SPRING 2020 • VOLUME XIII, NO. 6 World Harp congress
eviewTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD HARP CONGRESS, INC.
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The World Harp Congress was established in 1981 and incorporated in 1982. It originated from the Harpweeks in The Netherlands, organized by Phia Berghout and Maria Korchinska, that first met in 1960. The WHC is held every three years around the world and seeks to promote the exchange of ideas, stimulate contact, and encourage the composition of new music for the harp. Phia Berghout 1983 Maastricht, The Netherlands 2002 Geneva, Switzerland 1985 Jerusalem, Israel 2005 Dublin, Ireland 1987 Vienna, Austria 2008 Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1990 Paris/Sèvres, France 2011 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 1993 Copenhagen, Denmark 2014 Sydney, Australia 1996 Tacoma/Seattle, Washington, USA 2017 Hong Kong, China 1999 Prague, The Czech Republic 2021 Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
WORLD HARP CONGRESS, INC. MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION Founder: Phia Berghout, The Netherlands Daphne Boden, United Kingdom Founding Chair: Ann Stockton, USA Alexandre Bonnet, The Netherlands Founding Artistic Director: Susann McDonald, USA Clíona Doris, Ireland Founding WHC Review Editor: Linda Wood Rollo, USA Mario Falcao, Portugal/USA Chair Emerita: Patricia Wooster, USA Mercedes Gómez, Mexico Kumiko Inoue, Japan Founding Committee Mieko Inoue, Japan Phia Berghout, The Netherlands Kathy Kienzle, USA Mario Falcao, Portugal/USA Sheila Larchet Cuthbert, Ireland Kumiko Inoue, Japan Susann McDonald, USA Marcela Kozikova, Czechoslovakia Isabelle Perrin, Norway/France Susann McDonald, USA Lieve Robbroeckx, Belgium Sylvia Meyer, USA Natalia Shameyeva, Russia Robert A. Ouimette, USA Ernestine Stoop, The Netherlands Lucile Rosenbloom, USA Helga Storck, Germany Deane Sherman, USA Karen Vaughan, United Kingdom Ann Stockton, USA Linda Wood Rollo, USA Patricia Wooster, USA Elena Zaniboni, Italy
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Kathy Kienzle, USA Clíona Doris, Ireland Artistic Director: Isabelle Perrin, Norway/France Mario Falcao, Portugal/USA Associate Artistic Director: Karen Vaughan, Lucrecia Jancsa, Argentina United Kingdom Jung Kwak, Korea Vice-President: Alexandre Bonnet, The Netherlands Marcela Méndez, Argentina Vice-President: Mieko Inoue, Japan Kaori Otake, Japan/Canada Vice-President: Mercedes Gómez, Mexico ¸ Secretary: Lieve Robbroeckx, Belgium Nicoletta Sanzin, Italy Treasurer: Jaymee Haefner, USA SirinErnestine Pancaro˘glu, Stoop, TurkeyThe Netherlands Editor, WHC Review: Isabel Moretón Achsel, Germany Helga Storck, Germany Caryl Thomas, Wales, United Kingdom Milda Agazarian, Russia Guan Wang, China Kirsten Agresta Copely, USA Patricia Wooster, USA Ann Benjamin, USA Angela Yau, China Maria Cristina de Carvalho, Brazil Ann Yeung, USA Dan Yu, China
HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bernard Andrès, France Sergiu Natra, Israel Pierre Bartholomée, Belgium Paul Patterson, United Kingdom Marco Betta, Italy Libor Pesek, Czech Republic Robert Freeman, USA R. Murray Schafer, Canada Pierick Houdy, France David del Tredici, USA SPRING 2020 • VOLUME XIII, NO. 6 World Harp congress
eviewTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD HARP CONGRESS, INC.
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POSTPONED TO 6-12 AUGUST 2021 CONTENTS SPRING 2020 • VOLUME XIII • NO. 6
3 WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS Cover design by Petra Bryan. Letter from the Chair Greetings from the Artistic Director Greetings from the Fourteenth World Harp Congress Chairs and Program Overview Focus on Youth 2020/2021
10 HARP HISTORY Anton Pratté (1796-1875) – Delphine Constantin-Reznik Victor Salvi - Harpist. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. EDITOR Isabel Moretón Achsel 14 SPOTLIGHT ADVERTISING MANAGER Sonja Westberg Israel Harp Contest 1959-2019 – Julia Rovinsky Playing For and With Dancers – Cynthia Price-Glynn GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Petra Bryan The World Harp Congress Review is pub 19 IN MEMORIAM lished biannually in November and May Samuel Milligan and is distributed to over 50 countries. The Milica Baric ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and not Nona Ventura Rosenthal necessarily those of the World Harp Congress, Inc. Memberships to the World Harp Congress, address changes, and other 23 INTERNAZlata BernatovićTIONAL FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS business matters should be directed to: Singapore HARPFEST 2019 Leanna Johnson, Membership Chair International Harp Competition “Marcel Tournier” in Cosenza 14501 Montfort Drive, #1625 Dallas TX 75254, USA Slovenian International Harp Competition Email: [email protected] Nippon Harp Competition and International Festival The WHC Review is included in membership International Harp Competition in Szeged dues. International Harp Competitions and Festivals At-A-Glance Advertising in the WHC Review is open to all harp-related businesses and events as well as schools and conservatories. Dead 28 NEW MUSIC lines for ad copy are September 1 and March 1. Advertising copy, payment and Rhona Clarke: Seen From Above inquiries should be directed to: Recent Premieres and Publications Sonja Westberg 1234 Evans Road, Apt 414 San Antonio Texas 78258 30 NATIONAL NEWS Email: [email protected] News items should be directed to the 41 MEET THE CORRESPONDENTS official correspondents of each country. Poland Editorial letters and photos must be received by 15 August (Fall issue) and 15 February (Spring issue). Articles must 42 WORLD HARP CONGRESS CORRESPONDENTS be submitt ed by 1 June (Fall issue) and 1 December (Spring issue). Please direct all material to: 42 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS to the World Harp Congress Isabel Moretón Achsel, Editor Review Lange-Hop-Strasse 76 30559 Hannover, Germany Email: [email protected] 43 NATIONAL HARP ASSOCIATIONS OF THE WORLD ISSN 1542-9415 www.worldharpcongress.org © 2020 World Harp Congress, Inc. All rights reserved. printed on recycled paper Become a member of the World Harp Congress Be part of the worldwide harp community and support the only international organization that hosts a full week harp congress in a different country every three years. Membership bene�its include : Subscription to our biennial WHC Review, which includes world-wide harp news, interviews, harp history, new music, and international festivals Eligibility for discounted harp insurance through Anderson Harp Insurance Group
Opportunities for professionals to perform or present at Congresses • OpportunitiesTimely/Speci�ic for Information students to about apply upcoming for Focus onCongresses Youth, masterclasses, mock orchestra audition, and workshops at Congresses Online membership directory Access to International Harp Archives, Audio and Video Lending Libraries, Radio Interviews and much more Please visit the website to become a member: www.worldharpcongress.com/membership Is it time to renew your membership? Please visit the website to renew you membership: www.worldharpcongress.com/membership
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Congratulations to St. Petersburg, Russia, host of the 15th World Harp Congress! The co-chairs will be Sofia Kiprskaya and Elizaveta Alexandrova. The Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, venue of the 15th World Harp Congress. www.worldharpcongress.com WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS Letter from Greetings from the the Chair Artistic Director
Dear Friends, Dear Colleagues and Friends, We are so sorry to announce the postponement of the 14th It is with deep sadness that I write this message, as our 14th Congress in Cardiff. You will find in this issue the wonderful pro- WHC planned for July in Cardiff has had to be postponed to gram that the Cardiff team has put together. We hope that seeing August 2021. this will encourage those of you who already registered to carry These past few weeks, the world, our lives and the immediate your registration to the 2021 Congress. Also, if you have already future have drastically changed, impacting us all. But when this purchased airline tickets to Cardiff, you might save money by unprecedented situation is over we will need more than ever to transferring the flight dates to 2021 instead of asking for a refund. bring our music and ourselves together. I sincerely hope that you and your families are healthy and The Cardiff team has done extraordinary work to put togeth- are managing to cope with this world-wide disaster. I am er one of the best programs we have ever had. At this point they especially thinking of those of you who rely on free-lancing for intend to keep it just as planned,hoping that everyone involved concerts and gigs to support yourselves and your families. This will be available for the new dates. must be especially difficult for you. I hope you are able to find As a number of you have already paid for registration (and ways to continue to make music. Many of us are learning new had probably booked your travel), I would suggest that it will ways of teaching online so we can stay in touch with our stu- be best to carry it forward instead of cancelling. dents. These are probably skills that will sometimes be helpful In the meantime, I wish you all a positive and fruitful quaran- when this particular situation is over. tine and look very much forward seeing you in 2021 in Cardiff! At the Board of Directors meetings in France last summer With my warmest regards, the Board decided on the site of the 15th World Harp Congress. It will be in St. Petersburg, Russia. The main venue will be the historic Mariinsky Theatre, one of the most famous concert venues in the world. Our host committee co-chairs will be Sofia Isabelle Perrin, Artistic Director Kiprskaya and Elizaveta Alexandrova. I hope you will start WHC Board of Directors planning now to attend this Congress, in one of the most beau- tiful cities in the world! I look forward to seeing many of you next year in Cardiff! Stay well!
Kathy Kienzle, Chair WHC Board of Directors
14th World Harp Congress Organizing Committee: Cardiff 2021 Dear World Harp Congress Supporter Consequently, we will be making all tickets and delegate Due to the ongoing Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, it is passes already purchased for the 2020 event, eligible for trans- with great regret that we have taken the decision to postpone fer to the new dates in 2021, and the Early Bird Ticket Discount the 14th World Harp Congress due to take place in Cardiff this Deadline will be extended until 1st April 2021. July. All performance venues have been closed until further The welfare of our community of artists, volunteers and audi- notice following UK and Welsh Government advice. ences is our priority throughout this time of uncertainty, and the As we are uncertain as to when the situation will change, we decision has not been made easily. We are aware that many of have decided to make an early announcement that will allow you, you will have already incurred travel costs, and we hope that by our delegates, performers, volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors, as making this decision in good time, you will be able to re-arrange much time as possible to change travel and accommodation plans. flights and hotels for 2021 without any financial implications. There will be a considerable amount of work involved in We thank you for your support and patience while we work rescheduling the Congress and we ask for your patience and through the finer details, and on behalf of The 14th World Harp cooperation through this process. We have provisionally secured Congress Organizing Committee, we wish you all well, and look alternative dates with our venues in the Summer of 2021 that forward to welcoming you to Wales in 2021. will enable a straightforward postponement whilst maintaining — Caryl Thomas, Chair this year’s performance schedule as closely as possible. — Catrin Finch, Artistic Director — Stephen Burkitt-Harrington, Event Director
Review • Spring 2020 3 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS
WORLD HARP CONGRESS 2021
CARDIFF | WALES
6-12 AUGUST 2021
THE WORLD HARP CONGRESS IN CARDIFF HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 6-12 AUGUST 2021 DUE TO THE OUTBREAK OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS.
NEWS FROM THE CO-CHAIRS
Wales is the “Land of the the spectacular Wales Millennium Centre, St David’s Hall and Harp”, and Cardiff, it’s the new Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama building, thriving and cosmopolitan which will play host to the Congress. capital city. In the past There will be special exhibitions in some of our wonderful decades it has been museums, a chance to hear different harps and musicians from completely rejuvenated, every corner of the globe, and if you are a harpist, a chance for and today regularly plays you to join in and be a part of this most memorable celebration. host to international We feel very privileged to be leading a wonderful, artistic cultural, political and sporting events. Cardiff and Harp team of internationally renowned harpists and colleagues, and Festivals are synonymous - having hosted two World Harp together we will create a Congress to be remembered. Festivals in the 1990s, the 7th European Harp Symposium in We look forward to welcoming you to Cardiff in August 2021! 2007 and the Lyon and Healy Awards in 2013. Information regarding all aspects of attending the Congress, Harps and harpists will take over Cardiff for the week. We can be found on the website www.whc2021.wales. have wonderful old and new venues in which we will hold — Catrin Finch and Caryl Thomas, Co-chairs of world class concerts, exhibitions, and masterclasses, including the World Harp Congress 2021 in Cardiff
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
CLARSACH/WORLD
We are delighted that our program includes music to interest and entertain all harpists and that our program of clarsach and world harps is diverse and imaginative. There is a WHC Clarsach Ensemble ‘Come and Play’ daily rehearsal session with Eira Lyn Jones, concluding with a performance at the end of the week, and recital performances by Corrina Hewat, Savourna Stevenson and Lauren Scott. And we are thrilled to showcase world music from Tunisia, Senegal, Bolivia, Colombia, Turkey, Tyrol, Paraguay, Syria, Finland, Scotland and Ireland, featuring such contrasting instruments as the kora, the bandoneon, the llanera, the kantele, qanun and the çeng,
Corinna Hewat Lauren Scott
Eira Lynn Jones Savourna Stevenson
4 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS
EVENING CONCERTS
Opening Party with Gwyneth Wentink and Remy van Kesteren.
A World of Harps, featuring Maya Youssef (Syria) qanun; Sara Susso, (Gambia) kora; Leonard Jacome (Venezuela) llanara; Hermanos Corbalan (Paraquay) paraguayan harps; Hiroko Sue (Japan) koto; and folk group Calan (Wales). Remy Van Kesteren Catrin Finch and Anneleen Lenearts, respectively, play a newly Gwyneth Wentink commissioned harp concerto by Sally Beamish and the Glière Harp Concerto, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
An evening of Double harp concertos by Elias Parish Alvars, Gerardo Tamez, Sally Beamish and Karl Jenkins featuring Sofia Kiprskaya & Agnes Clement, Mercedes Gomez & Lucretia Jancsa, Catriona McKay & Chris Stout, Jana Bouskova & Ieuan Jones.
Sara Susso Calan A Jazz Spectacular with Park Stickney, Pia Salvia, Ophelia Grimm, Rossitza Milevsca, Amanda Whiting, Chube and Brenda Dor-Groot.
A visit to St Fagans for traditional harp music, singing, dancing, and storytelling presented by Welsh folk artists.
The Harp in Opera Gala Concert with Sir Bryn Terfel, Alexander Boldachev, the six Royal Harpists, a surprise ensemble, and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. Catrin Finch Anneleen Lenaerts There will be Pre and Post performances every evening featuring among others Rachel and the Red Socks, Maja Kauhanen, Ranagri, Esther Swift, and Ensemble Sangineto. MITCH JENKINS
Catriona Mckay
Sofia Kiprskaya
Amanda Whiting trio Bryn Terfel
Park Stickney
Jana Bouskova
Ieuan Jones Ranagri Rachel and the Red Socks Alexander Boldachev
14TH WHC IN CARDIFF | POSTPONED TO 6 TO 12 AUGUST 2021 THE COMPLETE PROGRAM CAN BE FOUND AT THE NEW! WEBSITE: WHC2021.WALES TWITTER: @WHC2020 FACEBOOK: WORLD HARP CONGRESS 2020
Review • Spring 2020 5 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS
WORLD HARP CONGRESS 2021
CARDIFF | WALES
6-12 AUGUST 2021
THE WORLD HARP CONGRESS IN CARDIFF HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 6-12 AUGUST 2021 DUE TO THE OUTBREAK OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
CELEBRITY RECITALS AND INTERVIEWS
Recitals by some of the world’s most celebrated recitalists, including Sivan Magen, Emmanuel Ceysson, Maria Luisa Rayan, Alice Giles, Letizia Belmondo, Naoko Yoshino, Sylvain Blassel and Maria Krushevskaya. There is also an opportunity to hear Susann McDonald, Linda Wood- Rollo and Skaila Kanga in conversation with Kimberley Rowe.
CHAMBER MUSIC Emmanuel Ceyson Maria Luisa Rayan
Chamber music is well represented with a daily series of Harp Quartets and Duos with artists such as Mannheim, Canna, and Clouds Harp Quartets, and Duos Julia Rovinsky & Katerina Englichova, Patrizia Tassini & Nicoletta Sanzin, and Elizaveta Alexandrova & Lubov Tkachenko; also a Harp Plus One Series featuring Violin, Trumpet, Bassoon, Guitar and Voice; a daily chamber ensemble recital with guests such as The Hermes Experiment, Pelleas Ensemble, Ensemble Caplet, The Elysian Trio, and a recital of septet music for the harp featuring Chantal Mathieu, Josh Layne, Ian McVoy and Veronika Lemishenko. Letizia Belmondo Esther Swift There is also a Thursday morning recital of Chamber Orchestra works featuring soloists Anne Marie O’Farrell, Emily Mitchell, Gabriella Dall’Olio, Anne-Sophie Bertrand and Liucile Vilimaite.
