39th National Conference of the American Harp Society
Tacoma, Washington
Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5, 2010
The Host Committee for the 39th National Conference, composed of members of the AHS Greater Seattle Chapter and chaired by Pat Wooster, has been hard at work for several months. We are preparing a full and varied program that will be a true celebration of the harp. This Conference will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the birth of Carlos Salzedo and will especially honor our region’s own Lynne Wainwright Palmer --- harpist, teacher, and composer.
Highlights
Harp solo
Harp concerti (with orchestral accompaniment)
Harp ensemble
Harp and choir
Harp and band (wind ensemble)
Harp and dance
Harp and handbells
Latin American harp (featuring guest artists from Latin America)
Pop and jazz harp
Anne Adams Competition and Awards
Exhibits! A large spread of harps, harp-related equipment, and sheet music for your inspection and shopping.
At least 2 newly commissioned works will be performed. We’ll have a full array of workshops, lectures, and panel discussions on topics of interest to all harpists. Our program will include works for pedal harp, lever harp, and a variety of folk harps including Celtic and Latin American. You love the harp --- don’t miss this event!
Conference Center
The newly remodeled Hotel Murano (formerly the Sheraton Tacoma Hotel) will be our Conference Center. In addition to offering a sizeable block of rooms for our registrants, the Murano will be the site of our meetings, exhibits, and workshops. The Murano offers dining and is within easy walking distance of a variety of restaurants.
The Hotel Murano also is within easy walking distance (two blocks) of all our performance venues. These include the Rialto and Pantages Theaters (both restored Vaudeville houses) and the newer Theater on the Square.
The city of Tacoma (pop. 200,000) offers a combination of big-city amenities and small-town hospitality. Our summer is pleasant, with (usually) mild temperatures, low humidity, and sunshine. Local Tacoma vistas include Commencement Bay, with its commercial ship and pleasure boat traffic; 14,410 foot Mount Rainier, looming 40 miles to the east; and the renowned Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge. In-city attractions include the world-renowned Museum of Glass, featuring its working hot shop as well as many exhibits of today’s art glass works; the Tacoma Art Museum; and the Washington State History Museum – all within easy walking distance of the Murano.
Regional Attractions
Tacoma is located approximately 25 miles south of Seattle, 175 miles north of Portland, Oregon, and 200 miles south of Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you drive, these three exciting cities are easily reached via Interstate 5.
The Pacific Northwest is blessed with an enviable natural setting. Within easy driving distance are spectacular natural attractions, including Mt. Rainier National Park (60 miles), Mt. St. Helens Volcanic National Monument (110 miles), Olympic National Park (125 miles), North Cascades National Park (175 miles), the Oregon coast (200 miles), Washington State’s Pacific beaches (110 miles), the San Juan Islands (in Puget Sound – 125 miles including a ferry ride), the Columbia River Gorge (200 miles) and the Grand Coulee in eastern Washington (150 miles). If you’ve ever considered seeing these sights, or bringing your family to enjoy them, this is your chance! Opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and white-water rafting abound in the region.
SAVE THESE DATES NOW! We look forward with pleasure to being your hosts for a memorable National Conference. For more detailed information, including instructions for registration, visit: ahsconference.org