harpcolumn

Telynau Cambrian Harps Festival announces 2026 lineup

Telynau Cambrian Harps Festival announces 2026 lineup

The Telynau Cambrian Harps Harp Festival is set to return to the coastal village of Llanrhystud, Wales, from May 15–17, 2026. This year’s festival offers an educational program with masterclasses and workshops led by tutors from the Royal Welsh College of Music and...

9th Félix Godefroid competition announces winners

9th Félix Godefroid competition announces winners

The Félix Godefroid International Harp Competition has announced the winners of its 9th edition, which took place April 29–May 3 in Tournai, Belgium. The triennial competition is open to harpists ages 35 and under, divided into four categories based on the length and...

Tan appointed to New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Tan appointed to New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Singaporean harpist Lishan Tan is the newly appointed principal harp of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. “I’m really excited to be part of an orchestra with such a rich history and a genuine commitment to its community,” Tan says. “Their focus on education,...

Sacchi releases album dedicated to music of Joe Hisaishi

Sacchi releases album dedicated to music of Joe Hisaishi

Harpist, composer, and producer Floraleda Sacchi recently released a new album titled Joe Hisaishi by Floraleda Sacchi on the Amadeus Arte label. According to a press release, this recording is a tribute to the Japanese contemporary composer Joe Hisaishi and contains...

Remembering Laurie Buchanan (1939–2026)

Remembering Laurie Buchanan (1939–2026)

Laurie Ellen Bolvig Buchanan of San Antonio, Texas, died on Feb. 18, 2026, at age 87. Buchanan was born in Brooklyn, New York, on Jan. 28, 1939, to Doris Hevener Bolvig and Col. Lawrence John Bolvig. She earned a degree in harp performance from the Eastman School of...

Remembering Mari Lola Higueras (1930–2026)

Remembering Mari Lola Higueras (1930–2026)

Spanish harpist Mari Lola Higueras died on March 30, 2026. She was born in Madrid on Aug. 3, 1930, to sculptor Jacinto Higueras and violinist María Dolores Domínguez Palatín. The following tribute is by Spanish harpist María Rosa Navas-Pérez: “Mari Lola Higueras was...

2026 Korea International Harp Competition names winners

2026 Korea International Harp Competition names winners

The Korea International Harp Competition (KIHC) has announced the winners of this year’s contest, which took place March 29–April 5 in Seoul, South Korea. Jia Yao (China) won second prize in the young professional division, in which no first prize was awarded. Hei U...

Wheaton College seeks guest lecturer in harp

Wheaton College seeks guest lecturer in harp

The Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College (Illinois) invites applications for a part-time guest lecturer position beginning in August 2026. Primary responsibilities for this position include teaching applied harp lessons and contributing to studio class offerings....

Remembering Moya Brennan (1952–2026)

Remembering Moya Brennan (1952–2026)

Irish singer-songwriter and harpist Moya Brennan died on April 13, 2026, at age 73. Born Máire Ní Bhraonáin on August 4, 1952, to her parents Leo and Máire Brennan, she grew up in the Irish-speaking Donegal Gaeltacht area of Gaoth Dobhair, Ireland. She is best known...