Maria Krushevskaya
Sylvain Blassel
Patrizia Tassini Julia Rovinsky Katerina Englichova Naoko Yoshino Anne-Sophie Bertrand
6 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS
CONTEMPORARY/ELECTRO HARP
Most of these performances will take place in the Richard Burton Theatre that boasts a state of the art sound and lighting facilities, which will be used to great effect to create an immersive experience. There are recitals of contemporary works by Ernestine Stoop, Uno Alexander Vesje, Caroline Lizotte, and Mai Fukui, while Rhodri Davies and Hélène Breschand present the experimental harp, and Ghislaine Petit-Volta introduces us to new developments with the Midi Harp. Uno Alexander Vesje Caroline Lizotte
HISTORICAL HARP
Our Historical Harp program starts with a recital by Andrew Lawrence- King and ends with a concert of Baroque Concertos played by Maria Cleary on the triple harp. Throughout the week there are further recitals on instruments of historical interest such as the Spanish cross-strung harp and an early Erard as well as numerous lectures on topics from the Ernestine Stoop HarpDuo ornaments of JS Bach to the history of the Welsh triple harp. Ravel Ghislaine Petit-Volta JAZZ HARP
Jazz Harp is well represented throughout the week, and, as well as the Tuesday night Extravaganza, there will be performances by Motoshi Kosako, Hugh Webb, Tara Minton, Julie Campiche, Patrice Fisher, Christine Lutz and Alina Bzhezhinska. Please look out for jazz workshops and lectures as well. Andrew Lawrence King
Brenda Dor-Groot Motoshi Kosako Tara Minton
Rossitza Milevska GERALD LANGER
Alina Bzhezhinska Patrice Fisher Julia Campeche
Chube
14TH WHC IN CARDIFF | POSTPONED TO 6 TO 12 AUGUST 2021 THE COMPLETE PROGRAM CAN BE FOUND AT THE NEW! WEBSITE: WHC2021.WALES TWITTER: @WHC2020 FACEBOOK: WORLD HARP CONGRESS 2020
Review • Spring 2020 7 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS
WORLD HARP CONGRESS 2021
CARDIFF | WALES
6-12 AUGUST 2021
THE WORLD HARP CONGRESS IN CARDIFF HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 6-12 AUGUST 2021 DUE TO THE OUTBREAK OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
WORKSHOPS
There are on offer a wonderful array of workshops, for which delegates can register prior to the start of the Congress, including Jazz with Stina Hellberg-Agback, South American rhythms with Alfredo Orlando Ortiz, Improvisation with Monika Stadler, or try your hand on the Welsh triple Harp with Robin Huw Bowen, the Japanese Koto with Hiroko Sue and the Alfredo Rolando Ortiz Paraguayan harp with Sixto Corbalan. Monika Stadler LECTURES
There is a total of thirty-three lectures included in the program, and all covering various topics of interest. There are numerous historical talks on composers, harpists, instruments and performance practices, several lectures on teaching and well-being, as well as presentations on role of the harp in film music, a lecture on how to overcome performance anxieties and how to create that perfect tone. Sixto Corbolan
Robin Huw Bowen MOVE WELL, PLAY BETTER
Daily interactive workshops helping us to understand the structure of the harpist’s body and how we use it, with Alexander Technique teachers Imogen Barford, Fiona Tree, and Dr. Boni Rietveld.
ENSEMBLES AND OPEN STAGE
There will be harp ensemble performances throughout the day in the Jaymee Haefner Carne Foyer, and we are thrilled to program ensembles from the UK, USA, Ireland, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Hungary, Poland, Italy, France Imogen Barford and Malaysia. The Open Stage will be live throughout the week and will showcase some traditional and innovative performances.
14TH WHC IN CARDIFF | POSTPONED TO 6 TO 12 AUGUST 2021 THE COMPLETE PROGRAM CAN BE FOUND AT THE NEW! WEBSITE: WHC2021.WALES TWITTER: @WHC2020 FACEBOOK: WORLD HARP CONGRESS 2020
8 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS NEWS
MASTER CLASSES
The Focus of Youth platform is a well-established event at every Congress, and this year, thirty young harpists have been invited to perform. Young artists are also asked to participate in master classes given by Milda Agazarian, Jaymee Haefner, Sarah O’Brien, Florence Sitruk, Letizia Belmondo, as well as Heather Downie on the Clarsach, and the Orchestral Auditions, so popular in Hong Kong in 2017 is being re-run this year again.
FOCUS ON YOUTH
Johanna Ander Ljung Alexandra Bidi Huw Boucher Heather Brooks Maria Bubnova Marcelina Dabek age 21 age 18 age 17 age 20 age 16 age 17 Sweden France United Kingdom United Kingdom Russia Poland
Yuki Dempo Julia Dietrich Qi Han Janice Hur Mai Kamiyama Amanda Kengor age 14 age 16 age 20 age 15 age 17 age 18 Japan Germany PR China South Korea Japan USA
Hyejin Kim Rena Kojima Aimee Lam Woojin Lee Melody Leung Eve Lung age 18 age 22 age 16 age 22 age 21 age 13 South Korea Japan United Kingdom United Kingdom Hong Kong PR China
Victoria Markova Jernej Misic Virginia Pestugia Claire Schuurmans Almos Tallos Kaitlyn Tan age 16 age 16 age 20 age 16 age 17 age 12 Bulgaria France Italy The Netherlands Hungary Singapore
Claire Thai Anwen Mai Thomas Elena Vallebona Evelien Vaneysendeyk Valerie Wai Ki Sim Renee Yadav age 20 age 21 age 21 age 18 age 15 age 15 USA United Kingdom Italy Belgium PR China Singapore
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE FOCUS ON YOUTH PROGRAM IN CARDIFF! • The Otake Family •
Review • Spring 2020 9 Back to the Table of Contents HARP HISTORY Anton Edvard Pratté (1796-1875) A Bohemian Harpist in Sweden by Delphine Constantin-Reznik
As founder and artistic director of the Pratté International for example the chief-conductor of the ancestor of my very Harp Festival and Competition, I had the pleasure to write in orchestra, the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra! In addition to the previous edition of the WHC review an article about the his music mastery, Pratté was also a talented painter and poet. first edition of the Festival, that was taking place in May 2019 Despite dramatical sight-loss and various other health issues, in Norrköping, Sweden. he seemed to have performed concerts on a very high level until This time, I would like to focus on the personality of the the end of his life, that occurred on his eightieth year, in 1875. recently rediscovered Swedish harpist and composer Anton The composing style of Pratté is a cross-over between clas- Edvard Pratté (1796-1875), once described by his contempo- sical elements that remind of Mozart, Haydn, Hummel or raries as ”the Harp King of the North”, who wrote more than two- Boieldieu and Romanticism, including influences by Beethoven, hundred pieces and enjoyed an highly-praised career as a harp Weber and the Italian Bel Canto. He is unanimously praised as virtuoso, both in Scandinavia and Continental Europe, alongside a composer by the critics for “his savoir-faire , his sense for with other illustrious figures such as Elias Parish-Alvars (1808- instrumentation, full and harmonic, as well as his sense for form”. 1849) and Nicholas-Charles Bochsa (1789- 1856). A critic inter- He wrote concertos, chamber music works with or without harp, overtures, symphonies, grand oratorios, hunter’s song, Pratté was “the teacher” and Bochsa “the student”! official pieces for the Swedish Royal Court and his composi- estinglyAnton comparedEdvard Pratté Pratté was ́s playingborn as withGeorg the Anton latter, Brát stating in Haida, that tions are also including numerous virtuosic works for solo- Bohemia (nowadays part of the Czech Republic), into a large harp, often Fantasies based on Opera themes or folk melodies German-speaking family of marionette/puppet masters. The coming from the European regions and countries where he Brát family puppet theater company was widely well-known was performing. and extremely popular, and the childhood of Pratté was more As Pratté was the one playing his compositions, he sadly did or less an endless touring together with his family all over not seem to have been willing to publish his works during his Northern Europe. Young Pratté was early on noticed by numer- lifetime. That is why we have been to this day able to uncover ous newspapers, as “playing wonderfully on his David Harp dur- only a small part of his scores, after we first heard totally by ing the show interludes”. During a tour in Sweden and still a teenager, he decided to run away from a brutal father and a harsh lifestyle, changed his name to Anton Edvard Pratté and embraced an international solo career, playing mostly his own compositions. Countless enthusiastic reviews about Pratté concerts, that always seemed to have attracted a lot of audience, are to be found in Swedish as well as international newspapers: “an authentic and genuine artist, that offers to his audience elegant and precious compositions, in the best style.” (Wiener Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung, 1847), “miraculous tech- nique”, “deep expression”, ”extraordinary verve and virtuosity”, ”delicate and energetic touch, artistic perfection”, ”impresses in an indescribable way”, ”a true master, that reaches the point where any kind of difficulties between the musician and the instrument ends” (various Swedish newspapers). From all this information we can see that he was a virtuoso of high calibre, however there is still a mystery to unfold about with whom and where he learned to play the harp and compose. Pratté claimed to have received from the Russian Tsar him- self the Erard harp that he was carrying around all over Europe on an especially made carriage. Amazingly enough, despite the tremendous success he had in most of the European music capitals and the multiple offers for permanent positions in major orchestras including the Swedish Royal Opera, Pratté chose instead to live most of his adult-life in the quiet region of Eastern Sweden, traveling between different aristocratic estates where he could stay in exchange of music teaching. He also was very active in the region as a conductor, being Anton Edvard Pratté in 1839.
10 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents HARP HISTORY Come to meet us in Cardiff coincidence his name for the first time a couple of years ago, but our research work is still fully ongoing, as well as being in Exclusive handcrafted the process of publishing and recording his wonderful music. Some of his pieces including the harp concerto, performed by wooden music stands myself, can already be found on Youtube. His wonderful music can be heard this summer in Cardiff Light & dismountable for the touring harpists at the World Harp Congress, where I will be giving a lecture- Harp arrangements edited CMeditions concert about Pratté ́s life and work. Welcome!
Made in France www.clavelmusic.com
Delphine Constantin-Reznik at Anton Pratté’s grave.
Often praised for her warm and powerful sound, her natural musicality and flawless technique, the french harpist Delphine Constantin- Reznik belongs without a doubt to one of today´s most prominent representative of her instrument based in Scandinavia. She has been occupying for ten years the Principal Harp´s chair of one of Sweden´s leading orchestras, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra and is also the artistic director of the Pratté International Harp Festival and Competition in that same town. Mrs Constantin-Reznik is also is a very active soloist, who has on her repertoire most of the major harp Concertos. She is regularly invited to perform together with such orchestras as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Kharkiv Philharmonic, Minsk Chamber Orchestra, Argovia Philharmonic, Pori Sinfonietta (Finland), Dalasinfonietta, and Västerås Sinfonietta (Sweden), Akademisches Orchester Zurich, and of course her own orchestra, Norrköping Symphony Orchestra. She also had the great honor to perform the Parish-Alvars Concertino for two harps on several occasions together with Catherine Michel. Mrs Constantin-Reznik is regularly invited to perform recitals and chamber music concerts with various formations at festivals and prestigious venues all over Europe and beyond. www.delphineconstantinreznik.com www.pratteharpfestival.se
Review • Spring 2020 11 Back to the Table of Contents HARP HISTORY Victor Salvi Harpist. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist.
4 March 2020 marks the 100th birthday of Victor Salvi. This tribute was published in the program book of the 13th World Harp Congress Hong Kong 2017 (Evening Concert Series) and is reprinted by kind permission of Salvi harps. – Ed. Victor Salvi was the youngest son of the Venetian instrument maker Rodolfo Salvi, who moved his atelier from Venice to Viaggiano, a small town in southern Italy with a deep musical instrument making history. Later, in order to support the musical career of his eldest son Alberto, Rodolfo moved to Chicago where Victor was born in 1920. Young Victor was naturally drawn to the harp, as he grew among them. Rodolfo’s laboratory was already building harps, as well as other string instruments, and his first Victor Salvi with Lily Laskine (1893-1988). teacher and sister, Aida, who was a professional harpist with a Chicago Civic Opera. Also, his older brother Alberto was already a world-renowned harp soloist and virtuoso by the time Victor was born. Victor himself became a professional harpist in 1938 when he began touring with our ensemble group playing con- certs from the Midwest to the East Coast until the United States entered World War II. He then joined the Navy where he did routine maintenance work until it was discovered that he was a harpist and was transferred to Illinois’ Great Lakes Naval Station to join their concert band. After the war, Mr. Salvi successfully auditioned and toured the United States as a soloist with the St. Louis Chamber Ensemble and later performed with the New York Philharmonic and NBC Symphony Orchestras under such con- ductors as Toscanini, Szell, Monteux, Mitropoulos, dan de Sabata. Victor Salvi talking to Pierre Jamet (1893-1991). Once in New York City, he began to think about how the harp attributed the sonority of his instruments to the unique single could be improved and following his father’s steps he opened a shell constructing of the bodies and the reinforcement by wood- harp repair shop and then began the designing and building of en ribs. Later, he moved the construction of the harp mechanism the “new” Salvi. to the village of Sainte Croix, in Switzerland, a town renowned In 1954, Mr. Salvi, with the collaboration of a few crafts- for precision mechanics, active in watchmaking and precision men, aspired to create a harp with a different type of sound machinery such as typewriters and music boxes. He is credited and after much experimentation he constructed his first pro- with contributing numerous significant mechanical advance- totype. In 1956, he moved to Italy and founded his new com- ments to the harp including the first to have a rust-proof linkage pany at the 16th century Villa Maria, in Genoa. The Salvi harp system as well as producing a method to strengthen the neck. was met with increasing suc- His strong belief in research and development is still a corner- cess and after about a dozen stone of the Salvi company today. years, the company outgrew In 1987, Mr. Salvi surprised the harp world when he acquired his the site, and moved north to main competitor, Lyon & Healy Harps, saving his company from a the Italian region of Piemonte very uncertain future so that it could continue to focus on making known for its Baroque furni- the Lyon & Healy harp as it had since 1889. Also in the 1980s, the ture with master carpenters, Salvi company expanded to music publishing, and string manufac- wood sculptures and inlay- turing by acquiring the British company Bow Brand. ers. In 1970, Mr. Salvi was Starting with a few skilled workers, with a desire to create awarded the first prize at the his own harp, the group of harp manufacturing and associated Exhibition of Crafts (Mostra businesses that Mr. Salvi has assembled over his lifetime is now del Artigianato) in Florence. over 300 employees worldwide. In 1974, he moved firm to Over the years, Mr. Salvi acquired the most comprehensive Piasco, a small town in the collection of antique in the world, including rare harps manufac- southern Varaita Valley near tured by Cousineau, Nadermann, Renault, Erard, Egan, Pleyel, as the city of Turin, where well as the first Lyon & Healy ever constructed, these instruments Victor Salvi with the great Russian it remains today. As a harp have been given a permanent home in the first museum solely harpist Vera Dulova (1909-2000). maker and innovator, Mr. Salvi
12 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents HARP HISTORY
dedicated to the harp at The Victor Salvi Museum in Piasco. Through the Victor Salvi Foundation, works by renowned individual compos- ers were commissioned by Mr. Salvi, including Valeri Kikta (harp and voice; harp and cello, harp and violin, harp and viola), Kenji Bunch (violin and harp), Zhou Long (flute, harp and string orchestra), Thomas Rajna (harp and violin), James Bassi (harp and chorus), and Paul Sarcich’s Uncover the harp! - commissioned for the 50th Anniversary of Salvi Harps in 2004. The Foundation present- ed HRH The Prince of Wales with a specially crafted harp made in his honor by Salvi Victor Salvi working on a harp in the factory. Harps for use by the Royal
Early picture of Victor Salvi. Harpist. He has given also given grants to the International Harp Archives at Brigham Young University and promoted many young harpists with debut recitals and recordings. Victor Salvi is recognized and respected worldwide for his innovations and for his support of harpists and harp-related activities. In 2004 Mr. Salvi was made an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Music (Hon RAM) by HRH The Prince of Wales. He was recognized with the Distinguished Award for Service to the International Harp Community by the World Harp Congress in 1993 and was celebrated for his contribution to the harp by the American Harp Society in 2007. In 2013 he was made a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana) by the President of the Italian Republic. He was awarded honorary citizenship in the towns of: Piasco, Costiglione di Saluzzo, Viggiano, Châteauneuf de Grasse (in France where he lived), and Cartagena (Colombia). He also received many other awards and recognitions throughout the world, as an entrepreneur and as a philanthropist. 2004 with HRH The Prince of Wales. Mr. Salvi, according to this wishes, now rests in Piasco, next to his factory, and his harps.
Victor Salvi. Victor Salvi traveling in Germany in the early 1950s.
Review • Spring 2020 13 Back to the Table of Contents SPOTLIGHT Israel Harp Contest –1959-2019 by Julia Rovinsky
Do miracles happen at all? Sometimes they do. Try to imagine Israel in 1959: the Old City of Jerusalem is under Jordanian control and the existence of the State itself is still in great danger; hundreds of people are living in tents as the housebuilding industry can’t manage the numbers of new- comers. Already, in the beginning of the year, the food rationing card system is cancelled (which measured 500 gr of meat and 10 eggs per person per month) and it will still be a year before the first supermarket in Tel-Aviv will open… And here appears a man who decides that the time has come for Israel to become a more fully mature and for him this meant – The Arts.
First three prize winners in 1959: Susanna Mildonian, Susann McDonald, and Edward Witsenburg. Last year we celebrated the 60th anniversary of this won- derful Contest, and all the First Prize Winners of all previous Igor Stravinsky (left) and Aharon Zvi Propes (middle) in 1962. International Harp Contests had been invited to perform the var- ied repertoire of musical pieces composed for the harp accom- His name was Aharon Zvi Propes. Not being a musician panied by the musicians of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. himself but being a true music lover: he had a rare The Israeli Harp Contest has become the highlight of musical combination of patriotism -in the naive, idealistic, and non- activity in the field, and contest has set the harp in its appropri- political sense of the word, and also mundane practicality. And ate position in the world of music. Every three years, the world’s he offered to hold an International Harp Contest in Israel – the most outstanding harpists gather in Israel, bringing with them first one in the history of music. the magical sounds of the ancient instrument. The upcoming The harp is one of the first known musical instruments men- contest will be the 21st, and will take place in October 2021. tioned in the Bible. The Great Jewish King David was known as a harp player. Actually, his rise to power started from playing his magic instrument to delight king Saul. The harp therefore brings with it not only sounds, but also a story, the story of the Jewish people and the story of music. Music is unique as it touches the heart before the words which come from the brain. It is unique in its capability to bewitch and enthrall, and in its possibility to bring down walls and open hearts, just as David, who is known played well, showed us, and as all music lovers know. It has been thousands of years for the harp’s enchanted sounds to resonate in the air. The harp is the magical poet of any ensemble or orchestra. The harp’s soft sound carries its listeners to other dimensions and the playing of harp strings cre- ates an beautiful atmosphere that blend the present and the past. The harp’s shape, beauty and its delicate sound served as inspiration to many artists including Rembrandt. Marc Chagall Members of the contest jury and prominent visitors during the contest in 1962. Among them: Tsutomu Mimura, Pierre Jamet, Jacqueline Borot, Lucile Johnson even designed a gold coin for the contest with the figure of King Rosenbloom, Maria Korchinska, Lucile Lawrence, Phia Berghout, Clelia Giatti David playing harp. Aldrovandi, Inga Graae, Klaria Szarvas, Joseph Tal, and Aristid von Würtzler.
