harpcolumn

2nd Ángel Padilla Crespo competition announces winners

2nd Ángel Padilla Crespo competition announces winners

The 2nd International Harp Competition “Ángel Padilla Crespo” has announced the results of its online contest held this spring, in which recorded video submissions serve as the competition performances. In the solo harp category for competitors up to 16 years of age,...

Remembering Susann McDonald (1935–2025)

Remembering Susann McDonald (1935–2025)

Legendary harpist and pedagogue Susann McDonald, distinguished professor emeritus of harp at Indiana University (IU) Jacobs School of Music and founder of the USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC), died on May 29 at the age of 90. Susann McDonald appeared on the...

Bennett wins audition for Opera Philadelphia principal harp

Bennett wins audition for Opera Philadelphia principal harp

Ruth Bennett won the audition for the principal harp position at Opera Philadelphia and will begin performing with the ensemble this fall. “I love that opera is a collaborative fusion of many facets of art—music, theater, lighting design, sets, and fashion (I’m an...

13th USAIHC announces final results

13th USAIHC announces final results

The 13th USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) took place May 14–24, 2025, in Bloomington, Indiana, at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Watch for our interview with the gold medal winner in an upcoming issue of Harp Column. May 24, 2025 Final...

Lee appointed to Kansas City Symphony

Lee appointed to Kansas City Symphony

The Kansas City Symphony has appointed Yun Chai Lee principal harp. “I’m most looking forward to making music with, learning from, and being inspired by an incredible group of musicians—and of course, working with Maestro Matthias Pintscher,” Lee says. “Oh, and also...

Toronto International Harp Festival announces inaugural edition

Toronto International Harp Festival announces inaugural edition

The Toronto International Harp Festival and Summer Institute (iHarp) has announced the first edition of its annual event, to be held July 7–13 at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Featuring performances, workshops, and masterclasses, the festival is led by artistic...

Fotinos appointed to trial with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Fotinos appointed to trial with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

Following principal harp auditions held in South Australia last November, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has appointed Jessica Fotinos to a trial period. “Whilst I’m still on trial for another three months, I have loved my time with the ASO so far,” Fotinos...

Q and A with Andrew Chan, Catherine Michel, and Kathleen Bride

Q and A with Andrew Chan, Catherine Michel, and Kathleen Bride

Canadian harpist Andrew Chan is launching a new international harp festival in Toronto, to be held annually beginning this summer. Catherine Michel and Kathleen Bride are serving as artistic advisors. We asked Chan, Michel, and Bride to tell us more about the...

Mikrou appointed to Greek National Opera

Mikrou appointed to Greek National Opera

The Greek National Opera has appointed Ersilia Mikrou principal harp. “I am deeply honored to join the Greek National Opera as principal harpist,” Mikrou says. “This institution has been a cornerstone of my musical upbringing, and it is incredibly meaningful to return...

Whiting releases new EP

Whiting releases new EP

Welsh harpist and composer Amanda Whiting is releasing a new EP June 6 on First Word Records. Can You See Me Now? is available for pre-order on Bandcamp. The album will be available in vinyl format in addition to digital download and streaming options. Whiting is...