From The Editors
Harp Column is a proud supporter of the first-ever Young Artist's Harp Competition, which will take place July 2–5 in Rabun Gap, Ga. The competition is open to harpists ages 11–19 and will award prizes from $150 to $1,000 in two divisions.
For detailed information visit harpcompetition.com or e-mail info@harpcompetition.com
Get your answers in Harp Column!
Which famous composer is writing a new harp concerto for outgoing Boston Symphony harpist Ann Hobson Pilot?
What are the top ten orchestra parts you should have in your fingers?
How can you improve your "how the harp works" spiel?
What's the best way to clean your harp strings?
Find out the answer to these questions and more in the May/June 2008 issue of Harp Column!
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—the editors
Legendary Boston Symphony Orchestra harpist Ann Hobson Pilot talks to Harp Column as she prepares to retire after 40 years with the orchestra.
- Saratoga hosts Master Teacher Series
Posted 04/25/08Susann McDonald will be the first in the Master Teacher Series
The Saratoga Harp Colony announces the Master Teacher Series for the 2008 season. This series will introduce world-famous and established harpists as part of the colony’s regular season. Susann McDonald, Artistic Director of the World Harp Congress and Distinguished Professor of Music and Indiana University, will join the colony Aug. 11–17 for a series of masterclasses. For more information about attending the masterclasses as a participant or auditor, visit www.saratogaharpcolony.org. The Saratoga Harp Colony is in its fourth season at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., under the direction of Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Harpist Elizabeth Hainen.
- AHS announces 2009 competition repertoire
Posted 04/25/08The American Harp Society announced the repertoire for its 18th National Competition to be held June 28, 2009, at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Junior Division (Maximum age 12 years on June 1, 2009)
Solfeggietto, C.P.E. Bach (any edition); The Minstrel’s Adieu to his Native Land, J. Thomas; and Liquid Shadows, Y. Kondonassis.
Intermediate I Division (Maximum age 15 years on June 1, 2009)
Siciliana, O. Respighi/trans. Grandjany; Six Noels, op 32, M. Tournier; Prelude, Robert Litton.
Intermediate II Division (Maximum age 18 years on June 1, 2009)
Sonata in C Minor, G. Pescetti/transcribed; Fantasie on a Theme of Haydn, M. Grandjany; Whirlwind, C. Salzedo.
Advanced Division (Maximum age 21 years on June 1, 2009)
Choose one Andante: K. 380 in E Major or K. 426 in G Minor, Urtext, and one Allegro: K. 198 in E Minor or K. 531 in E Major, Urtext, D. Scarlatti; Sonate, P. Hindemith; choose one: Variations on a theme in Ancient Style (full version) or Scintillation, C. Salzedo.
Young Professional Division (Maximum age 30 years on June 1, 2009)
Sonata I op. 16 bis, Comme Scene Pathetique, J.B. Krumpholtz/trans. Esposti; Piece Symphonique en trio episodes, H. Renie; free choice contemporary piece, composed after 1975, duration 5–7 minutes.
Prizes are awarded in five age divisions. For a full list of rules and requirements, visit www.harpsociety.org. - Composition competition winners announced
Posted 04/25/08The New Century Harp Competition recently announced the winners of its 2007 competition. The international contest is designed to encourage lever harp players and composers to create new harp arrangements of existing music, and to compose new music for harp.
Judges Harper Tashe (USA), Sharlene Wallace (Canada), and Monika Stadler (Austria) awarded prizes among 66 entries from six countries.
Grand prize: $1,000, Lisa Boggess, USA, “Miami Dawn” (original composition); best-for-beginners prize: $650, Margot Krimmel, USA, “Planxty Earl Grey” (original composition); merit prizes: $220, Kathleen Clark, USA, “The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle” (arrangement); Ulpia Erdos, Australia, “Tears of Joy” (original composition); Margot Krimmel, USA, “Shenandoah” (arrangement); Galen Noland, Canada, “A Celtic Ode to Joy” (arrangement); Casey Pinckney, USA, “Mack the Knife” (arrangement); Myriam Reid, Canada, “Sally Gardens” (arrangement); John Sheridan, USA, “An Eos Hweg” (arrangement); John Sheridan, USA, “Delyow Sevi” (arrangement).
The winning pieces will be included in the annual competition book by Afghan Press, available from Melody Music. Sponsors of the 2007 competition include Big Sky Folk Harp Festival, Camac Harps, Dusty Strings, Melody Music Center/Afghan Press, Thormahlen Harps, Somerset Harp Festival, Salvi/Harp World Inc., Stoney End Harps, Sylvia Woods Harp Center, Sunita Staneslow, and Virginia Harp Center.
