CCM to Host World's Top Harpists Date: June 2, 2000 Story by: Erin Duffy Photo by: Colleen Kelley Archive: General News Every other year, the American Harp Society (AHS) holds a national conference, a ‘who's who' of harpists. This year, CCM was chosen as the locale for the conference, which runs Wednesday, June 21, through Saturday, June 24. AHS members who attend the 34th National Conference will be able to hear many different of styles of harp playing, including classical, jazz, Celtic, folk, Paraguayan and more. Activities and events range from concerts and recitals to master classes, mock auditions, workshops and exhibits. Harpists will travel from all over the world to be at this year's conference. Judy Loman, the internationally known principal harpist of the Toronto Symphony, will give the opening recital. She will also conduct a master class, in which the most accomplished harp students will play for an audience as Loman gives advice. Other renowned harpists at the conference will include Christa Grix, jazz harp; Kim Robertson, Celtic harp; and Laura Zaerr, also on Celtic harp. An abundance of local talent will also be featured. This includes several former CCM students, such as harpist Christine VanArsdale and oboist Bo Newsome. CCM grad Patricia Stretch will perform the world premier of her work Sonatinia with the CCM Harp Ensemble. Ulli Brinksmeier, adjunct assistant professor of harp at CCM, will also play in a recital, as will Deborah Hoffman, principal harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Hoffman is the sister of CCM composer Joel Hoffman. Cincinnati also boasts Gillian Benet Sella, principal harpist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, who will perform on Friday, which is a concerto night. Also performing on the special concerto night will be Mariko Anraku, associate principal harpist, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Virginie Gout, Deutsches Oper Berlin; Elizabeth Hainen, principal harpist, Philadelphia Orchestra; Isabelle Perrin, co-principal harpist, Orchestre de France; and Elisabeth Remy, principal harpist, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Behind the scenes running the event as co-chairs will be Mark Palkovic, associate senior librarian for the CCM library and conference co-chair, and Jane Zopff, president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the AHS. The choice of CCM as host site was bolstered by the completion of the CCM Village. The new facilities offer versatility that includes five performing spaces, the Gorno Memorial Music Library, the Dieterle Vocal Arts Center, and modern and abundant teaching studios, classrooms, practice rooms and rehearsal spaces. According to Palkovic, "This is a very prestigious event. The AHS is the oldest and most well-recognized harp society that there is." For more information on the conference, contact Mark Palkovic at 513-556-1964 or visit to the AHS website.