The 2023 American Harp Society (AHS) Summer Institute will take place June 1–4 at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, California. The institute’s theme is “Creating Our Legacy.” The opening concert on June 1 will highlight two focal points of the institute: the National Competition and the Young Composers Project. The competition’s 2021 Young Professional Division winner Elizabeth Yeoh-Wang begins the recital with her final performance as the outgoing AHS Concert Artist. The next AHS Concert Artist will be named as part of the 2023 AHS National Competition, held concurrently with the institute. The second half of the recital features Canadian composer Caroline Lizotte, who will serve as this year’s Young Composers Project mentor. Participants in the Young Composers Project will receive individual private coaching sessions, as well as masterclasses open to other attendees. The National Competition winners and Young Composers Project participants will give recitals at the end of the institute.
One form of a musical legacy is helping to expand the harp’s repertoire with new music. Workshops for attendees focus on improvisation with Mia Theodoratus, new music and composer collaborations with Danielle Kuntz, and arrangements for harp ensemble with Willi Maerz. Concerts at the institute feature works by women composers performed by Jacqueline Pollauf, Asian composers performed by Chen-Yu Huang, and composers from California. Other performances include improvisation with Tasha-Smith Godinez and multimedia elements with Ashley Jackson.
Encouraging an innovative and joyful approach to music is another way to leave a legacy as a teacher and performer. Workshops offer ideas for learning harp as an adult with Anne Sullivan, building a successful harp ensemble with Kristal Schwartz, exploring music theory through song and rhyme with Phala Tracy, creatively interpreting Scottish lever harp tradition with Rachel Clemente, and finding career opportunities for musicians with Nate Zeisler.
To register, visit the AHS website. Adult and student members of the American Harp Society, as well as non-harpist family members, can register to attend for a single day or for the entire institute. The early bird registration deadline is April 1.
The AHS offers conference lodging options. Rooms with an AHS group discount at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza must be reserved by May 9. On-campus housing at the Colburn School’s resident hall suites must be reserved by April 27.
We reached out to the chairperson of this year’s institute, Ellie Choate, to find out more.
Tell us how the presenters and performers will contribute to the theme of the 2023 Summer Institute, “Creating Our Legacy.”
Each of us is always in the process of creating our personal legacy as we influence those in our sphere. This institute is focused on inspiring us to be more intentional about exploring new things and incorporating them into our lives with the harp.
What are a few highlights of this year’s venue, the Colburn School?
Meeting rooms, state-of-the-art concert spaces (Schoenberg and Thayer Halls), a cafe with indoor and outdoor dining, and comfortable dorm rooms are steps away from one another—with easy access for moving harps! The view is spectacular—Disney Hall and the Broad Museum [of contemporary art] are right across the street. The Omni Hotel, our designated hotel, is next door.
As Institute chair, what is your favorite part of hosting this event?
My favorite thing is knowing that everyone who attends will grow in some way. Everyone will make new harp friends, everyone will be surprised by something, discover something, see new possibilities for themselves. We all get a little closer to being the harpists we’re created to be.
