There will be several unique opportunities for students to be active participants at the American Harp Society 2016 National Conference in Atlanta!

The opening night concert is centered around one of the themes of AHS: inspiring the next generation of harpists. A large harp ensemble, made up of students from around the country, will perform in collaboration with headlining artists Bridget Kibbey, Park Stickney, and soprano Indra Thomas. Led by Atlanta Youth Symphony conductor Joseph Young, this concert will be a rare opportunity for young harpists to work closely with artists at the top of their field. Application materials and more details will be made available in January, but the essential requirements are:

• Pedal harpists aged 14 to 22
• Harpists will submit a recorded audition consisting of the cadenza from Waltz of the Flowers and a solo of their choice up to 10 minutes in length
• An application, teacher recommendation, and the above-mentioned recording will be due March 15
• All harpists selected must be able to bring their own instrument to Emory University, and be available for a rehearsal on June 29.

Emory University's Schwartz Center, Conference Opening Night Concert Venue

Young harpists who are at a beginner/intermediate level, ages 6-14, are invited to participate in an ensemble concert under the direction of Catherine Case, Julia Kay Jamieson, Kela Walton, and Jacquelyn Venter. These acclaimed teachers will lead several classes during the Conference called, "Create, Collaborate, Arpeggiate!"  This experience will culminate in a concert on Sunday morning, July 3. No recorded audition is required, but an application form and teacher recommendation are requested. Students are encouraged to bring their own lever or pedal harp, but some harps will be available on-site for students who travel a great distance.

 

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to their country. This high honor was recently bestowed upon AHS member Judy Loman.  Membership is accorded to those who exemplify the order's Latin motto: "desiderantes meliorem patriam" meaning "they desire a better country."  Ms. Loman was honored for "her service to the arts community as one of Canada's renowned harpists."   

Judy Loman

Judy Loman graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Carlos Salzedo. She was principal harpist with the Toronto Symphony from 1960 to 2002. The Toronto Symphony has featured her as soloist on several tours and she has appeared as guest artist with numerous other orchestras and ensembles worldwide. She has participated in many of North America's music festivals and several of her performances have been filmed by Rhombus Media and aired on public television. A prolific recording artist, Ms. Loman has recorded for the RCA, Columbia, CBC, (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), Centrediscs and Aquitaine labels. She is Visiting Artist at The Curtis Institute of Music, Adjunct Professor of harp at the University of Toronto and a Fellow of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto and gives masterclasses worldwide.

Members of the Toronto Chapter of AHS at a reception honoring Ms. Loman's membership in the Order of Canada

It's a hectic time of year, and there's all that shopping to do! Perhaps AHS can help. Looking for a unique gift for yourself or another harpist? AHS has Grandjany and Salzedo CD's, DVD's, posters and music available in our new online store.

It's not too late to give the gift of membership, and your recipient will get the next American Harp Journal - just contact Barbara Sooklal at membership@harpsociety.org. You might send a gift membership for a special teacher or graduating student, honor a senior member or leader of your Chapter, or "pay it forward" for a retired harpist who may no longer be able to afford dues (ask Barbara!).

Thank you for participating in #GivingTuesday on December 1st! Although we have verified that your donations to AHS for have been safely received and properly credited, it seems that the infamous holiday Grinch still has our report! The elves at PayPal Giving Fund, busy as they are, are industriously rebuilding it, and think it will be ready to pop into our stocking on or about the 25th. We'll share it with all of you as soon as it is unwrapped!