harpcolumn

Lepke-Sims elected president and chair of USAIHC

Lepke-Sims elected president and chair of USAIHC

The USA International Harp Competition, Inc. (USAIHC) has elected Barbara W. Lepke-Sims as its new president and chair. Former USAIHC president and chair Joyce E. Claflin remains on the board of directors, now serving as vice president. Cheryl D. Cunningham and...

Harp-E opens first international facility in London

Harp-E opens first international facility in London

The Dutch-based electroacoustic lever harp manufacturer Harp-E has opened a new facility in London, its first international office and assembly facility outside of the Netherlands. According to a press release, the company says this expansion will “allow Harp-E to...

Laurent releases debut album

Laurent releases debut album

French harpist Mélanie Laurent will release her debut album Pastel on Nov. 22 on Indésens Calliope Records. The album features two new transcriptions by Laurent of works by Cécile Chaminade and Mel Bonis, as well as compositions by Grandjany, Tournier, Tailleferre, de...

Virginia and Atlanta Harp Centers transition to new ownership

Virginia and Atlanta Harp Centers transition to new ownership

Harpist Kristina Finch and her husband Dannel Espinoza are taking on ownership of the Virginia Harp Centers and the Atlanta Harp Center, following the retirement of previous owners David and MJ D’Arville. “For decades, David and MJ D’Arville built a legacy of...

Castaneda nominated for GRAMMY with BEATrio

Castaneda nominated for GRAMMY with BEATrio

BEATrio’s eponymous debut album is nominated for a 2026 GRAMMY Award in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category. The band features American banjo player Béla Fleck, Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda, and Mexican drummer Antonio Sánchez. In addition to...

1000 Strings Festival announces lineup for 2026

1000 Strings Festival announces lineup for 2026

The 1000 Strings Festival (formerly the Dutch Harp Festival) will take place April 18, 2026, at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The program starts at 4 p.m. with pre-festival activities for all ages, including the final of the World Harp Competition...

Italian Harp Association announces 15th Suoni d’Arpa competition

Italian Harp Association announces 15th Suoni d’Arpa competition

The Italian Harp Association has announced dates and repertoire for the 15th edition of its International Harp Contest in Italy Suoni d’Arpa. The competition will take place Aug. 25–30, 2026, at the Fondazione Scuola di Alto Perfezionamento Musicale, in the medieval...

Agresta Copely nominated for 2026 GRAMMY award

Agresta Copely nominated for 2026 GRAMMY award

Harpist Kirsten Agresta Copely is nominated for a 2026 GRAMMY Award in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for her recent New Age album, Kuruvinda, which had earned a silver medal in the Global Music Awards before its release on Aug. 1, 2025. “Inspired...

Derycz opens Harp Center Los Angeles

Derycz opens Harp Center Los Angeles

Harp Center Los Angeles (HCLA), owned by California harpist Xochitl Derycz, celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 19. “Harp Center Los Angeles began as a response to the many challenges harpists face just to meet their basic needs—whether it’s finding quality strings,...

New Haven Symphony Orchestra announces principal harp opening

New Haven Symphony Orchestra announces principal harp opening

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra (NHSO) has announced an opening for principal harp, with auditions to be held April 11, 2026. Applicants must submit an application form, resume, and refundable deposit check by mail or email by March 11. Please see the audition...