday August 1, 2026 08:15 - 08:50 EDT

Willow

Presenters

Charisma Kate Chow

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 →

Aoibheann Galvin

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 →

Divya Jayam

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 →

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 →

Jay Lamb

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 →

Ellie Lau

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 →

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 →

Renée Qin

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 →

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

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

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 →

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 →

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

Charisma Kate Chow

Aoibheann Galvin

Divya Jayam

Ella Lamb

United States, AHS Young Composers Project

Jay Lamb

Ellie Lau

Paul Nicolaou

Renée Qin

Elysha Vorstenbosch

Huron Harp School, AHS Young Composers Project

Saturday August 1, 2026 09:00 - 09:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, Panel Discussion

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

Frank Horvat

Frank Horvat is "one of the most inventive songwriters to come out of the contemporary scene in Canada" (WholeNote Magazine) — a multi-genre composer who has "carved a niche for himself among today's composers, wearing his fragile heart on his sleeve" (CBC Classical). With... Read More →

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

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

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 →

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

14:00 EDT

Young Composers Project: Public Masterclass

Saturday August 1, 2026 14:00 - 16:00 EDT

Willow

Moderators

Kevin Lau

Composer, AHS Young Composers Project

Amy Nam

Presenters

Charisma Kate Chow

Aoibheann Galvin

Divya Jayam

Jay Lamb

Ella Lamb

United States, AHS Young Composers Project

Ellie Lau

Paul Nicolaou

Renée Qin

Elysha Vorstenbosch

Huron Harp School, AHS Young Composers Project

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

Masterclass, Composition

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

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

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

Paul Nicolaou

Sunday August 2, 2026 10:15 - 10:50 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, Contemporary Styles

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

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 →

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:45 - 12:30 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, History & Practice

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

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 →

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

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

Kalen Smith

Monday August 3, 2026 09:00 - 09:40 EDT
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Lecture, Composition

11:00 EDT

A Trio of Pairs

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

Willow

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

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

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

Presenters

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

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 →

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
Willow Willow West + Willow Centre

Performance, Chamber Music

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