14 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents SPOTLIGHT
Sixty years ago, the con- test was a ground-breaking Born in St. Petersburg, Julia Rovinsky graduated from the Rimsky- event, it was the harbin- Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory. In 1988 she was a prize ger of all competitions, the winner of the All-Union Harp Competition in Moscow. world’s first ever competi- Since immigrating to Israel in 1991 Julia Rovinsky has become a central figure on Israel’s concert scene. She appears regularly as a tion for the harp. Over the soloist with different orchestras, mainly with the Israel Philharmonic years, even though other Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Zubin Mehta. She also appeared international and national in many chamber music ensembles and took part in a number of competitions followed, the leading festivals in Israel and around the world. In 2002 she won the International Harp Contest Prime Minister Prize for best performance of Israeli music. In recent years, Julia Rovinsky has recorded several CD’s, both for in Israel still remains the solo harp and chamber music and her arrangements for harp are very most prestigious in this popular in concert scenes all over the world. She is successfully given field. Above all, the Israeli Master classes in Europe, South and North America and Asia. Contest provides the best Julia Rovinsky is Principal Harpist of the Israel Philharmonic stage for talented young Orchestra and Professor at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, Winner of the 1962 contest: Lynne Turner. musicians, the world over, Tel-Aviv University. Since 2016 she is the Music Director of the International Harp Contest in Israel. who chose to play this unique instrument. Last year’s celebration continued for a whole month that included many celebratory concerts which featured our Festive Gala Concert, where seven winners of prior competitions gath- ered on one stage: Lynne Turner and Emily Mitchell from the United States; Chantal Mathieu and Anaïs Gaudemard from France; Gwyneth Wentik from The Netherlands; Lenka Petrovic from Serbia; and our own Sivan Magen from Israel.
L to R: Gwyneth Wentik (1998), Lynne Turner (1962), Emily Mitchell (1979), Julia Rovinsky (Artistic Director), Anaïs Gaudemard (2012), Lenka Petrovic (2018), Sivan Magen (2006). The preceding month we also organized a concerts with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Yuying Berklee Harp Chen from China, the win- by Felice Pomeranz ner of the 19th Contest and many other concerts. A guide to improvisation, Sixty years later, we chord reading, arranging and harmony proudly take stock of our for lever and pedal harp. Winner of the 19th Contest: Yuying Chen. achievements. Most of the greatest and best-known $19.99 harpists in the world are the prize winners of our competi- Available at harp outlets and tions. Since our inception, more than six hundred contestants www.gildedharps.com have participated in our twenty contests; they have performed musical pieces especially created by Israeli composers, thus Introducing our latest publication: enriching the harp repertoire and the world of music. We look forward seeing you in October 2021 at the 21st Contemporary Etudes for Harp International Harp Contest in Israel. by Felice Pomeranz and the Berklee Harpists Available May 30, 2020
Review • Spring 2020 15 Back to the Table of Contents SPOTLIGHT Playing For and With Dancers: What a Harpist Has Learned about Music from Those Who Move to It by Cynthia Price-Glynn
After nearly 40 years Cynthia Price-Glynn retired as Principal and the musician cannot look at each other for visual cues, or Harpist with Boston Ballet in 2016. During that time, she also because they are separated like when one is on stage and the played with the Bolshoi Ballet, Royal Ballet of London, New other is in the orchestra pit. A pulse connects the two – even if York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and more when they it is an agreed-upon silent count. performed in Boston. A popular saying among musicians is that “there are two tempos in ballet – too fast and too slow.” There is an explana- Introduction One of the most memorable compliments I ever received was tion. Ballet tempos are determined by the choreographer’s from a young man who said “I love hearing the beautiful music vision, the stories and roles that are acted by the dancers, and you make as you dance with your hands. ”A similar remark was the skills of the dancers. Dancing fast displays brilliant techni- stated by a dancer with Boston Ballet who said “Your hand cal virtuosity and élan. Dancing to slow music exhibits amazing movements are as expressive as our bodies.” I was amazed technical control and expressiveness. The solo dancers often to be told that by playing the harp I was ‘dancing’ as well as have individualistic interpretations and feelings about their making music. This reminded me of the quote from the cho- roles and steps – which a conductor accommodates with the pace of the music that supports them. We all know the technical challenge of playing music fast in which the phrasing is often self-evident and automatic. The challenge to playing slow is primarily musical. The music can seem naked and exposed. For it to make sense you have to calculate and feel the phrasing, purposefully connecting one note to the next which wind and string instrumen- talists can do smoothly and expressively with their breathing and bowing, but can be less fluent with our plucked notes when there is so-much-space between notes. Classical and Romantic ballet cadenzas usually have no indicated meter and are sup- posed to feel “free”. I suggest “finding” a mel- ody and imposing a subtle meter, especially on cascading arpeggios. This mainframe helps gauge the evolution of crescendos and Ballet poses are like music fermatas. Musicians focus on intonation and balance of notes. diminuendos, accelerandos and rallentan- Dancers focus on the lines they create with their bodies. dos, and can create a structure, pace, and reographer and founder of the New York City Ballet Company direction to the cadenza that the dancer can follow and feel. If George Balanchine: “Ballet is when you hear the dance and see these evolutions are in your head, they will smoothly manifest the music.” The compliments made me wonder if playing for in your fingers. and with dancers in ballet and concert dance influenced my In general, I have found that if you play a cadenza really fast it harp technique and my musicality. Upon reflection I concluded often sounds like an unphrased etude and those listening might that yes it has – in many ways. This consequence is the result of be impressed by your facility but also often eager for you to get working with choreographers, with or without a conductor, with through it as quickly as possible (especially in symphony situa- groups of dancers, and with individual dancers – especially from tions). But if you make music of it, by “finding” a melody, subtle Boston Ballet ballerina Sarah Wroth. Together she and I spoke pulse, and phrasing, the listeners let you take as long as you want and performed a presentation at the Boston Harp Festival in because they enjoy and are impressed with your musicality. 2010 that can be viewed on YouTube under the title “The Harp in Phrasing Ballet”. In that program Sarah outlines what dancers need from It is important to know that whereas musicians count music musicians in three words: Pulse, Phrasing, and Predictability. by measures, each dancer has an individual way of counting the music. In general, they count the phrases – not the bars Pulse An agreed-upon tempo and rhythm is, of course, necessary or in the written meter. Actually, their way of counting seems to synchronize the musician and the dancer. This pulse can be very musical, whereas, in comparison, our musician way seems subtle or strong, regular or irregular, metronomic to flexible to mathematical. I suggest you try the dancers’ way with your very rubato. A conductor is, of course, helpful when the dancer own music. Select a piece or section of a piece, ignore the bar
16 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents SPOTLIGHT lines, count all the beats in a phrase, flowing from the first to in your harp part that enable you to constantly be alerted to the last note. You may be phrasing a melody or the harmonic watch the conductor. accompaniment that supports it. Do the notes feel connected as Warm-ups part of a flow that moves? This brings us to another influence In preparation for rehearsals and performances ballet danc- dance can have on music. ers do very careful and gradual warm-ups of their entire bod- Is a phrase ending a musical thought or leading into the next ies, which are their instruments-of-expression. They start one? We classical harpists have a tendency to relax and often holding on to a barre mindfully exercising the small muscles of slow down at the ends of phrases – as if we are looking back their hands, wrists, feet, and ankles. Next they move the larger or completing a thought. Yes – of course we must be able to do muscles of their arms, legs, and torsos. After about 30 minutes that when it is appropriate. But also, be able to play phrases they are ready to bound around the studio using their whole that push the music ahead, looking forward – not necessarily bodies in leaps, turns, twists, and sprints. These whole-body getting faster, but with an intention of “I have more to add” warm-ups are often done in a class led by a ballet master and like another sentence in a conversation. Counting the phrases accompanied by piano music that influences their movements rather than the measures, can help you feel where you should to be graceful and fluid. What can a musician learn from the be “looking” – back or ahead. Also,If you watching need this: “A how Midsummer choreogra Night’s Dream”,- Balanchine choreographer, Pacific Northwest Ballet above? First to respect ALL the muscles, joints, and every part phers and the dancers phrase the music with their movements of our bodies we need to play our instruments-of-expression. and gestures can illuminate what the music is saying. When Can you think of any part of the body that a pedal harpist the Mark Morris Dance Company performed Bach’s Double does NOT use? Even our noses are in-use with the need to Concerto for Violin and Oboe at Tanglewood in 2004, Morris breathe as we play. There are many excellent harp technique had the singers and instrumentalists books available to guide you in creat- learn the dance steps. Singer Jose ing your own personal warm-up. I Lemos was quoted in the Boston suggest aiming for relaxed flexibility, Globe: “The experience made me coordination, and control – by being more free. (...) In performing, singers aware-of, and nurturing ALL your get so caught up in the right notes body parts. Below are some sugges- (…) and (…) precise rhythm that we tions: can lose touch with what the music Keep in mind that our fingers start is about. From Mark and the danc- at the wrist. Moving them engages ers, I’ve learned to listen to what the lower arm muscles with an elbow music tells me instead of paying so that is held up by the upper arm much attention to what I am trying and shoulder and connected to your 1 to tell it.” spine and neck. Follow the move- Predictability ment of your feet muscles up through Ballet and Concert Dance are your hips to your spine. Away from a rehearsed arts, except when every- harp stretch and even massage all of one is improvising, which is another those muscles – especially the hands topic. When working with dancer’s If you need this : a modern duet by choreographer Enrique Gustavo Santiago Flores and wrists which are always folding artistic experimentation and explo- inward when we play. Gently stretch- ration must be done in rehears- ing them up and backward can help als – so that by the performance relax those inward muscles. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Balanchine choreographer, your music will be predictable and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Include a warm-up for each finger
reliable for the dancer. That said, CHRIS AK separately and in combination with as mentioned above, one benefit each of the others. of a LIVE orchestra or ensemble Warm-up all over your harp – from for dance is that the conductor can top to bottom, so that you not only feel follow and support the individual- the differing demands of playing the ity of each solo dancer’s interpreta- short high strings all the way down to tion and, within limits, customize the long wires but you also keep your the music to allow and serve the soundboard “balanced” from top to soloist’s personal style. This means bottom … not just in the middle. the tempos, pauses, and more can Of course, your harp should be change with every performance kept in optimum condition so it can according to who or what is hap- be responsive to whatever music you pening on stage. Therefore, when want to make with it. Also, to under- playing for ballet or concert dance, stand the demands on your larger it is important to create and clearly muscles try playing an air-harp, not mark pedal changes and fingerings A modern duet by choreographer Enrique Gustavo Santiago Flores.
Review • Spring 2020 17 Back to the Table of Contents SPOTLIGHT
touching the strings but miming the movements that enable and energize different kinds of glissandos, étouffées, dynamics, staccato and legato. When you add plucking the strings play your warm-up with different moods and intentions: sacred to bawdy, demure to aggressive, meek to bold, proper to mis- chievous, delicate to coarse, and more. When you develop this “vocabulary” of moods with awareness of your whole body you can select and direct them with your mind to infuse whatever music you are playing. I mentioned that dancer’s warm-up to music that influences and guides the gracefulness and direction of their movements. So, I suggest that you make your warm-ups musical following the “recipe” above for cadenzas. Daily warm-ups that respect your body and nurture your musicality can result in habits and muscle memories that make playing the harp comfortable and enjoyable and can lead to your developing an individual style. Style As mentioned above, solo dancers develop different personal styles – from elegant to athletic, lyrical to rhythmic, subtle to flamboyant. Interpretations of the same ballet role by different dancers is marvelous and revealing. Often none of a ballet com- pany’s soloists are better than another, just different from each other in their personal styles. Witnessing this artistic phenom- enon has made me celebrate such differences in students and colleagues. With the large spectrum of possibilities for harp- ists in today’s world, there are unprecedented opportunities to explore many different paths and to even develop a unique style. Of course, this exploration should include the ability to “fit in”, playing in orchestras or ensembles where the goal and purpose is collaboration and synchronization. And I hope you get to explore playing for and with dancers – to see what the music you are playing looks like. Conclusion In ballet and concert dance the splendors of scenery, cos- tumes, and lighting join music and dance to produce a ‘com- munity’ in which many skilled people are needed and appreci- • 2022 12th USA International ated for doing their jobs on-stage, back-stage, and in the pit. Harp Competition, This combination of art forms very often inspires spontaneous Bloomington, IN bursts of applause from audiences as they “hear the music and • 2021 7th USAIHC “Ruth see the dance”. These bursts of enthusiasm and appreciation Inglefield” Composition Contest are felt by the performers and create an energy that make the • Annual Concert Series audiences an integral part of performances. It is very exciting to be part of such events. And remember that as harpists we • Harp Start Educational Programs are creating a smaller scale yet similar experience as we play Engage with our mission to music that can be not only heard but also seen as we dance elevate exceptional harpists with our hands. to extraordinary heights through performance, new music, and education! Endnote: 1 Dyer, Richard, “To perform with Mark Morris, musicians learn new movements.” Boston Globe, July 1, 2004, page D1.
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18 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents IN MEMORIUM
Samuel Milligan (1932-2019) ertory. Pratt had heard many of Sam’s transcriptions that he had begun assembling back in his Irish harp days and asked if he by Gordon Johnston would publish them. The result was Medieval to Modern. Pratt Sam’s life was always defined by music. Born January 2, 1932 then asked Sam to assemble a method book for the new instru- near Joplin, Missouri, he was raised in Texas, the youngest of three ment, none having been done for lever harp since before the children. Both parents were enthusiastic singers, and Sam began First World War. The result was Fun From the First. The introduc- piano lessons at age nine, but he was always an indifferent key- tion of the Troubadour harp and the publication of Sam’s music board player. His musical life began in earnest when he acquired was responsible in part for the renaissance in harp playing that a Clark Irish harp. Naturally, this fit the plans of his Irish father. we see today. Where there was once little music for lever harp, Being poor, college would there is now an abundance, have been out of the ques- and where there was only one tion had it not been for harp maker of lever harps, there scholarships. First came Del are now many. Mar Junior College in Corpus In 1967, at the request of the Christi, where he encoun- president of the American Harp tered his first real teacher, Society, Lucien Thomson, Sam LaVerne Hodges Peterson, became the founding editor who installed a solid tech- of the American Harp Journal, nique. They both also sub- serving until 1971, afterwards scribed to liberal political ide- contributing articles from time als, all of which cemented a to time. During all these activi- friendship which endured the ties, he continued to work as a rest of his life. He later trans- harpist, mainly as a substitute ferred to North Texas State Young Sam looking serious. Surrounded by some of his historical in orchestras on Broadway, for College (now the University of harps. Radio City Music Hall, plus a lot North Texas) where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in of single date playing, such as a U.S. tour with chamber orchestra. 1956 with a major in harp performance. He retired from his work as a harp technician in 2000. This He stayed on for one year as an interim harp teacher while allowed him time to indulge in his passion for early Spanish the school looked for a permanent instructor. During that year music for the harp. This interest had been encouraged years he began a master’s degree, working with Dr. Helen Hewitt, a before by Nicanor Zabaleta after Sam wrote an article for the specialist in the music of the Renaissance, which inspired Sam’s Journal about the harp in Latin America. Long before retire- fascination with early music. The seeds of his later interest in ment, he had begun organizing various conjuntos for specific historical harp were sown at this time, and Dr. Hewitt was a occasions, featuring Spanish music from the Medieval Period life-long influence. up to the end of the Colonial Period in the New World. He In 1957 he moved to New York City, and went to work for Lyon joined the Historical Harp Society and became a passion- & Healy, who maintained a showroom for their harps in New ate ambassador for early music and replicas of early harps. York. He was trained as a harp technician which he did both He was particularly fond of the work of harp maker Lynne for Lyon & Healy and independently for the next 43 years. His Lewandowski, and owned several harps made by her. For many search for a harp teacher resulted in study with Laura Newell. years he was the official liaison between the Historical Harp Sam was impressed by her superb musicianship and technique, Society and the American Harp Society. which was the cleanest he had Sam’s life partner, Jessie (Jesús) ever encountered. Among other Castellón, died in 1989 from things, she stressed economy of alcohol poisoning. Following motion, and carefully removed that, Sam became an active par- any extraneous gestures that ticipant in Secular Sobriety, a Sam had acquired over the years. free-thinkers movement within Another item was careful finger Alcoholics Anonymous. He also placement, eliminating any sib- helped many others remove ilants. Again, both teacher and alcohol from their lives. student shared the same political Sam died on August 27, 2019 views, cementing a solid friend- in Brooklyn, NY. A memorial will ship that lasted until her death. be held on Saturday, May 30, In 1961 Lyon & Healy intro- 2020 at the Manhattan School duced a new lever harp, called the of Music (Greenfield Hall), 130 Troubadour harp developed by Claremont Avenue, New York NY Samuel Pratt, who realized that at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited the instrument’s success depend- to come celebrate Sam and his Samuel Milligan, Caroline Gardiner and Lucien Thompson in the Lyon & Healy ed on the existence of more rep- New York showroom, March 1967. love for the harp.
