Where good harpists become great musicians
For the 2021 Season we are planning an online program for developing your artistry wherever you are in the world. Distinguished faculty includes Elizabeth Hainen conducting an intensive week of orchestral training through mock auditions and master classes, culminating in a performance in the final concert. Go to our website to learn more about it!
Elizabeth Hainen and Judy Loman
The Curtis Summerfest Harp Colony continues a rich legacy dating back to celebrated harpist Carlos Leon Salzedo, who headed the harp department at the Curtis Institute of Music from the school’s founding in 1924 until his death in 1961, and has long been revered at Curtis as the founder of a tradition of harp study and practice that continues to this day. In 1931, he founded the Salzedo Harp Colony (also known as the Salzedo School), a harp workshop in Camden, Maine.
The Salzedo Harp Colony provided an environment for the type of intensive private study that was not possible during the regular concert season. Students lived with local families and performed for each other in weekly chamber music concerts, in addition to practicing and enjoying the beautiful environment of the area. When Salzedo passed away in 1961, one of his most noted distinguished former students, Alice Chalifoux, took over direction of the colony, teaching students until her retirement in 2002.
While Elizabeth Hainen was unfortunately never able to attend the Salzedo Harp Colony, in 2004, she founded the Saratoga Harp Colony, a similar retreat for promising young harpists in New York. Moving to the Curtis Institute of Music in 2016, the Curtis Summerfest Harp Colony continues Salzedo’s rich tradition of harp pedagogy at Curtis.
Performers play in intimate master classes with Elizabeth Hainen and Judy Loman
Whether you are a full-time professional harpist or looking for the tools and inspiration to reach the next level, this program is a great way to revitalize, strengthen, and broaden your harp skills while meeting other harpists from around the country.
Only available for part of the week? Audit a master class
Any harpist may participate as an auditor. Auditors observe master classes. No audio submission is necessary. Choose to audit one master class or several master classes.