San Diego-based harpist and composer Tasha Smith Godinez has released her sixth studio album, A New Day, on World Music Day, June 21. The new album is available through Ennanga Records & Publishing, which she founded. According to a press release, Smith Godinez...
Michigan State University is accepting applications for a part-time harp faculty position. Review of applications begins June 28. Applicants must submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and three recommendation...
The 1st International Harp and Harp Composition Competition “Ángel Padilla Crespo” has announced the winners of its inaugural contest. Hosted by the “Opera Zero” Cultural Association of Bari (Italy), the online competition is open to musicians of all nationalities....
A harp emoji is one of seven new characters expected to be available for use in late 2024 or early 2025. Unicode Consortium recently added the new harp emoji to the beta version of its Unicode 16.0 emoji catalog. When the beta review period concludes July 2, the...
The USA International Harp Competition (USAIHC) has announced the dates of its upcoming 13th Competition as May 14–24, 2025. The competition will take place at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Ind., and is open to harpists of all...
Robert “John” Gill passed away at home on May 26, 2024, with his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Radspinner, at his side. John fought a courageous battle with small-cell carcinoma for two years. John was best-known in the harp world for Melody’s Traditional Music retail...
Harpist Cindy Horstman has created a video for World Otter Day using music she composed to represent the playfulness of otters. According to a press release, after hearing a performance by Duo Da Capo of her piece Life Aquatic for flute and harp, Cindy Horstman heard...
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has appointed Alyssa Katahara principal harpist, following three rounds of auditions held Oct. 9–11, 2023. Katahara will begin performing with the DSO this fall. “Throughout my trial everyone in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra was...
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has appointed Emily Melendes principal harpist, following international auditions held March 16. Melendes will begin performing with the orchestra in September. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Calgary Philharmonic this fall,”...
Atlanta-based harpist Angelica Hairston is featured in a new American Family Insurance commercial. We asked Hairston to share more about her experience. How did this commercial come about? The commercial came about through an open national call from [American Family...