Review • Spring 2020 19 Back to the Table of Contents
IN MEMORIUM
Milica Baric (1932-2019) Nona Ventura Rosenthal (1949-2019) by Ivana Pavlovic by Roxana Moisanu Milica Baric, one of the Nona Ventura was born in Bucharest, most important perform- Romania. Her family immigrated to ers and educators of the Israel. She came to South Africa in harp in Serbia, died at the 1977 to play in the National Symphony age of 88 on 25 December Orchestra (NSO) of the South African 2019 at her home in Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Belgrade. After the orchestra was closed by Milica Baric graduat- the SABC a new orchestra was formed Milica Baric. ed from Belgrade Music by the previous NSO musicians who Academy, studying with Josip Pikelj in 1961, and afterwards Nona Ventura. called themselves the Johannesburg continued her postgraduate studies in Russia, with legendary Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO). She was a founding member Russian harpist Vera Dulova. The influence of Russian harp and played with that Orchestra until the end of 2019. school thus became part of harp education in Serbia. Around South Africa, she also played with the Kwa-Zulu Natal For more than 20 years, from 1957 to 1975, Milica Baric Philharmonic and the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestras. She remained solo harpist with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra. was also a favorite at the Theatre-on-the-Square in the Nelson Afterwards, she became a teacher, holding the position of Professor Mandela Square in Sandton. of harp at the Music Academy in Belgrade until her retirement in Many of her performance pieces were recorded and can still 1997. Along the way, she was a member of many associations be heard and seen on YouTube under her professional name of and institutions and won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the “Ventura Rosenthal”. A quote from an admirer: “I saw her per- Association of Music and Ballet Pedagogues of Serbia. form with the JPO and in recitals many times, and we have lost Milica Baric performed many recitals in Serbia and the a great artist,” Christine McIntosh. region, following idea of promotion the harp and its music. She Just over five years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. played concertos with many orchestras: Belgrade Philharmonic On Wednesday 6 November 2019 she passed away from compli- Orchestra, Belgrade Radio Orchestra, Nis Symphony Orchestra, cations of the cancer. For several years she suffered from the treat- Chamber Orchestra “Skovran”, and Vienna Chamber Orchestra. ments, which included chemotherapy, surgery and several differ- Milica Baric was a founder of the Belgrade Harp Quartet, an ent medications. She was only seventy years old when she left us. ensemble which had a wide repertoire, and as a major activity, Many musicians who have worked with Nona Ventura performed contemporary music by Serbian composers. expressed their condolences and memories. She was well She was very dedicated to contemporary music and that respected as a harpist and as an excellent musician. resulted in the creation of new works written for her and Quartet. Baric recorded entire recitals of contemporary and Zlata Bernatović (1926-2019) classical music for the most important Serbian and regional radio stations. She mentored generations of harpists who by Tea Plesničar worked in national schools and orchestras. Milica Baric was not just a respected performer, she was also August 2019, one of the rare harpists a beloved professor. thatZlata played Bernatović the harp died in symphonic on the 27 orchestras in Yugoslavia after the second world war and later on in the It is time to renew your independent Slovenia.
membership for 2020! She studied piano and harp in Zagreb, whereZlata she Bernatović later decided was to born dedicate in 1926. her life to the harp. After the Second World Renew you membership on War she got the position of harp in the the WHC website: Zlata Bernatovi´c. Opera of Osijek (then Yugoslavia, today www.worldharpcongress.com/ Croatia). Later, the director and conductor of the Slovene national membership to work with the Opera in Maribor. She came to Slovenia and stayedtheatre as Maribor, a solo harpist Maestro of Vladimirthe orchestra Kobler, of Sloveneinvited Zlata national Bernatović theatre If you cannot renew your membership Maribor and the Philharmonic orchestra of Maribor. She retired after a thriving career in the orchestra and 43 years of playing. online, you will find a registration form She carried her love for the harp to her son Dalibor and later for download on the website to send to the Membership Chair. that the harp became their path in life and as such become a familyon to her tradition. grandson Brin Bernatović, who thanks to her decided
22 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS
Singapore HARPFEST 2019 by Katryna Tan Another Singapore HARPFEST has passed, but it was defi- nitely not just another HarpFest. The 2019 Singapore HarpFest VI was marked with distinct notes of creativity, inclusivity and a sparkle of magic. The harp festival showcased International Professionals, Young Singapore professionals, young winners of 3 competi- tions held in conjunction with the Festival combined with inter- esting workshops for everyone and a closing with a brand new Winged Messenger Harp Concerto by Eric Watson, premiered by Katryna Tan. Harp Musical produced this year entitled “Legends of the Harp”. Harpfest 2019 showcased and provided a platform for young tal- ented harp winners showcasing winners from Rave Harps Prestige Award Chamber Competition, “Legends” Harp Solo Competition and “Creative Composition Competition”. An amazing performance by all displaying a bright future for the young harpists. This was highlighted by Guest Performer Sylvain Blassel (France) who gave am amazing performance and Masterclass. With an aim to pro- mote Singapore Music and composers, Artistic Director Katryna Tan commissioned and performed two premieres: “Winged Messenger” Harp Concerto by Eric Watson, and “3 Places in Singapore” by Phang Kok Jun (Harp duet with Dizi - Chinese Flute). The two composer’s Harp Ensemble Works “Golden Orb” by Eric Watson and “Pelog Fantasy” by Phang Kok Jun was also performed Winners of the various competitions, harp delegates, guest artists, and teachers. by the 10-strong Harp Ensemble VIVA RAVE (Ensemble group of bined together and performed in a 40 strong Harp Ensemble. Young Singapore Harp Professionals). The new colours and music The Finale Item of the festival was the World Premiere of a drew a distinctive flavour to the Music in Singapore Harpfest, add- New Harp Musical entitled “Legends of the Harp”. With Music ing to the repertoire of the Classical Harp Music. by JulianWong and a plot conceived by Katryna Tan, “Legends Harpfest also celebrated this year adult and senior harp play- of the Harp” told the tale of how four Harp legends saved the ing by dedicating a workshop to sharing of learning experiences world from a terrible Giant. A spectacular performance by and culminating with a huge Ensemble of adult and senior harp- Singapore Rave Harpers Young harpists, with guest and friends ists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia who com- from Malaysia, Indonesia and Phillipines.
11th International Harp Competition “Marcel Tournier” The 11th International Harp Competition “Marcel Tournier” took place in October 2019 in Cosenza, Italy. Members of the jury were A. Di Lieto, O. Rodríguez do Campo, V. Palermo, M. Lipiec, and J. I. Pascual. These are the results: Category A (Pedal harp, no age limit) First Prize: Viviane Nüscheler, Organizing committe of HARPFEST; Sylvain Blassel, Jakez Francois, Katryna Switzerland Tan, and Viva Rave Ensemble. Second Prize: Manuela Margherita Colella, Italy Third Prize: Yan Yin Yany Tse, Hong Kong Winner of the “Marcel Tournier” 2019 competition in Italy and the Helsinki Harp Competition 2020: Viviane Nüscheler. Category B (Pedal harp, age limit 21) First Prize: Letizia Lazzarini, Italy Second Prize: Giulio Bryant, Italy Third Prize: Letizia Cerasa, Italy Legends of the Harp.
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Category C (Pedal harp, age limit 16) Category D First Prize: Silvia Capè, Italy First Prize: Virginia Pestugia, Italy Second Prize: Angelica Esposito, Italy Second Prize: not awarded Third Prize: Emma Castellano, Italy Category D (Chamber music with harp, no age limit) Category E Third Prize: Leto Križanič Žorž, Slovenia First Prize: Trio Chagall First Prize: Lise Vandersmissen, Belgium Second Prize: Duo Milito Category E (Harp Ensembles, no age limit) Second Prize: Brin Bernatović, Slovenia First Prize: Giada Dal Cin e Alice Populin Redivo (harp Category F Third Prize: Naja Mohorič, Slovenia duo), Italy First Prize: Oliver Wass, United Kingdom Special Prizes 5th Slovenian International Harp Camac Harps Award: Oliver Wass Competition Slovenian Harp Association Award: Oliver Wass Velenje Music School Award: Lise Vandersmissen by Tea Plesničar In October 2019, the 5th International Harp Competition was held in Velenje (Slovenia). It was organized by the Slovene harp
92 competitors from 19 countries competed in seven catego- ries.association The sponsor and the of Musicthe competition school Fran was Korun Camac, Koželjski who awarded Velenje. the first prize in F Category to the winner Oliver Wass - a celtic harp Bardic and a concert in the organization of Slovene Harp Association in the season 2020/2021. Camac also awarded the concert in the season 2020/2021 in Velenje for the winner of L to R: Principal of Velenje Music School Boris Štih (left), President of Slovenian thespecial Category prize E,of LisaMusic Vandermissen. school Fran Korun Koželjski Velenje – a Harp Association Dalibor Bernatoviˇc (right) with honorary jury member Ruda Ravnik Kosi (middle)- former principal harpist of RTV Slovenia Symphony The prize winners were: Orchestra, former Professor of Harp at Ljubljana and Zagreb Academies of Music, co-founder of Slovenian Harp Association. With jury president Irina Category A – lever harp Zingg, jury co-president Stephen Fitzpatrick and jury members Emanuela Degli First Prize: Klára Brabcová, Czech Republic Esposti, Diana Grubišiˇc Cikovi´c,´ and ¸Sirin Pancaro ˇglu. Second Prize: Elettra Bellini, Italy Third Prize: Gala Vrezec, Slovenia 31st Nippon Harp Competition and Category A – pedal harp International Festival First Prize: Veronika Gams, Slovenia The 31th Nippon Harp Competition was held 13-16 November Second Prize: Ema Bozhilova, Bulgaria 2019 in Soka City, followed by the 31st Soka International Harp Third Prize: Alisia Batalova, Russia Festival 2019 at Soka City Culture Hall.
Category B HITOSHI SAITO First Prize: Filippo Craglietto, Italy Second Prize: Melissa Kim, South Korea
Category C Third Prize: Adrian Ignjatović, Bojana Bozhilova, Bulgaria First Prize: Aleksandra Mohorko, Slovenia Second Prize: Ajda Nina Vivod, Slovenia Festival Concert: Jewel Harp Japan. Third Prize: Eleonora Burigo, Italy HITOSHI SAITO
Award ceremony category categories D and F. Festival Concert: Professor Josef Molnar.
24 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS
During the Soka Internation Harp Festival, among other the Junior division, Lily Laskine International Harp Competition following artists performed: Chantal Mathieu, Ieuan Jones, in Paris, France (2014); First Prize, Junior division, Nippon Ayako Shinozaki, Kumiko Inoue, Tsugio Tokunaga, and the win- International Harp Competition in Soka, Japan (2012); and ner of the 31th Nippon Harp Competition. Second Prize, Junior division, Godefroid International Harp Members of the jury were: Shuhei Isobe (Clarinetist/Japan, competition in Tournai, Belgium (2012). Chairperson of Jury), harpists Ieuan Jones (UK), Chantal Mathieu (France), Erika Inoue (Japan), Naoko Yoshino (Japan), The 5th International Harp Competition in Risako Hayakawa (Japan), and Kaoru Kondo (Japan), as well as Keiko Matsunami (Cellist/Japan) and Junzo Hosokawa Szeged, Hungary (Flutist/Japan). The 5th International Harp Competition in Szeged was held Prize winners in the professional division were: from 26 November to in the beautiful Reök Palace, which First Prize: Joan Rafaelle Kim, USA Second Prize: Nagisa Tanaka, Japan Third Prize: Sakuya Ota, Japan HITOSHI SAITO HITOSHI SAITO
Reök Palace in Szeged, Hungary.
was built in the Art Deco era. It was organized by Anastasia Razvalyaeva Ieuan Jones. Chantal Mathieu. and supported by Camac Harps. HITOSHI SAITO HITOSHI SAITO The jury was: Chantal Mathieu (Switzerland/France, Head of the Jury U14 and U25); Genevieve Létang (France); Deborah Sipkay (Hungary);
David Pavlovits(Hungary); Isabel MoretonDiana Grubišić (Germany, Ćiković Head of (Croatia); the Jury U19); Melinda Felletár (Hungary); Katrina Szederkeny (Germany); Chantal Mathieu performing Zuzanna Elster (Poland); Gyüdi at the Opening Concert. Ayako Shinozaki and Tsugio Kumiko Inoue and Junzo Hosokawa, Sándor (Hungary). Tokunaga, violin, performing at the flute. final concert. The competition was held in three age categories: HITOSHI SAITO Joan Rafaelle Kim was born in Category U14 2002 in New Jersey. She studied First Prize: Adria Ignatovic, Slovenia at the Julius Stern Institute and Second Prize: Maja Patkos, Hungary currently at the Universität der Third Prize: Maria Anchugova, Russia Künste in Berlin, Germany, with Viollo Kollar, Hungary Marie-Pierre Langlamet. She was Special Prize donated by Miklós Maros, for the best awarded the Mario Falcao Special performance of Rudolf Maros’s Suite for Harp: Prize during the 20th International Marfa Iakushina, Russia Harp Contest in Israel (2018); “Young Talent”, donated by Andrea Vigh: Second Prize at Martine Geliot Anastazja Kacprezak, Poland International Harp competition in Fontainbleau, France (2016); Category U19 Second Prize, Emerging Artist First Prize: Almos Tallos, Hungary division, Young Artists Harp Second Prize: Eugenia Alfier, Italy Joan Rafaelle Kim, USA. Competition in Rabun Gap, GA, Minja Stojanovic, Serbia U.S.A. (2016), Second Prize & Special contemporary music Prize, Third Prize: Jernej Misic, Slovenia
Review • Spring 2020 25 Back to the Table of Contents INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS
Special Prize donated by Andrea Vigh, for the best Tatiana Repnikova was born in Saint- performance of Bartok’s Mikrokosmos: Petersburg, Russia. Currently she is Jernej Misic, Slovenia a student of the Saint-Petersburg State Special Prize donated by Klara Weninger, in memory Conservatory named after N. Rimsky- of harpist Richard Wenniger: Korsakov, in the class of Anna Makarova. Almos Tallos In 2018 Tatiana became soloist in the Mikhailovsky Theater and a guest soloist Category U25 Tatiana Repnikova. First Prize: Tatiana Repnikova, Russia in the Mariinsky Theater. As of now Tatiana Second Prize: Lise Vandersmissen, Belgium has won six prizes on various harp competitions, including Third Prize: Nicolette Chin, Singapore the diploma at the International Harp Contest in Israel (2018) Special Prize from the City of Szeged: and the first prize at Szeged International Harp Competition Tatiana Repnikova, Russia in Hungary (2019). Tatiana regularly participates in harp con- certs in different concert halls of Saint-Petersburg and not only. In January 2020 she gave a recital in Istanbul, Turkey.
Participants and Jury of the Szeged Harp Competition.
r One membership fee for a harpist with the inability to pay – $65 r A “Focus on Youth” candidate who cannot afford to attend – $500 r I am enclosing a check or money order made payable to the World Harp Congress. If you live outside of the United States, please enclose an international money order or bank draft drawn on a US bank. Many professional harpists and gifted students cannot r I have made a credit card payment through the secure attend international events nor pay professional website. We are happy to accept your payment by credit membership dues because of the extreme inequity of their card through our secure website, www.worldharpcongress. com/membership. For the security of our members, we country’s economy. Global understanding and interchange no longer accept credit card numbers by mail or email. has great value to all of us musically, culturally and If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the philosophically. Thus we have decided to appeal to the Membership Chair at [email protected] or the Treasurer at [email protected]. generosity of those who are more fortunate to join the Thank you! Board of Directors in a campaign to help harpists become members of the World Harp Congress. Name: ______
Address: ______
Send your donation to: World Harp Congress help harpists communicate c/o Jaymee Haefner, Treasurer with each other worldwide 2216 Acorn Bend Denton, TX 76210 USA Email: [email protected]
26 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND COMPETITIONS
AT-A-GLANCE
International Harp Competitions and Masterclasses
5th International Competition Città Murata in 21st International Harp Contest in Israel Cittadella, Italy 4 to 14 October 2021 8 to10 May 2020 Application deadline: TBA Webpage: concorsocittamurata.com Website: harpcontest-israel.org.il Dutch Harp Festival and World Harp Competition in 12th USA International Harp Competition in Utrecht, The Netherlands Bloomington, USA 9 to 10 May 2020 July 2022 Website: harpfestival.nl Required repertoire: see National News Section of this issue 6th International Competition Diapason D’Oro in Website: usaihc.org Pordeone, Italy 71th ARD International Music Competition 9 May 2020 September 2022 Website: farandola.eu/pagine/diapason-doro/ Website: br.de/ard-music-competition 5th Rencontres Internationales des Harpes en Île-de- France Masterclasses 4 to 14 June 2020 Winter Class Di Musica Antica 2020 in Urbino, Italy Website: rih-idf-jimdofree.com 16 to 19 April 2020 33th International Competition Rovere d’oro, San with Chiara Granata, Historical harps. Bartolomeo a Mare, Italy Website: fima-online.org 20 to 25 July 2020 3rd Scandinavian Harp Course, Gothenburg, Sweden Website: roveredoro.org 21 to 24 May 2020 53th Festival de Gargilesse, France with Isabelle Perrin and Erik Groenenstein-Hendriks. 7 to 23 August 2020 Website: scandinavianharpcourse.com Website: FestivalGargilesse.fr Garda Lake Master Festival, Italy 10th International Harp Contest “Suoni d’Arpa” in Saluzzo, 7 to 11 July 2020 Italy with Luisa Prandina 31 August to 5 September 2020 Website: gardalakemusicmaster.com Application deadline: TBA Website: associazioneitalianarpa.it 15th International HarpMasters Summer Academy in Muenchenbuchsee, Switzerland 4th Golden Harp International Competition in St. 8 to 20 July 2020 Petersburg, Russia with Irina Zingg, Marcella Carboni, Luisa Prandina, and 12 to 20 September 2020 Francesco Guarneri. Open to harpists of any nationality aged between 16 and 32. Website: harpmasters.com Application: 30 June 2019 to 30 May 2020 Masterclass Palazzo Ricci in Montepulciano, Italy 5th Hong Kong International Harp Competition 12 to 19 July 2020 1 to 5 October 2020 Susanna Bertulucci Application deadline: 30 June 2020 Website: palazzoricci.com Website: hkharpsociety.org Organized by Hong Kong Harp Society Academie Internationale d’été de Nice, France Session I 13 to 19 July 2020 and 32th Nippon Harp Competition in Soka City, Japan 12 to 15 November 2020 Session II 20 to 26 July 2020 Application 1 to 30 September 2020 with Marie-Pierre Langlamet Website: academie-internationale-ete-nice.com Required repertoire: see National News Section in this issue. Email: [email protected] 25th Musicalta Academy, Alsace Website: harp-japan.com 22 to 31 July 2020 1st Vera Dulova International Competition, Moscow, Russia 1 to 10 August 24 to 29 January 2021 with Christine Icart, Geneviève Létang and Francoise Open to harpists between 16 and 32 years. Verherve. Application deadline: 10 December 2020 Website: musicalta.com Email: [email protected] Voksenasen Summer Course, Norway Website: mosconsv.ru/en/event_p.aspx?id=162764 10 to 15 August 2020 Lyon & Healy Awards 2021 in Chicago, USA with Isabelle Perrin 11 to 13 March 2021 Application deadline: 15 January 2021 Website: lyonhealy.com/awards/
Review • Spring 2020 27 Back to the Table of Contents NEW MUSIC Rhona Clarke: Seen From Above (2019) by Astrid Desantoine
Seen From Above, written by Rhona drones, shows how nature has been altered by human industry. Clarke (Ireland) for flute, viola and At first glance images appear like large-scale abstract paint- harp (Dur. 12’) was commissioned ings, but on closer inspection they reveal disturbing aspects by the Belfast Music Society for of man’s exploitation of nature. The music does not seek to Adam Walker (flute), Hélène Clément imitate Burtynsky’s images; rather, it reflects on the idea of the (viola) and Agnès Clément (harp). It idealistic, the innocent, the distant view, which will be under- was premiered 23 February 2020 at mined by uncomfortable realities on the ground. In the first the International Festival of Chamber movement, the harp creates a sense of landscape over which Music in Belfast, Ireland. the flute and viola move independently. The second movement Rhona Clarke. Seen From Above draws on ideas uses the plainchant, Dies Irae a theme quoted by many com- of nature, distance and perception. The panoramic landscapes posers throughout history to depict death and corruption. The of Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky provided initial third movement is more hopeful and optimistic, reflecting on inspiration for this piece. Burtynsky’s work, often shot using the wonder and power of nature.
