The Ontario Chapter of the American Harp Society announced the passing of Canadian harpist Marie Emma Lorcini on its social media outlets, sharing the following tribute posted by one of her children:
“Marie Emma Lorcini (née Iösch), of Greensville, Ontario, passed away peacefully on February 26, at the age of 94.
“Marie was born January 1, 1930 in Montreal, to violinist Pierre Iösch and cellist Marthe Iösch (née Delcellier), the eldest of three children. A musical prodigy, she began study of the harp at age 13, and was second harpist for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra by age 15. At 16, she became principal harpist. Playing in the orchestra with both her parents, she worked with such legends of classical music as Igor Stravinsky, Francis Poulenc, Otto Klemperer, and too many more to list. (Ezio Pinza tried to pick her up when she was 16, but her parents judiciously intervened.)
“She married British-Canadian sculptor Gino Lorcini in 1953, with whom she had four children; on May 30, 2023, they celebrated 70 years of marriage. After the family moved to London, Ontario in 1969, she became principal harpist for both the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, where she also performed with Opera Hamilton. She and her husband moved to Greensville, Ontario in 1982.
“In her long career, Marie debuted many contemporary works for harp, performing in numerous CBC broadcasts, the Montreal Festivals, and at the Stratford Festival. A student of master harpist Marcel Grandjany, she was, herself, a well-known harp teacher, teaching at École Vincent-d’Indy in Montreal, and at the Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario. She originated the syllabus for harp for the Suzuki method in 1984, which she taught at the Hamilton Suzuki School of Music.
“Marie had the greenest of thumbs, and could raise the botanical dead. She was a masterful cook (often using ingredients from her own vegetable garden), and had a ready laugh. She was an active participant in the scouting movement, as leader Baloo to the local cub scout troop. An avid traveler and camper, she frequently brought one of her Irish harps along to keep her fingers in shape during vacation. She would play in the open air at our camping spots, much to the delight of neighbouring campers.
“Marie is survived by her husband, Gino, and her children, Barrie (partner Mary), Anna (husband Bruce), Nina, and Greg (partner Eike). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Oliver, Nicole, Julia, Erin, and Dayna, her great-grandchildren, Emma, Ishmael, Immanuel, Hazel, Sydney, Mason, Mila, Vivienne, and Leonie, and by her younger brothers, Jack and Frank. She is greatly missed.”
