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...
Remembering Bernard Grandjany (1930–2024)
Feb 29, 2024
The American Harp Society (AHS) announced the passing of Bernard Marcel Grandjany on its website and social media outlets, sharing the following tribute written by Rita Costanzi, Frances Duffy, and the AHS: “Bernard Marcel Grandjany, son of the esteemed French harpist...
Remembering Jude Mollenhauer (1939–2024)
Feb 2, 2024
Following a brief illness, harpist and teacher Jude Mollenhauer passed away on Jan. 19 at her home in Vienna, Virginia. Harpist Jeanne Norton describes Jude as a “good person who truly dedicated her life to the harp. She was with the [Columbus Symphony Orchestra] as...
Remembering Thomas Edward “Ed” Galchick (1954–2023)
Jan 28, 2024
After a 12-year battle with cancer, harp technician Thomas Edward “Ed” Galchick passed away Dec. 17, 2023, at the age of 69 at his home in Salem, Ohio. His friend, harpist Wallace Ford, says he was known for caring about his customers and for his sense of humor. “The...
Remembering Faith Carman (1941–2023)
Jan 10, 2024
Harpist Faith Carman died on Dec. 20, 2023, in Farmington, Maine. Born on Jan. 23, 1941, in Bethesda, Maryland, Carman was best-known in the harp world for her many publications. Former American Harp Society (AHS) President Lynne Aspnes says Carman’s most memorable...
Remembering Maria Casale (1962–2024)
Jan 10, 2024
The USA International Harp Competition announced the death of Maria Casale on its social media outlets, writing the following tribute: The USA International Harp Competition is deeply saddened to announce the passing of harpist Maria Casale, gold medalist of the first...
Remembering Elizabeth “Liz” Elyse Yockey Ilku (1928–2023)
Nov 3, 2023
Elizabeth “Liz” Elyse Yockey Ilku graced the world with her talent, love, disciplined determination, inner and outer beauty, and kind fellowship from March 2, 1928, until August 21, 2023. She passed away from natural causes, peacefully at her home, with her children...
Remembering Louise Pratt (1928–2023)
Jun 23, 2023
Harpist and arranger Ida Louise Frandsen Pratt passed away June 4, 2023, in Manti, Utah, at the age of 95. Louise Pratt was born May 11, 1928, in Clarion, Utah, to Peter Lafayette Frandsen and Ida Caroline Larsen. While attending Brigham Young University, she met and...
Remembering Joanne Snider (1929–2023)
Jun 11, 2023
Joan Snider passed away at home in La Jolla, California, on February 28, 2023, after 93 grand years of life. She had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and called on hospice for support in her final days. Joan was born in West Frankfort, Illinois, on October...
Remembering Phyllis L. Ensher-Peters (1931–2022)
Jan 10, 2023
Harpist Phyllis L. Ensher-Peters, 91, of Wyomissing, Pa., passed away on December 18, 2022, at Reading Hospital after a brief illness. Born in West Bridgewater, Mass., she was a daughter of Napoleon and Virginia (Essayan) Ensher. She started playing the harp at the...