Recent Premieres and Publications Ed. – In general, the composer’s country of origin is indicated by the two-letter Internet country code. Please refer to the list of World Harp Congress Correspondents.
SOLO WONG, Julian-Legends of the Harp CARAMIELLO, Giovanni-Four Fantasias on Themes by Bellini and Musical produced by Katryna Tan. World premiere: September Verdi 2019, Singapore Harp Fest. (SG) Edited by L. Belmondo. Ut Orpheus, HS 269. (IT) _-Le Serenate del Vesuvio Op. 12 HARP ENSEMBLE Six popular melodies transcribed and with variations. Edited by L. JAMIESON, Julia Kay-bug portraits for four lever or pedal harps or Belmondo. Ut Orpheus, HS 270. (IT) more. _-Variations and Fantasias on Celebrated Melodies Dur: 7’30”. I - bombus (bumblebees). II - arabesque orb spinner Edited by L. Belmondo. Ut Orpheus, HS 271. (IT) (spider). III. - globe spinner (dragonfly). World premiere: Illinois Summer Harp Class Harp Jam, Ann Yeung, director; 8 June 2019, SAITO, Yo-Fantasie on “La Campanella” for harp Urbana, Illinois. (US) Publisher: Zen-On Music Company. 12 pages. zen-on.co.jp/world/ (JP) LIZOTTE, Caroline-Stellae Saltantem Op. 48 For two harps. Calyane editions. (CA) VESJE, Uno Alexander-Footsteps in an Empty Room for solo harp. Lyon & Healy Publications. Digital: harp.com. (US/NO) PHANG Kok Jun-Pelog Fantasy for harp ensemble World premiere: Viva Rave; September 2019, Singapore HarpFest. VESJE, Uno Alexander-Window Dreamer for solo harp. (SG) Lyon & Healy Publications. Digital: harp.com. (US/NO) UHLIK, Tomislav-Two Short Stories VESJE, Uno Alexander-Prelude No. 1 for solo harp. Lyon & Healy Publications. Digital: harp.com. (US/NO) April 2020 in Zagreb, Croatia. (HR) World premiere: Veronika Ćiković and Diana Grubišić Ćiković; 2 CHAMBER WATSON, Eric-Golden Orb for harp ensemble Duo World premiere: Viva Rave; September 2019, Singapore Harp Fest. (SG) LIZOTTE, Caroline-Close for Couloir Op. 48 For Harp and Cello. Calyane editions. (CA) CONCERTO PHANG, Kok Jun-3 Places in Singapore for Harp and Dizi BROUGHTON, Bruce-An Angel in the Attic for Flute, Harp and (I) Telok Ayer (ii) Keppel Bay (iii) Shenton Orchestra Dur: 10’. World premiere: Katryna Tan and Tan Quing Luin, dizi; 5 Worldpremiere: Cristina Montes and Susan Greenberg (flute); 4 September 2019, Esplanade Recital Singapore. (SG) April 2020, with the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra, conducted -Orchids for Flute and Harp by Guido Lamell. Barnum Hall, Santa Monika. 4 April 2020. Mr. Broughton is a well know film and tv music composer, with some composition awards like Emmy awards and Grammy NOVAČIĆ, ZORAN nominations. He also composes chamber music, orchestra and World premiere: Tamara Coha Mandić, flute, and Diana Grubišić LARGE ENSEMBLE band works. This harp and flute concerto are structured in 3 Ćiković, harp; November 2018 in Zagreb, Croatia. (HR) movements: Moderately fast: relaxed, Not too fast and Fast. The LIZOTTE, Caroline-El Nino Mudo Op. 50 composer describes the piece as “engaging”. Melodic, consonant For voice, flute, celtic harp, viola and electronics. Calyane editions. and a descriptive piece for all the audiences. Shortly after the (CA) premiere, it will be edited by Brubelmusic. (US/ES)
28 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents NEW MUSIC
VESJE, Uno Alexander-Braig’s Harp, Harp Concerto useful for their classes and I hope there will be more books like Orc.: 2122 4121 TPH str and piano reduction (harp/piano) this, because it is time contemporary music has to get out from the Lyon & Healy Publications. Digital/Print. www.harp.com (US/NO) cliché of “boring and not interesting”. Bravo, Paola Devoti! — Nicoletta Sanzin WATSON, Eric-Winged Messenger for Harp and Orchestra World premiere: Katryna Tan; 5 September 2019, Singapore KONDONASSIS, Yolanda-The Composer’s Guide to Writing Well for HARPFEST. the Modern Harp. Movements: (1) Angelos, (2) Gabriel, (3) Dancing on the Head of Twenty-two chapters. “Comprehensive guide and conversational the Pin. (SG) text on composing idiomatically for the harp” including cartoons by Jeffrey Curnow. 128 pages. Carl Fischer, 2019. ISBN 978-1- ARRANGEMENTS 4911-5691-9. (US) MASCAGNI, Pietro and ALBANO, Michele-Intermezzo from YOSHINO, Atsuko-The Quest for a Beautiful and Rich Sound on the Cavallera Rusticana Harp - concerning Henriette Renié’s Method for the Harp Edited by E. Degli Esposti and S. Simari. Ut Orpheus, HS 257. (IT) Atsuko Yoshino first came into contact with H. Renié’s Method for the Harp in 1974, when she first met Susann McDonald. Since WITH ELECTRONICS then, she studied Renié’s method through her own lessons with LIZOTTE, Caroline-Stellar Sonata Op. 51 Susann McDonald, as well as through her daughter Naoko’s World premiere: Caroline Lizotte; 23 June 2019 Paris Espace lessons. Upon returning to Japan, Atsuko Yoshino has devoted her Camac. Calyane editions. (CA/FR) time to teaching young Japanese harpists, helping them to produce beautiful and rich sounds on the harp with a supple technique. VESJE, Uno Alexander-Our Planet, our Future Now, after almost 50 years of teaching the harp, Atsuko Yoshino Dur: 42’. Solo work for acoustic harp and electronic elements has written this book to pass on what she believes to be the about the climate crises. Commissioned by Helsinki Harp Festival. important points of Renié’s method, combined with her own World premiere: Uno Vesje; 15 February 2020, Helsinki Music personal experiences as a teacher. Centre, Finland. (NO) In March 2020, the book will be officially published and distributed in Japan by Schott Music Co. Ltd., Tokyo. (JP) METHODS — Yo Saito KEMPF, Volker-Wiener Harfenschule Harp method and pieces. In German only. Ed. Hollitzer, 97 pages. (AT) NEW RECORDINGS BRUNNER, Franziska and MOSER, Sabine-Harfenschule Regenbogen BENITO, Olga-Inwards A colorful, comprehensive build-up method for very young Pieces by composer Nil Ciuró, who is a pianist and composer from students in six volumes. Barcelona. His music combines neo classic, electronic and avant- In German only. 80p. Rex Luzern. (CH) garde sonorities. eufonic.net/activitat/nil-ciuro/ (ES) BURANI, D./DOMENÉ, A.-Aires de España NEW BOOKS Spanish music for two harps. SMC Records. (ES) AUBAT-ANDRIEU, Mathilde/BANCAUD, Laurence/BARBÉ, DI MONACO, Laura-AIRKA-Contemporary music for Horn and Harp Aurélie/BRESCHAND, Hélène-Guide to the Contemporary Harp. With Laura Di Monaco, harp, Vittorio Schiavone, horn. Translated by Lilian Rossi and Jean Rossi. English translation of Music by B. Andrès, J. Koetsier, J.-M. Damase, J. Singer, N. Ferro. Da the 2013 Éditions Minerve book La harpe aux XXe et XXIe siècles. Vinci Classics. (IT) Indiana University Press, 2019. Paperback. 201+ pages. GRUBISIC CIKOVIC, Diana-L’heure exquise DEVOTI, Paola-Corde e pedali Edizioni Suvini Zerboni, ESZ 16002. (IT) Works by M. Ravel, R. Hahn, A. Caplet, G. Fauré, J. B. Faure, C. Saint- “Among the so called “uninitiated”, contemporary music is often the With Miljenka Grđan, soprano, and Diana Grubišić Ćiković, harp. victim of a series of commonplaces that label it as ugly, impossible MONTES, Cristina-Everything but Trombone to listen to, boring, pointless, very difficult to play and written in Saens, D. Domitrović, and K. Kraus. Croatia Records (HR) a incomprehensible way, to the extent that whoever plays it could With Cristina Montes, harp, and David Rejano, trombone. invent the whole thing.” Includes: J. Massenet Méditation, J. Cras Suite en Duo, and G With this foreword Lucia Bova presents the new book by Paola Mahler Adagietto. Cid Music Records. (ES) Devoti, Corde e pedali (Strings and pedals), a book who will RØDLAND, Sunniva-Postures interest harpists, harp teachers, beginners and whoever would Norwegian solo harp music by David Bratlie, Mark Adderley, Bjørn like to approach new music in a simple, light and different way. Fongaard, Wolfgang Plagge and Yngve Slettholm. LAWO Classics. The declared aim of this book is to prepare young students or (NO) beginners to get used to contemporary music. Paola Devoti, harpist and composer has devoted herself to promote contemporary SACCHI, Floraleda-SPACE music for harp both as harpist and as a composer. Music for harp, electronics. voice and Tibetan Harmonic. The The book contains twenty short pieces, lasting one or two pages, music can be considered mysterious, relaxing, and evokes a feeling presented in the form of studies with fascinating titles like T-Rex of contemplative spaciousness. Amadeus Arte, Naxos of America. and the little bird, Ostinato with plectrum, Homage to the Blues, (IT/US) Jumping Harp etc. WALSTAD, Sidsel-Ginastera Each piece uses different techniques or effects: sons pincées, The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Miguel Harth-Bedoya (conductor). glissandos, cluster, Bartók pizzicato or different rhythms and A. Ginastera: Harp Concerto Op. 25 and Variaciones Concertantes, styles (blues, pop, jazz etc). Op. 23. The recording of the Harp Concerto is based on Walstad’s The graphic is very clear and the divulged and didactic intent is research on Zabaleta’s editings and score (see article in WHCR Fall explained by a short resumé before each composition, done by 2019 issue on her research). LAWO Classics. (NO) points (content of the piece, technical objectives, used effects) and at the bottom a short story to be used for the youngest. An exhaustive legenda at the beginning of the book will help students to get more used to the idiomatic effects of the harp. I believe that several harp teachers will find Corde e pedali very
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ARGENTINA Events Events Esteban Benzecry’s Sous la constellation de l´homme oiseau The “5th Buenos Aires Harp Week” organized by the Nueva saw its Latin American premier during the Semana del Arpa de Escuela Argentina de Arpa took place at the Music Department Buenos Aires in October 2019. It was played by Mara Diniello, of the Universidad Nacional de las Artes in September 2019. harp, and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Neuquén. Masterclasses, Workshops and Concert were offered featur- ing Oscar Rodriguez Do Campo, Suelem Sampaio from Brazil, Megan Sesma from the US and the stellar presence of the 20th Edition of the Israel Harp Competition, Lenka Petrovic. The 6th Edition will take place from 29 August 2020. Marcela Mendez co-organized the 2nd International Harp Academy in Santa Fe city featuring Maria Luisa Rayan and Eisabeth Hainen in October 2019. Masterclasses, Workshops and Concert took place with international participants. Nueva Escuela Argentina de Arpa co-organized the “2nd Espirito Santo Harp Week” in January 2020 together with Brazilian harpist Glaucia Castilhos. Along with Oscar Rodriguez Do Campo, they offered masterclasses to participants from all over the country. The 3rd Edition will take place 10 January 2021 in Vitoria, capital city of Espirito Santo state. Mara Diniello and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Neuquén. The Mágica y Misteriosa concerto for harp and string orchestra by Clauda Montero was performed by Lucrecia Jancsa together with the Orquesta de Música Argentina Juan de Dios Filiberto under the baton of Lucía Zicos in Buenos Aires 21 June 2019. Five trios for flute, harp and bandoneon were premiered during the Ciclo de Conciertoe de Música Contemporánea, Teatro San Martín. All the pieces were commissioned for this concert. Patricia Da Dalt (flute), Pablo Mainetti (Bandoneon), and Lucrecia Jancsa (harp), played trios be Alex Nante, Guillo Spell, Fernado Fiszbein, María Eugenia Luc, and Pablo Mainetti.
Oscar Rodriguez Do Compo. Traces XII for harp and electronics by Martín Matalón saw its Latin American premiere played by Lucrecia Jancsa in 2019.
BELGIUM News Harppunt vzw is a new association founded by Lara Verbeeck, Marijke Vermeiren and Sophie Baguet. The association, which mainly focusses on Flanders, wants to improve the interest for the harp as instrument, in the broadest way possible. Harppunt is supporting and stimulating harp education, primarily meant for Dutch music teachers, both in quality as in quantity. The associa- Participants of the 2nd Espirito Santo Harp Week. tion wants to encourage contact between teachers, harpists, com- Appointments posers and people who take an interest in harp music. To achieve Lucrecia Jancsa was appointed Harp Professor at the Manuel these goals, Harppunt creates several activities. The development de Falla Conservatory of the City of Buenos Aires. of catalogues and training/courses, the organization of at least one big event every year and the promotion of harpists. Gabriela Czerdnikow was appointed Harp Professor at the Astor Piazzolla Conservatory of the City of Buenos Aires. CANADA Melissa Keny won the principal harp position with the Orquesta Estable of the Teatro Colón. Events Harpenning III is organized by the Montreal Conservatory Alina Traine won Harp assistant position with the Orquesta of Music on 8 March 2020. A concert of original works for solo Filarmónica of the Teatro Colón. harp by Caroline Lizotte is played by the composer. Felipe Martini won Principal Harp position with the Orquesta The Four Seasons Harp Quartet, consisting of harpists Jennifer de Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires. Swartz, Caroline Léonardelli, Lori Gemmell, and Caroline Lizotte, will be on tour at three chamber music festivals in August 2020:
30 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL NEWS at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival; at the Waterside Summer FRANCE Series Amherst Island and the Virée Classique de l’OSM. Events The 53th Festival d’été de Gargilesse will take place 7 to 23 Several concerts were presented throughout the year: August 2020. “Romantic Harp” duo Robin Grenon and Gisele Giubord gave Website: festivalgargilesse.fr a magnificent concert, on 28 July 2019, at Domaine-Joly-de- Lotbiniere; they also gave a con- Competitions cert “Tropical and Celtic Harps” The Concours International de Harpes took place in March in August 2019 in Grand-Mere. 2020 in Limoges. The jury was Skaila Kanga, Anne-Sophie Members of the Harpissimo Bertrand, Ghislaine Petit-Volta, Laurent Coulon, and Véronique Quebec Association held a concert Chenuet. “A Tour of the World on the Harp” First prizes were awarded to on 28 August 2019 in Verdun. And finally, a “Harp and organ” Level 1 concert held by members of the Séverine Guerin and Zélie Cazo Harpissimo Quebec Association Level 2 on 15 December 2019 in Saint- Alexandra Smerdova and Freur Cazo Lambert. Level 3 Stana Bunea performing in Stana Bunea, Canadian- Zarina Zaradna Bucharest. Romanian harpist and music ther- Level 4 apist, on the occasion of the launch in Romania of the new Elody Mullot and Morwenn Saint-Marc-Etienne volume of her book, “The Words of the Harp - VI”, on 3 October 2019, played a harp and poetry recital in Giurgiu at the “Nicolae Level 5 Balanescu Athenaeum”, and on 10 October, 2019, in Bucharest Juliette Chantelot at the “Mihai Eminescu Cultural Center”. The poems were recit- Level 6 Margarita Ramazanova “Masterpieces for the harp” with works by G.F. Haendel, Louis ed by Dr. Constantin Biriș Jr. He also presented the recording Level 7 Spohr, Elias Paris-Alvars, Felix Godefroid and the Romanian Valentine Correani and Kseniya Kurlovich composer Felicia Donceanu. Level 8 Workshops Valentine Correani Tristan Le Govic, Breton harpist, was presented by the Breton Union, on 31 August 2019, in Montreal at Atwater Library. Level 9 Huron Harp Fest was held 4 to 6 October 2019 in Goderich, Alicia Miguelez and Alice Proffit Ontario. Instructors were Gisele Guibord and Robin Grenon, as Level 10 well as Sharlene Wallace and Kim Robertson. Alicia Miguelez and Lucile Gallet-Delgrange Level 11 CROATIA First Prize: Dariia Ahapova, Ukraine Events Second Prize: Lucie Spedicato, France Chantal Mathieu and Tajana Third Prize: Gloria Huyghe, Belgium - Angéline Sanfourche, France sors during a masterclass in Rab, Level 12 CroatiaVukelić on Peić 12 to were 21 July the 2019. profes They First Prize: Florence Meister, Switzerland gave classes for solo harp and harp Second Prize: Séphora Foucher de la Fuente, France ensemble. The event opened with Third Prize: Maëlle Touplin, France a concert given by both.
