harpcolumn

Madeline Jarzembak appointed principal harpist with U.S. Navy Band

Madeline Jarzembak appointed principal harpist with U.S. Navy Band

Following three rounds of auditions, Madeline Jarzembak was named the new principal harpist with the United States Navy Band. "I was thrilled to be offered the position," Jarzembak says. "As principal harpist with the U.S. Navy Band, I'll have the opportunity to serve...

Groundbreaking harpists featured in The New York Times

Groundbreaking harpists featured in The New York Times

Brandee Younger, Marilu Donovan, Hannah Stater, and Madison Calley are the subjects of a new article from The New York Times titled "How the Harp Got Hip." Author Alexis Garcia's March 16 article outlines the harp's stereotype as a "niche instrument" with "prudish...

2021 Guide to Spring Harp Festivals

2021 Guide to Spring Harp Festivals

What harp resolutions did you set this year? Has the pandemic affected your motivation or canceled your plans? If you’re looking for ways to amp up your motivation and find inspiration this spring, you’re in luck! Check out these spring harp festivals around the...

Lyon & Healy announces 2022 Awards competition

Lyon & Healy announces 2022 Awards competition

Lyon & Healy announced details for the 2022 Lyon & Healy Awards, scheduled to take place March 9–12, 2022, at its concert hall in Chicago. The competition is open to harpists under the age of 30, with applications due Jan. 15, 2022. The announcement comes...

Remembering Mary-Elizabeth Collins

Remembering Mary-Elizabeth Collins

Mary-Elizabeth Collins died peacefully on Jan. 24, 2021. Mary-Elizabeth was blessed with an abundance of musical talent. She began harp lessons at the age of ten studying under renowned harpist Mildred Dilling. She started playing professionally at age 17 and became a...

Ashley Jackson appointed to Hunter College faculty

Ashley Jackson appointed to Hunter College faculty

Hunter College has appointed Dr. Ashley Jackson to its faculty as both an assistant professor and director of undergraduate studies. As assistant professor at the New York City school, Jackson teaches performance related courses, chamber music classes, private...

Remembering Mary Dropkin

Remembering Mary Dropkin

Beloved harpist and mentor Mary Dropkin died peacefully on Jan. 8, 2021.   Mary developed a love for the harp at an early age. She came from a strong legacy of great harpists such as Grace Follet, Susann McDonald, and Dorothy Remsen. She received her Bachelor of Music...

Remembering Osian Ellis (1928-2021)

Remembering Osian Ellis (1928-2021)

It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of harpist and scholar Osian Gwynn Ellis on Jan. 5, 2021. He was 92. Ellis was one of the leading harpists of the 20th century and appeared on the world’s major stages. He was a living legend in his native Wales,...

Angelica Hairston featured on NPR’s From the Top

Angelica Hairston featured on NPR’s From the Top

Harpist Angelica Hairston is featured on the latest episode of From the Top: "Where Are They Now?" with host Peter Dugan on National Public Radio (NPR). In the episode, Hairston shares her journey with Challenge the Stats (CTS), an organization she founded, and...