GERMANY Tajana Vukeli´c Pei´c and Chantal Events Mathieu at the opening recital. The “Süddeutsches Harfenfestival” will celebrate its 25th anniversary 1 to 4 October 2020. Arianna Savall, Maja Taube, Dino Contenti, Harriet Earis, and Tristan le Govic will give mas- terclasses. Website: Harfenfestival.com A masterclass and solo recital given by Jasmin-Isabel Kühne took place in Hannover in September 2019. She was joined by Isabel Moreton, who gave a lecture on competition preparation.
Participants of the masterclass and Tajana Vukeli´c Pei´c (second from the right).
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Competitions The Bertold-Hummel-Competition for harp took place in Würzburg 22-24 November 2019. This competition is an annu- al competition, each year dedicated to a different instrument. First Prize: Hyejin Kim, South Korea Second Prize: Shiho Minami, Japan Julia Kräuter, Austria Third Prize: Johannes Willemze, The Netherlands The 9th National Harp Competition of the German Harp Association (VDH) will take place in May 2021 in Sondershausen. Website: harfe-vdh.de Appointments Katrina Szederkenyi joined the orchestra of the Musikalische Komödie in Leipzig.
In Memoriam Jutta Zoff, former solo harpist of the Staatskapelle Dresden died in October at the age of 92. Born on 14. January 1928 in Bautzen, she was honorary member of the Semper-Opera in Dresden and recipient of the Mättig-Stiftermedaille.
IRELAND News In December 2019, at a UNESCO committee meeting in Bogota, Columbia, “Irish harping” was inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This designation, which aims to “enhance visibility for the traditional practices and know-how of com- munities”, recognizes Ireland’s unique affiliation with the harp, encompassing ancient and modern traditions of harp playing. NEW RELEASE Congratulations to all those involved in the campaign to bring GINASTERA LWC1182 global recognition to Irish harping, particularly Aibhlin McCrann HARP CONCERTO, OP. 25 and members and associates of Cruit Eireann (Harp Ireland). VARIACIONES CONCERTANTES, OP. 23 SIDSEL WALSTAD — HARP The Irish harp community is very much looking forward to
The Norwegian Radio Orchestra this year’s World Harp Congress in July which is being hosted Miguel Harth-Bedoya — conductor by our Welsh neighbors in Cardiff. It is fifteen years since Dublin hosted the World Harp Congress (2005). We wish our Welsh friends every success in their preparations for this event. Applications are invited for two of Ireland’s annual harp courses, namely the International Festival for Irish Harp, which takes place between Sunday 28th June and Friday 3rd July, and the Festival of Early Irish Harp, which takes place between Wednesday 12th and Tuesday 18th August. See https://www.cairdenacruite.com/ festival and http://irishharp.org/festival/ for further details. In Memoriam Pat Brassil, harpist and teacher at the Loreto College in Foxrock died in August 2019.
ITALY Events The ARPE 3V was an outstanding event which took place the first weekend of October 2019 in Portogruaro (Venice). This project had been realized by four harp teachers from the Northern-East region: Alessia Luise, Nicoletta Sanzin, Patrizia
Based on Zabaleta’s revised version. For more info, visit: www.sidsel.no Tassini, and Tiziana Tornari. Their aim was bringing students
32 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL NEWS from all conservatories and high schools of the north-eastern part Competitions of Italy together for two days filled with workshops and lectures, The 29th Riviera della Versilia Competition Camaiore, will sharing this unique experience with other colleagues. More than take place on 25 June 2020. 100 students of all ages and levels arrived at the Teatro Russolo in More information concorsorivieradellaversilia.it Portogruaro, the main venue, where they worked on the program JAPAN Events 6th jazz and pop event “harp Harp harp 2019” was held by Nippon (Japan) Harp Association on 21 December 2019. Questions concerning the upcoming appearance of ‘harp Harp harp 2020’ are welcomed. Please contact the Nippon (Japan) Harp Association. HITOSHI SAITO
Performing the Danzarea.
6th jazz and pop event “harp Harp harp 2019” Sanae Kanai
News ARPE 3V. In 2019, Ayako Shinozaki was elected President of the Nippon of the concert of 5 October divided into two harp ensembles, Harp Association, Artistic Director of the Soka International Fantasia (under the guidance of Gabriella Bosio) and Danzarea Harp Festival, and Chairman of the Nippon Harp Competition. (under the guidance of Maestro Francesco Pavan) for a sold-out Competitions concert, broadcasted by the local and national RAI1. Moreover, At the 20th OSAKA International Music Competition 2019, Gabriella Bosio held a workshop on how to work with an harp Marie MIKAWA won 1st Prize in the Junior division and Nagisa ensemble for little children and Anna Pasetti gave a wonderful TANAKA won 1st Prize in the senior division. lecture on the history of harp ensembles. Teachers who joined The 32th Nippon Harp Competition in advanced and junior this project were (in alphabetical order) R. Alessandrini, M. Bassi, divisions will be held 12 to 15 November 2020 in Soka City. It is P. Boniolo, E. Ghebbioni, A. Pasetti, A. Penitenti, N. Recchia, G, open to harpists of all nationalities who meet the age require- Rettore, N. Sanzin, P. Tassini, and T. Tornari. Assistants were: V. ments. Baradello, E. Bersenda, and L. Pandolfo. Applications will be accepted from 1 to 30 September 2020. ARPISSIMA, the traditional touring gathering organized by Contact: Soka-shi Bunkakaikan, 1-1-5 Matsue, Soka City, Salvi Harps has changed its name in Harpissima, declaring its Saitama, 240-0013. international aim. The three dates in spring are: Email: [email protected]. Website: harp-japan.com - Novara 27 to 29 March, co-organizer V. Madini Moretti, Attention: Check the Web site details at all times. guests Glain Dafydd, Benoit Wery. Repertoire - Rome 17 to 19 April, co-organizer A. Giraldi, guest Catrin Advanced division (up to 20 years) Finch. First stage - Mesola (Ferrara) 22- to 24 May, co-organizer S. Baratella, (1) J. L. Dussek: Sonata c-moll guest Joel van Lerber . Final stage (maximum duration 20 minutes) For info: salviharps.com/it/arpissima/ (1) A. Roussel: Impromptu Op. 21 The showroom of Salvi in Milano relocates and will open on (2) Free choice piece(s) 14 March 2020. Junior division (up to 12 years) The Harp Festival 2020 will take place in Castelfranco, (1) M. Grandjany: Petite Suite Classique, Nos. 1, 2, 3 Veneto (TV) 17 to 19 June 2020. It is organized by A. Pentitenti (2) One free choice piece and will include masterclasses, workshops, lectures on harp music, future of didactic for the harp, and recitals. Lectures will Appointments Ayano Kaji was appointed harpist of the Tokyo Philharmonic be among others G. Dall’Olio, F. Tirale, A. Penitenti. Orchestra. The other two harpists of the orchestra are Mayumi Miyahara and Midori Tajima.
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MALTA Miriam Overlach was appointed teacher for chamber music Events at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Gwyneth Wentink was Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and harpist Caroline Calleja appointed as regular guest teacher at the same institute. Next gave a performance on the 21 September 2019 at St. Paul’s to Miriam and Gwyneth, Erika Waardenburg is the main harp Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta. teacher and Sandrine Chatron is teaching orchestra parts at the BRIAN GRECH Harpist Anne Marie Camilleri Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Podesta and flutist Fiorella Festival Camilleri performed during The Dutch Harp Festival & Competition will be back in 2020 “Notte Bianca” at the Central for its sixth edition! Join us in Utrecht, at Tivoli Vredenburg, 9 Bank of Malta in Valletta on the to 10 May 2020 for two full days of harp. Artistic director Remy 5 October 2019. van Kesteren will guide you through a parallel universe to show Harpist Britt Arend, soprano you that the harp is much more than just a classical instrument. Gillian Zammit and cellist Frank The line-up consists of: Lavinia Meijer, Ruben Hein (NJJO), Camilleri performed a program Tom Monger (Florence + The Machine), REMY., Liesbeth of songs on the 22 February Vreeburg, Terry Riley’s in C met harporkest o.l.v. Gwyneth Frank Camilleri, Britt Arend, and 2020 at Verdala Palace. They Wentink, Esther Swift, Cesar Secundino, New Ways (Liam Byrne Gillian Zammit. will be repeating this program & Morris Kliphuis), Harp Sirens, Alice Belugou, Sylvain Blassel, in New York at Carnegie Hall on the 7 April 2020 in collabora- Sunniva Rødland – Vortex Room, Orchestra Elastique plays tion with Parma recordings. King Kong soundtrack, LEYA, Laura Perrudin, Mary Lattimore, Andrea Voets, Corrina Hewat (Shine), Harp leerorkest.
MEXICO Masterclasses Appointments The yearly audition training course for harpists will be In December 2019 the Institute of Fine Arts (Instituto given by Sandrine Chatron, solo harpist at the Netherlands Nacional de Bellas Artes) held auditions for the prestigious Philharmonic Orchestra, teacher at the Conservatorium van position of Harp Concert Artist. This was the first time in their Amsterdam and at the Haute Ecole de Musique de Genève. history that they have opened a position for harp, and we are The training will take place from the 19th to the 22nd of April happy to announce that Emmanuel Padilla Holguín won the 2020. audition. He will be performing as solo harpist in recitals for Competitions Bellas Artes as well as in chamber concerts with other mem- On January 25 and 26 the fifth edition of the Rosa Spier Harp bers of the concert artists group. Competition took place in Tilburg, The Netherlands. In differ- Events ent categories candidates of all ages took part. In March 2020 Janet Ensembles with harp Paulus and Mercedes First Prize: Harp Duo: Delphine Palumbo and Anna Gómez performed works Petrovitsch by J.-J. Rameau, J.S. Bach, Second Prize: Duo Harp and Flute: Hedwig Brieffies, harp T. O’Carolan, A. de Ribayaz, and Iara de Carvalho Perillo, flute Ricardo Castro, Felipe Second Prize: H arp Ensemble SKVR (Stichting Kunstzinnige Villanueva, Bernard Andrès, Vorming Rotterdam) César Franck, Arturo Third Prize: Duo Harp and Cello: Zimra Hegedus-Bjelik, Márquez, and Gerardo Janet Paulus and Mercedes Gómez. harp and Keve Hegedus-Bjelik, cello Tamez as part of the 11th Festival Internacional Divertimento. This concert will commemorate the 20th anniversary of their Voice & Harp group: SONDOS, dúo de arpas. The concert will be held in the First Prize: Kyra Frimout Seminario de Cultura Mexicana in Mexico City. Second Prize: Eva Kersten Marlies de Lange Third Prize: Kira van Veldhoven THE NETHERLANDS Folk Harp Category 2: Appointments First Prize: Zimra Hegedus-Bjelik Anneleen Schuitemaker was appointed harpist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, she will start her position in season Emma Vondenhoff 2020-2021. Second Prize: Janna Slotboom Third Prize: Eva Haverkamp French harpist Sylvain Blassel was appointed as harp profes- sor of the Royal Conservatoire The Hague. As of September Folk Harp Category 3: 2020, he will join the harp teaching staff next to Ernestine Stoop First Prize: Lisa Kurstjens (main subject) and Marieke Schoenmakers (orchestra parts).
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Second Prize: Marloes Neijens Torodd Wigum, 5 October 2019 at Olavshallen in Trondheim. Concert Harp Category 1: Sylvain Blassel performed a solo recital at the Norwegian First Prize: Anna Petrovitsch Academy of Music and gave a masterclass with the students of Second Prize: Delphine Palumbo Isabelle Perrin the 14 December 2019. Third Prize: Mariska Doveren The Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra’s chamber music series Best performance of the compulsory work by presents Maurice Ravel Introduction et Allegro pour harpe et Dolf de Kinkelder, category 1: ensemble and Luciano Berio’s Folk Songs with principal harp- Anna Petrovitsch ist Birgitte Volan Håvik and soprano Stina Steingrim Levvel in Concert Harp Category 2: Gamle Logen in Oslo the 16 February 2020. First Prize: Claire Schuurmans The Norwegian Academy of music is holding their yearly Second Prize: Marlies de Lange music festival “Lyden av musikkhøgskolen” (English: the sound Best performance of the compulsory work by of the academy of Music). The Festival is a three-day music Dolf de Kinkelder, category 2: festival all over Oslo from 20 to 22 March. The harp depart- Claire Schuurmans ment has solo, duet and orchestral concerts all around the city. Concert Harp Category 3: Joanna Thalmann and Emmanuel Padilla Holguin will perform First Prize: Sanne Bakker the Bach Double Concerto BWV1060 (originally for harpsi- Second Prize: Inge van Grinsven chord) and Marie Nielsen will perform the Händel Concerto. Best performance of the compulsory work by Sylvia Maessen, category 3: PORTUGAL Sanne Bakker News Prize for the best self made arrangement of In January 2020 Ana Aroso, harp, and Isabel Anjo, saxo- a Traditional, category 2 folk harp: phone, gave a concert in Porto, playing works by Portuguese Louise Janssen-Boudon
NORWAY Events The “Harp Weekend in Oslo” will take place from the 2 to 3 May 2020 and is organized by the Norwegian Harp Society and the Norwegian Academy of Music. There will be masterclasses, workshops and an improvising concert with Nikolaz Cadoret (FR) and students from the Norwegian Academy of Music. There will also be performances by Karen Vaughan (UK) and Uno Vesje (NO). News The 12th Nordic Harp Meeting was arranged in Gjøvik, Norway the 24 to 27 October 2019. The 2019’s Norwegian Variation cel- ebrated the famous Norwegian word “Kose”. Kose is a feeling of warmth, comfort and safety. Stein Villa created a laid-back program, with participant-lead courses – with the exception of Isabel Anjo, saxophone, and Angélica Salvi Camac sponsored Heather Downie. This variation of the Nordic Ana Aroso, harp. Harp Festival focused on both harp and the other Nordic tradi- tional instruments, langeleik, bowed lyre, Kantele and more. composers who especially wrote pieces for this duo. Ana Aroso Uno Vesje performed his own harp concerto, Bragi’s Harp, studied with Jana Bouskova. with Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera conducted by Angélica Salvi presented her new album Phantone at an elec- DORIANA KOMANI troacoustic harp concert at the University of Aveiro, at the GrETUA (Grupo Experimental de Teatro da Universtiy of Aveido). Carolina Coimbra, former student of Irina Zingg, presented a solo recital at the Teatro Miguel Franco, in Leiria.
ROMANIA & MOLDAVIA News Harpist Xavier de Maistre and Diana Damrau (soprano) performed a recital during the “George Enescu” Festival in Birgitte Volan Håvik.
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September 2019. The recital RUSSIA was part of the section “Recitals Report from Russia and chamber concerts” and Usually our concert season starts in November. The festival took place at the Romanian “Harp art of Russia” starts in November and pupils from chil- Athenaeum in Bucharest. dren music schools and schools of arts take part in 2-3 con- The program included works certs. These concerts play a big role in the development of harp by F. Mendelssohn, F. Liszt, education in Russia. The level of participants becomes more S. Rachmaninoff, Vladimir professional, the repertoire more interesting and participants Aleksandrovici Vlasov, and teachers can study from each other. Then in December we Reynaldo Hahn, Cl. Debussy, E. have the continuation of the festival and three more concerts Enescu, and F. Poulenc. take place. Students, professional harpists participate in those concerts. Two more concerts in April we dedicate to outstand- ing harpists from all over the world and we close our festival again with children concerts in May. W.Harpist A. Mozart’s Ionela Concerto Brădean andfor For the last three years instead of having concerts in May we Roxana Moi¸sanu. Fluteflutist and Ioana Harp Bălașa at the performedRomanian had a children competition dedicated to our well known harp- Athenaeum in Bucharest, with the Engineering Orchestra ist Kira Saradjeva, who was a soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre “Petru Ghenghea”, conductor Andrei Iliescu, in October 2019. orchestra and professor at the Gnessins’ Musical -Pedagogical The concert was part of “Classic is fantastic. How to understand Institute and Maymonid State Classical Academy. music”. This year will be rich with competitions. In January we Also, in October, harpist Maria Bîldea performed M. Ravel’s had the V International competition of musicians-performers Introduction et Allegro and Danse sacrée et danse profane by “Classical Academy” that gathered 45 harpists. In February we Cl. Debussy with the George Enescu Philharmonic, conductor had the competition for young harpists dedicated to Saradjeva, Marzena Diakun. in December we will have the III All-Russia music competition, In December Spanish musician Pedro Bonet (cello) and and the International Competition “Golden Harp”. Last November Moscow conservatory marked 145 years anni- the St. Joseph Cathedral in Bucharest in the concert “The cello, versary of a harp class. A big forum was organized to celebrate this theRomanian harp, and harpist the emotions” Roxana Moişanu organized (Celtic by the harp) Embassy performed of Spain at event. Three concerts and big conference with round table attract- in Bucharest, with support from the Association for Music, Arts, ed the attention of many musicians. Alexander Baranov and Maria and Culture and from George Enescu National Museum. Pedro Fyodorova were the organizers of this event and other concerts, Bonet performed Bach’s Suite No. 3 for cello solo, Solo Cello Suite together with the support of Moscow conservatory administration. by Spanish composer Gaspar Cassadó, an emotional but also The “Vera Dulova salone” takes place every month and organized lively piece, with a pronounced rhythmic component, followed by Nika Ryabchinenko. It is open to all harpists who like to perform. by the Sacher Variations for solo cello by the well-known Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski. The Russian Harp Society engages not only concerts activities. Through the harp works selected for this occasion, Roxana New recordings, music scores, and books are released every year. This year Natalia Shameyeva has been editing and publishing of music, which led the listeners through majestic sounds com- music by Victor Ulianich Sonata for flute and harp in 4 movements, ingMoişanu from proposedall over Europe:an imaginary Spain, journey Germany, over Italy, seven France centuries and and Contrasts (two pieces for flute and harp) as well as Akathist to Romania. Dulova for two harps and percussion by Valery Kikta, and Fantasia All the harp arrangements and original compositions by for two harps by Irina Kaynova. From 18 to 22 March the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg recital were world premieres. will be hosting the Northern Lyre Harp Music Festival for the Roxana Moișanu and Mladen Spasinovici included in this Events fourth time. It will be possible to get acquainted with the sound “Harpissima” will take place between 24 and 26 April 2020, of the classical harp as well as its national varieties – the oud, in Bucharest. Salvi Harps, Lyon & Healy and the Romanian the Celtic and Colombian harps – and to hear these instruments Harpists Association will organize this event which will include in ensembles with violin, viola, cello, cello da gamba, flute, clari- concerts, masterclasses, a conference and an exhibition of net, and voice. Famous musicians and rising stars will perform concert harps and Celtic harps. During “Harpissima”, harpists harp repertoire classics, contemporary works, and some will students will have the opportunity to attend in masterclasses, perform their compositions. benefiting from the value and experience of two prestigious In April we look forward to a masterclass given by Catherine harpists, Lucia Bova and Maria Bîldea. Michel. A new Bucharest Harp Festival will take place 23 to 25 October 2020. It is organized by the Romanian Harpists Association and the Harp life in Moscow is very active. Harpists from other Russian National Music University of Bucharest and supported by Camac cities come to participate. The interest to harp even among none Harps. Special guests will be David Lootvoet and Angela Madjarova. musicians is becoming more and more popular. It is very gratifying. —Natalia Shameyeva
36 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL NEWS
Achievements Aleksandra Mohorko won the third prize in the international At the end of February, a concert was dedicated to the Aleksandra Mohorko won the 1st prize and golden plaquette competition Petar Konjović 2019 in Belgrade (Serbia). 60-year-anniversary of creative at the 4th International Harp Competition M. A. Rubin in activities of the great Russian Moscow (Russia). harpist and teacher Natalia Shameyeva. awarded the third prize at the VI Concurso Ibérico de Música She performed new composi- deBrin Cámara Bernatović con Arpa and in VeronikaMadrid, Spain. Ćiković (harp duo) were were tions by contemporary Russian composer Igor Krasilnikov’s Serenade for harp and orches- SOUTH KOREA tra of folk Russian instruments; Events J. Jongen Waltz, L.M. Tedeschi All events have been canceled due to the outbreak of the Improvviso Drammatico for cello COVID-19 virus. (Igor Lifanovsky) and harp; V. Natalia Shameyeva. Kikta Contrasts for flute (Sergey Juravel) and harp and M. Tournier SPAIN After an intermission and greetings Vers la source dans le bois. Events from the Russian Music Academy administration and compos- The Festival de l’arpa a Terrassa LUC CAVELLEC ers from the Russian Harp Society, V. Kikta and V. Uliyanich, took place 21 to 22 September 2019 the Moscow cello quartet (all members teach at the Academy) in the Concervatroy of Terassa. performed Sad Waltz by J. Sibelius and Waltz by D. Shostakovich. Tritan Le Govic was the guest harp- After that students and former students of Natalia Shameyeva ist. He gave a masterclass on the took part in the concert. The last composition by A. Glazunov Celtic harp and a concert. Students from his ballet Maiden-servant-girl was arranged for eleven from Catalonia worked together flutes, eight harps and two percussions by Victor Uliyanich. The and performed during the festival. concert was a great success and very well attended. Camac Harps supported the event Appointments and exhibited instruments. Maria Krushevskaya won the position of principal harp with Davi Lootvoet gave a masterclass the Bolshoi Theatre in St. Petersburg. and concert during the Festival de l’arpa a Zaragoza which took place SLOVENIA Tristan Le Govic Events
Concertino in AtAn the Old Festival Style for “Lent” two harpsin Maribor with (Slovenia),the accompaniment Brin Bernatović of the orchestraand Leto Križaničof the University Žorž performed of Vilnius the (Lithuania). M. Malecki - formed the W. A. Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp in C majorFlutist with Doroteja the accompaniment Senica and harpist of the LetoMendelssohn Križanič ŽoržChamber per Orchestra from Hungary in December 2019. The concert was organized by Festival Ljubljana.
News Camac Zaragoza Ensemble. - positions for two harps for the archive of RTV (Radio and tele- beginning of February and was supported by Camac Harps. Brin Bernatović and Veronika Ćikovič recorded several com vision) Slovenija. The producer was Smiljan Greif. The events organized by the Associació catalana d’arpistes included a gathering of 22 students from different catalan work on the cultural program Opus in December 2019. music schools performing „West Harp Story“ at the Valencia The RTV Slovenija has featured Dalibor Bernatović and his Conservatory in December, ant the Trobada d’arpes a Santa Achievements Perpetua de Mogoda (Barcelona), student’s meeting on 14 In April 2019 students of the Conservatory of Music and March 2020, as well as Trobada d’arpes a L’Escola Municipal de Ballet Maribor competed at the 10th international competi- Música de L’Eixample (Barcelona) on 9 May 2020. tion Antonio Salieri in Legnago (Verona) in Italy. In Category C, Aleksandra Mohorko won the 1st prize and golden plaquette and Ajda Nina Vivod won the 2nd prize and golden plaquette. In and the special prize, a concert playing solo with the orchestra. category D, Leto Križanič Žorž won the 1 prize, Premio Assoluto
Review • Spring 2020 37 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL NEWS
Masterclasses SWITZERLAND Cristina Montes will give her annual masterclass in Vilavella News VI Classical music festival in Valencia 22 to 28 July 2020. For A new harp beginners’ book has been released by Franziska more information: todalamusica.es Brunner and Sabine Moser, both teachers in and around Lucerne. It is very nicely done and has wonderful colorful pictures and Associació catalana d’arpistes organizes a summer course at drawings. comprehensive build-up. Six volumes in one folder. the Barcelona Conservatory 29 June to 3 July 2020. Achievements Competitions Viviane Nüscheler won first prize in the Marcel Tournier The VI concurso Ibérico de música de cámara con arpa took competition in Italy as well as at the Helsinki Harp Competition place 28 November to 1 December 2019 in Madrid at the in February 2020. Conservatorio Professional Arturo Soria. The jury was Isabelle Perrin (FR/NO), Dalibor Bernatovich (RO), Mendmaa Dorzhin Marika Cecilia Riedl won third prize in the Luigi Nono com- (ES). The Agrupación camerística Isolda performed at the petition in Italy, open to all instruments. opening concert. Masterclasses were given by Isabelle Perrin, Both are studying with Sarah O’Brien at the Zurich University Zoraida Avila and Diana Montoya (percussion). Otto Thiel con- of the arts ducted a conversation about Henriette Renié. 16 groups from 13 different countries entered the competition. The first win- THAILAND ner in the adults category, the Jerusalem Duo, was outstand- Events ing, technically and artistically. The contest was supported by Tamnak Prathom Harp Centre celebrated its 17th anniversa- NANJING HARP STUDIO (China), Salvi and Lyon & Healy Harps, ry with a weekend of celebratory concerts on November 30th Euromúsica Fersán, Todonotas, AIE, and Mendmaa Dorzhin. and December 1st at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. The ArpaPlus contest, a nation- The Saturday afternoon concert included a variety of solo al student’s contest, organized by and ensemble performances by teachers and students of TPHC, RCSMM, took place at the Real con- and guest artist, Ana Ester Santos from Portugal.On Sunday servatorio superior de Madrid at the afternoon, we were treated to a fascinating program of songs end of February 2020. Park Stickney and arias from well known operas, arranged and performed was guest artist during the contest. for clarinet and harp by Jie Zhou and Andreas Oberaigner of the Next year the competition will take Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf, Germany. place in Valladolid. Cristina Montes. The Siam Harp Society brought together 12 professional Awards and student harpists in a program entitled, “Sawasdee Harp”, Cristina Montes was on the finalists list of the International on August 25, 2019 at Siam Ratchada Auditorium. A variety of Acoustic Music Awards. This awards reward the excellence in solos, duos and chamber pieces were enthusiastically received. acoustic music.
SWEDEN Events The Scandinavian Harp course with Isabelle Perrin and Erik Groenenstein-Hendriks will take place 21 to 24 May 2020 at Gothenburg Concert Hall. The harp course with focus on orchestra audition repertoire and posture with Alexander tech- nique including individual and collective classes. The Sweden Harpdays will take place 12 to 14 June 2020 in TPHC concert, Nov 30th: L-R, Tongsuang Isarangkun, Ana Ester Santos, Danderyd, Stockholm. There will be concerts, masterclasses Lisa Gracia Supadi, Jie Zhou, and Judith Utley. and workshops by Miriam Overlach, Heather Downie, and Ismahni Björkman. In Memoriam Karin Langebo (1927-2019) Karin Langebo’s long national and international carrier as a harpist and opera singer included engagements at the Royal Opera, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Swedish Radio Orchestra and Drottningholms theater in Stockholm. She received several awards and cultural medals and made many recordings with harp. Karin Langebo was and is still a great inspiration to all the harpists of Scandinavia. L to R: Pasatorn Stieniti, Ema Mitarai, Bhoomsiripansa Dansilp, Zhi Wang, Nichatorn Tangkuptanon, Pansa Soontornrattanarak, Puntaree Wudtipornpong, Chayamon Sanmueng, Suthasinee Siripon, Suwina Yamakup, Thammathorn Bwornanakeskul. (missing from photo, Phuttaraksa Kamnirdratana.)
38 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL NEWS
USA Competitions Events The 12th USA International Harp Competition 2022 reper- March 20-22, 2020 – Virginia Harp Center Festival; Arlington, toire has been announced: VA. virginiaharpcenterfestival.com Stage I May 19-21, 2020 – Anne Adams Awards & Grandjany Andrea Marescotti: Mouvement Memorial Competition; Roosevelt University Chicago College Choose one: for Performing Arts, IL. harpfoundationahs.org Elias Parish Alvars: Sérénade Op. 83 June 21-24, 2020 – 44th American Harp Society, Inc. National Jean-Michel Damase: Sicilienne variée Conference; Orlando, Florida. harpsociety.org Choose one: Manuel de Falla: Spanish Dance No. 1 from La Vida Breve July 4-18, 2020 – Young Artist’s Harp Seminar; Gambier, OH. (any edition) harpseminar.com Carlos Salzedo: Jeux d’eau July 5-12, 2020 Young Artist’s Harp Seminar Preparatory Stage II Division; Gambier, OHharpseminar.com Choose one: News André Caplet: Deux Divertissements Fall AHS Grant Awards: Pierick Houdy: Sonata for Harp Chapter Projects Sergiu Natra: Ode to the Harp (To obtain music, email: pub- Lyra Chapter - Harp Day 2019 for visiting presenter fees [email protected].) (Phaedra Moll) Amount: $350 Franz Liszt/H. Renié: Un Sospiro New Orleans Chapter of the American Harp Society, Inc. for Stage III Erin Hill residency at the New Orleans Jazz & Pop Harp A free-choice recital of 40 minutes to include: Weekend 2020. (Patrice Fisher) Amount: $500 the winning selection of the USA IHC Composition Contest Phoenix Chapter - 2020 Young Arizona Artist Competition for (max. 8 minutes) scholarship awards (Stephen Hartman) Amount: $1,000 one selection from the Baroque period (any length, any School Program edition) Guest speaker Colin Campbell, certified Lyon & Healy Harp Stage IV Technician, to give a presentation about a career as a Gabriel Pierné: Concertstück Op. 39 harp technician at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Free choice encore solo to be played after the concerto (max. Performing Arts. (Joe Rebman) Amount: $150 8 minutes) Scholarships Anne Adams Awards (19 to 22 May 2020) The Barton Harp Initiative for student scholarships to the Marcel Tournier: La Volière magique (found in Suite 4 2020 Midwest Harp Festival. (Jaina Carpenter) Amount of Images) Requested: $1,000 Caroline Lizotte: La Madone Houston Youth Harp Ensemble for Spring 2020 student One of the following: scholarships (Naomi Hoffmeyer) Amount: $500 Marius Flothius: Pour le tombeau d’Orphée, Op. 37 Student scholarships ($750) and guest artist honorar- Carlos Salzedo: Ballade, Op. 28 ia ($250) at the Harp Camp Virginia 2020. (Virginia Marcel Grandjany: Rhapsodie, Op. 10 Schweninger) Amount: $1,000 Two orchestra excerpts: Commissions Johannes Brahms: Vier Gesänge, Op. 17, harp part Ruth K. Inglefield Memorial Commission: a solo harp piece Bela Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra, harp 1 part by Uno Alexander Vesje to be premiered by Jasmine Hogan Grandjany Memorial Competition (21 May 2020) during the session “Ruth Inglefield: A Celebration of Her Marcel Grandjany: Children at Play, Op. 16 Life and Legacy” at the 2020 World Harp Congress. (Sonja Manuel de Falla, trans. Grandjany: Spanish Dance No. 1 Inglefield) Amount: $2,950 Marcel Grandjany: Rhapsodie, Op. 10 Commission a piece for harp, flute, clarinet, oboe/English horn, Maurice Ravel, trans. Grandjany: “Menuet” from Le Tombeau and viola by Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad de Couperin to be premiered by the Merian Ensemble in Atlanta, GA in http://harpfoundationahs.org March 2020. (Elisabeth Remy Johnson) Amount: $1,000 Commission a piece for flute and harp by composer Joshua Appointments Weinberg to be premiered in Austin, TX in the spring of Helen Gerhold has been appointed executive director of the 2020. (Mallory McHenry) Amount: $1,000 Lyra Society, a Philadelphia–based nonprofit, providing harps Commission How to be a human being for harp and high voice and lessons to students throughout the city. (soprano or tenor) by Megan Bledsoe Ward with text from Julia Coronelli was named principal harpist with the the poem of the same name by Chad Murphy to be pre- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. miered in the fall of 2020 by a consortium of several differ- Emmanuel Ceysson has been named principal harpist with ent duo ensembles. (Megan Bledsoe Ward) Amount: $500 the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Review • Spring 2020 39 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL NEWS
Marguerite Lynn Williams has been named principal harpist In Memoriam with the Minnesota Orchestra. Ruth Wickersham Papalia Sarah Bullen will join the faculty of the DePaul University (1935-2019) School of Music to begin a new harp performance degree pro- Ruth Wickersham Papalia gram for both undergraduate and graduate studies. was born 5 February 1935 in Quakertown, PA. Ruth had an older Achievements Jennifer Higdon won a 2020 Grammy Award (Best sister, Esther, from whom she bor- Contemporary Classical Composition) for her Harp Concerto, rowed her first harp. At 17, she premiered and recorded by Yolanda Kondonassis and the entered Oberlin Conservatory of Rochester Philharmonic. Music, in Ohio, majoring in harp performance under Lucy Lewis. Angelica Hairston, harpist and founder of Challenge the Stats, During her college years she stud- received a 2019 Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities ied with Carlos Salzedo at the in Georgia, for her efforts to bring classical music to diverse Summer Harp Colony of America Suzann Davids (1930-2019) communities. in Camden, Maine. In the 1950’s, Amy Nam has been selected as the Lyra Society’s 2020 Ruth toured the United States and Canada as a member of Costello Competition winner. Nam was awarded $1000 to write Columbia Artists’ “The Angelaires,” a Community Concert a new chamber piece featuring the harp, which will receive a quintet of professional harpists. Ruth was co-founder of the premiere in Curtis Field Concert Hall. Central New York Chapter of the American Harp Society (AHS). 1979 began her involvement at the national level: she served as AHS Secretary, AHS Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2004, Ruth, Lucy Scandrett and Jan Bishop formed a trio named “The Three of Harps” which commissioned two pieces from the British composer Simon Proctor. The trio performed over 20 concerts together. Ruth also performed for over 40 years with the College Community Orchestra at State University of NY at Cortland. In 2008 Ruth received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, given to honor extraor- dinary service to The American Harp Society, Inc. and the harp. Suzann Davids (1930-2019) Suzann was born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana. When she went to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music as a piano major, she also studied harp with Lucy Lewis. From Oberlin Suzann went to the University of Iowa for a master’s degree and studied with Carlos Salzedo during the summers. She POSTPONED TO lived and taught in Denver for 20 6 -12 AUGUST 202 1 years while raising a family, then Ruth Wickerham Papalia returned to Elkhart, Indiana. In (1935-2019) addition to her music career, Suzann earned her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso Law School, graduating on her 65th birthday. Suzann became well-known as a professional harpist and harp teacher. She was professor of harp at over a dozen universi- ties in Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan, and she taught many private students from young children to adults. Suzann left a fine legacy in her harp students, with many of them continu- ing into careers as professional musicians, and many of them remaining in contact with her for years past the time of their study with her.
40 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS CORRESPONDENTS Meet the Correspondents
Ilina Sawicka, Poland I have been the assistant conductor of the Warsaw University My name is Ilina Sawicka. I was born in Warsaw. I am harp Choir and the leading conductor of an amateur choir “Amici player, conductor and music teacher. My professional music Canentes”. The choir, which I have already been working with career began at the Karol Szymanowski Music School in for three years, consist of former elderly members of Warsaw Warsaw. After learning the violin and I started to play the harp. University Choir, but I am trying to include young singers as After that I continued my music education at the Fryderyk well. We give about ten concerts per year in churches and Chopin University of Music in Warsaw (UMFC), where I gradu- places of culture throughout Poland and every year one special ated with a Master of concert in the UMFC. We also organize vocal workshops to Arts degree in choral improve our singing technique. conducting and harp. In both roles – as a harpist and a choral conductor – I pro- During the studies I mote choir repertoire with harp accompaniment. The idea is participated in the especially visible during choir workshops in UMFC. This unique Erasmus Programme project was initiated by Professor Marchwicka in 2015 at the at Seville Music department of PhD studies in UMFC, when an “Ad Hoc” choir Conservatory in Spain was formed. Since then musicians has been gathering once a and took vocal train- year to perform. For the project we invite amateur singers from ing under supervision Warsaw and we work on new repertoire during several inten- Ilina Sawicka. sive days of rehearsing. Everybody learns a lot and appreciates the idea very much. diploma in Marketing of Culture from theof University professor of Warsaw. Grażyna AtJędras the moment (Józef Elsner I am finishing Music School my PhD in studies Warsaw). at UMFC. I also hold a traditional folk dances – I was a part of Folk Song and Dance As a harpist I have experience giving concerts as a soloist EnsembleMy hobby of isWarsaw acting (“Łazienki”School of Economics amateur theatre) and still and collaborate dancing and as an orchestra player, throughout Poland and abroad, like with them, now as a vocal trainer. Spain or Thailand. I play chamber music, and especially Early Music in a renaissance ensemble. I also perform with two duos: one with Jerzy Sawicki (viola and harp) and another with Can Kehri (cello and harp). ANNOUNCEMENT Paderewskiego w Sulejówku). My students win prizes and awardsMy passion in national is teaching and international the harp competitions, (Szkoła Muzyczna for example im. I.J. in Ukraine and Prague. They are very active musicians. We The WHC Endowment Fund organize harp performances in Warsaw and nearby towns: in hospitals, hospices, homes for elderly people, churches, cafes, To provide a long-term and resilient financial and other places of culture. I also promote classical music for framework to support the vision, goals young audiences in a music magazine “Presto”. and activities of the World Harp Congress, Inc. As a choral conductor I have collaborated with variety of vocal a World Harp Congress Endowment Fund ensembles such as the vocal children ensemble at the parish in has been established. You can donate though an Stanisłwów Pierwszy, where I also founded the parish choir. Endowment Fund gift, online at https://www.paypal.me/WorldHarpCongress, NOTICE or by contacting the treasurer: [email protected] The Membership Directory is These portions of the regular membership fees are available on the website. bestowed automatically to the endowment fund: Regular member: $5 Please check and correct your Patron member: $50 3-year member: $15 personal data. Lifetime silver: $500 Lifetime gold: $2000 www.worldharpcongress.com Lifetime platinium: $4000
Review • Spring 2020 41 Back to the Table of Contents WORLD HARP CONGRESS CORRESPONDENTS Index of Advertisers ARGENTINA (AR) HUNGARY (HU) PORTUGAL (PT) Harp Manufacturers Oscar Rodríguez Do Campo Anastasia Razvalyaeva Áurea Guerner [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Aoyama Harp Co. . .(center) AUSTRALIA (AU) Deborah Sipkay PUERTO RICO (PR) [email protected] Camac Productions . . . . .iii Verna Lee Elisa Torres [email protected] [email protected] Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps ICELAND (IS) AUSTRIA (AT) Elísabet Waage ROMANIA/MOLDAVIA ...... ii [email protected] Julia Lukan (RO/MD) Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps [email protected] INDONESIA (ID) Roxana Moisanu ...... back cover [email protected] BELGIUM (BE) Heidi Awuy [email protected] Astrid Desantoine RUSSIA (RU) Harps/Harp–related [email protected] IRELAND (IE) Natalia Shameyeva [email protected] Products BRAZIL (BR) Clare McCague [email protected] Irina Zingg Marcelo Penido F. Da Silva Aoyama Harp Co. . .(center) [email protected] [email protected] ISRAEL Camac Productions . . . . .iii SERBIA (RS) CANADA (CA) Julia Rovinski [email protected] Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps Stana Bunea [email protected] [email protected] ...... ii ITALY (IT) Milena Stanišić SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA CHINA, PRC (CN) Nicoletta Sanzin Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps [email protected] (SG/MY) Jason Chang ...... back cover Katryna Tan [email protected] JAPAN (JP) [email protected] Guan Wang [email protected] Yo Saito Harp Music/Publications [email protected] SLOVENIA (SI) CZECH REPUBLIC Berklee Harp ...... 15 LEBANON [email protected] Ivana Dohnalová Clavel Music Enterprise . .11 [email protected] Alice Edde Tea Plesničar [email protected] SOUTH AFRICA (ZA) Fatrock Ink ...... 32 COLOMBIA (CO) Christy-Lyn Marais LIECHTENSTEIN (LI) [email protected] Bibiana Ordóñez Velandia Ginastera ...... 32 [email protected] Ernst Walch [email protected] SOUTH KOREA (KR) Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps COSTA RICA (CR) Jeong-eun Kil LITHUANIA (LT) [email protected] ...... ii Priscila Steller Joana Daunyte [email protected] Ah-Rim Kim Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps [email protected] [email protected] ...... back cover CROATIA (HR) MACEDONIA (MK) SPAIN (ES) Mersiha Shukri Music Works ...... 11 [email protected] Margarita Arnal [email protected] Biserka Krˇceli´c [email protected] Music Works ...... 18 CZECH REPUBLIC (CZ) MALTA (MT) Ivana Dohnalová SWEDEN (SE) Anne Marie Camilleri Podestà [email protected] Lena Petersson [email protected] Competitions [email protected] DENMARK (DK) USA ihc ...... 18 MEXICO (MX) Tine Rehling SWITZERLAND (CH) Janet Paulus [email protected] Sarah O’Brien [email protected] [email protected] EGYPT THE NETHERLANDS (NL) Manal Mohei El Din TAIWAN, ROC (TW) Jaike Bakker [email protected] Shu-Hsin Chen [email protected] [email protected] FINLAND (FI) NEW ZEALAND (NZ) Katri Tikka THAILAND (TH) Anna Dunwoodie [email protected] Judith Utley [email protected] [email protected] FRANCE (FR) NORWAY (NO) Isabelle Marie TURKEY (TR) Uno Alexander Vesje [email protected] Meriç Dönük [email protected] Advertising in the WHC [email protected] Review is open to all harp- GERMANY (DE) PARAGUAY (PY) related businesses and Isabel Moretón Achsel UNITED KINGDOM (UK) Alfredo Rolando Ortiz [email protected] Gwenllian Llyr events as well as schools [email protected] [email protected] and conservatories. Dead GREECE (GR) PERU Ann Griffiths lines for ad copy are Katerina Gima [email protected] September 1 and March 1. [email protected] Armando Becerra [email protected] Advertising copy, payment USA (US) GUATEMALA and inquiries should be POLAND (PL) Sonja Inglefield Patrice Fisher [email protected] directed to: [email protected] Ilina Sawicka [email protected] VENEZUELA (VE) Sonja Westberg HONG KONG (HK) Anna De Rogatis Amy Tam 1234 Evans Road, Apt 414 [email protected] San Antonio Texas 78258 [email protected] USA Email: [email protected] Please send news about new music premieres and publications, festivals, competitions, and other events to your WHC Correspondents no later than August 15 (Fall)/February 15 (Spring).
42 Review • Spring 2020 Back to the Table of Contents NATIONAL HARP ASSOCIATIONS
ARGENTINA HUNGARY PORTUGAL SWITZERLAND Asociación Civil Amigos del Arpa Hungarian Harp Society Associação Portuguesa de Harpa (APH) Swiss Harp Association President: Marcela Méndez Contact: Nora Mercz, Artistic Director Founder and President : Áurea Guerner Founders: Emmy Hürlimann and Rudolf Frick Email: [email protected] Latabar v. 7, H-1041, Budapest Contact: [email protected] Co-Presidents: Esther Sévérac and Tel: +36-1-1938586 Conservatório de Música do Porto Alexandra Horat AUSTRALIA Praça Pedro Nunes Contact: Swiss Harp Association Harp Society of New South Wales IRELAND 4050 - 466 Porto c/o Consuelo Giulianelli c/o Rhonda Taylor, 17 Old Beecroft Road Cairde na Cruite www.apharpa.pt Sierenzerstrasse 14, CH-4055 Basel Cheltenham, NSW 2119 www.cairdenacruite.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] ROMANIA Email: [email protected] www.harpsocietyofnsw.org.au www.swissharp.org The Historical Society of Ireland Romanian Harpists Association https://asociatiaharpistilordinromania.ro Harp Society of Queensland www.irishharp.org c/o Jill Atkinson, 9 Duranta St. [email protected] Email: [email protected] TAIWAN Bellbowrie Qld 4070 Taipei Harpists Association Harp Ireland www.harpsocietyqld.org.au RUSSIA Contact: Grace Shu-Men Chang www.harpireland.ie Association of Russian Harp Teachers 5F, #7, A-20, Lane 142, Roosevelt Rd., Harp Society of South Australia International (ARHTI) Sect. 6, Taipei Gillian Weiss, 53 Old Mount Barker Rd. ISRAEL Founder and President: Milda Agazarian Fax: +886-2-2930-8834 Stirling, South Australia, 5152 The Harp & Zimriya Society Contact: ARHTI Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Chairperson: Colette Avital Leningradskoe shosse, 33-36, Moscow 125 212 www.harpsocietysa.blogspot.com.au 16 Hanaziv Street, Tel Aviv 67018 Tel: +7(499)-156-62-26 THAILAND Harp Society of Tasmania Tel: +972-3-6041808 Fax: +7(903)129-45-98 Tamnak Prathom Harp Society President: Emily Sanzaro Fax: +972-3-6041688 Email: [email protected] Contact: M.R. Sunida Kitiyakara PO Box 936, Launceston, Tasmania 7250 Russian Harp Society 16 Sukumvit soi 43, Bangkok 10110 Email: [email protected] ITALY President: Valery Kikta Tel: +66-2-261-4778-9 www.harpsocietytasmania.org National Harp Associations Italy: Director: Natalia Shameyeva Fax: +66-2-258 7308 Associazione Italiana dell’Arpa Liapidevskogo 14-68, Moscow 125581 Email: [email protected] Harp Society of Vicoria, Inc. President: Emanuela Degli Esposti c/o Elsa Clifford, 121 Chadstone Rd. Email: [email protected] Siam Harp Society Vice-President: Lorenzo Montenz East Malvern, Victoria 3148 Contact: Pasatorn Stienti Correspondent: Nicoletta Sanzin SCOTLAND Tel: +668-6393-7900 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] BELGIUM www.associazioneitalianarpa.it The Clarsach Society Harpe Diem (Flemish community) Michelle Kelly, Administrator President: Lieve Robbroeckx Association of Harpists (EUA) Studio G43 TURKEY Sint-Lambertusstraat 3 President: Federico Fait Out of the Blue Drill Hall Arp Sanati Derneği (Association for B-3001 Heverlee via F. Patetta 79, 00167 Rome 36 Dalmeny Street the Art of Harp) www.harpediem.be Gruppo Amici dell’Arpa Edinburgh, EH6 8RG President: Meriç Dönük President and Founder: Irene Rossi Email: [email protected] Mecidiye Mahallesi Ambarlidere Yolu Les Amis de la Harpe Mosane www.clarsachsociety.co.uk Sokak No:5 (French community) via Vochieri 122, 15100 Alessandria President: Sophie Hallynck Email: [email protected] Tel: +90-545-258-1310 Allée des Renards, 33 SERBIA Email: [email protected] B-5170 Profondeville JAPAN Udruzenje harfista i prijatelja harfe Srbije Beşiktaş / İstanbul www.arpsanatidernegi.com www.harpemosane.be Nippon (Japan) Harp Association (Harp Association of Serbia) Founder and Eternal honorary President: Terazije 26/I 11000 Belgrade Harppunt vzw Email: [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM Kasteelstraat 42 Josef Molnar President: Ayako Shinozak www.harfa.rs United Kingdom Harp Association (UKHA) 9190 Stekene, Belgium President: Sioned Williams Email: [email protected] Contact: Nippon Harp Association Studio D, 3-6-8 SINGAPORE Chair: Helen Sharp [email protected] Nishi-shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, The Harp Association (Singapore) 60 Friern Mount Drive, Whetstone, London CHINA (PRC) Tokyo 141-0033 UEN: T19SS0141H N209DL Chinese Harpists Association under the Tel +81-3-6426-8876 73 Ubi Road 1, #10-63 Tel. +44(0)7810648658 leadership of the Chinese Musicians Fax +81-3-6426-8071 Singapore 408733 Email: [email protected] Association E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Admin: [email protected] President: Wei Linlin www.harp-japan.com www.theharpassociation.org Contact: Gan Peixue, Anhua Li, Section 3 UNITED STATES OF 9-2-901, District Chaoyang, Beijing 100101 SLOVENIA AMERICA Email: [email protected]. LITHUANIA Lithuanian Harp Society Drustvo Harfistov Slovenije American Harp Society, Inc. (AHS) (Slovene Harp Society) Founder: Marcel Grandjany ENGLAND President: Daiva Slyziene Aguonu Gatve 20-65 President: Lynn Aspnes The Clarsach Society London and South-East LT-2006 Vilnius Glavni trg 24, 2000 Maribor Kathryn McManus, Executive Director Branch Email: [email protected] President:Tel: +386-4-164-2297 Dalibor Bernatović 624 Crystal Avenue Anne Chorley [email protected] Findlay, OH 45840 5 Church Walk Tel: +805-410-4277 Sudbury THE NETHERLANDS Harp Vereniging Nederland SOUTH AFRICA Email: [email protected] Suffolk, CO10 1HJ www.harpsociety.org Email: [email protected] www.harpverenigingnederland.nl The Harp Society of South Africa www.clarsachsoclondon.co.uk Founder: Kathleen Alister Historical Harp Society (HHS) NEW ZEALAND Chairman: Ingrid Janse van Rensburg President: Jennifer Sayre Contact: Ingrid van Rensburg FINLAND The Harp Society of New Zealand Email: [email protected] President: Carolyn Mills PO Box 15, Pinegowrie 2123 www.historicalharpsociety.org Suomen Harpistit ry (Finnish Harp Society) Fax: +27-11-787-5757 President: Hanna Rantalaiho Contact: Anna Dunwoodie International Society of Folk Harpers and 122 Lynbrooke Ave. Tel: +27-82-494-1538 Vapaalantie 33 D Email: [email protected] Craftsmen (ISFHC) 01650 Vantaa Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600 President: David Kolacny www.harpistit.wordpress.com www.nzharpsociety.org Contact: Alice Williams SPAIN 1614 Pittman Drive NORWAY Associació Catalana d’Arpistes Missoula, Montana 59803, USA FRANCE (Catalan Harpists Association) Norsk Harpeforening Email: [email protected] Association Internationale des Harpistes et Founder: Rosa Balcells Amis de la Harpe (AIH) Chairman: Elisabeth Soenstevold www.folkharpsociety.org Vice-Chairman: Rebecca Harrisson Contact: Conservatori Superior de Musica de Founder: Pierre Jamet Barcelona, Bruch 110-112, 08010 Barcelona President: Anne Ricquebourg Secretary & Treasurer: Ann Margret Hauknes Email: [email protected] www.acarpistes.blogspot.com 15 rue d’Indépendance, 93270 Sevran [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel/Fax: +31-(0)1-43-84-68-16. POLAND Asociación Española de Arpistas (AEDA) www.aiharpe.org Polskie Towarzystwo Harfowe Email: [email protected] (The Harp Society of Poland) www.asociaciondearpistas.org GERMANY Asociación Arpista Ludovico Verband der Harfenisten in Deutschland e.V. Rynek 12, 43-400 Cieszyn Founder and President: President: Isabel Moreton President:Email: [email protected] Ewa Jaślar María Calvo-Manzano Lange-Hop-Str. 76, 30559 Hannover www.harfa.pl Contact: Asociación Arpista Ludovico Please send updated contact information Tel: +49-511-527031 Paseo Pintor Rosales 42, 28008 Madrid for associations to: Jennifer Betzer, [email protected] www.arlu.org National Harp Associations Liaison, www.harfe-vdh.de Email: [email protected]
Review • Spring 2020 43 Back to the Table of Contents