A hearty congratulations to all finalists in the Young Professional Division of the 2021 American Harp Society National Competition! Your commitment, passion and musicality were strikingly evident in all your performances.
Get to know the finalists below, and watch the winners' performances on our YouTube Channel.
What was the most fun part of participating in the National Competition?
Alyssa: It was an absolute joy to be surrounded by harpists who inspire me as both musicians and human beings. Each of them have wonderfully unique musical voices and it was lovely that they were the first gathering of people I saw since the beginning of our insane pandemic lives.
What's next for you?
I will be moving to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to serve as the principal harpist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for the 2021-2022 season.
What do you think is the greatest aspect to participating in the National Competition?
I would say the greatest part of the competition is the fact that you practice how to really refine your playing. It helps a harpist progress in the development that it takes to be able to do auditions and other competitions.
What's next for you?
I am participating in a chamber music festival in Belgium this July called Musica Mundi, and I am performing two concertos (the Debussy Dances and Ravel's Introduction and Allegro) in Burlington, Vermont this November. I am also looking forward to returning to my final school year of my undergraduate degree at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with Judy Loman.
What advice would you share with a harpist who is thinking about entering the National Competition in 2023?
I would definitely recommend entering—it’s such a fun chance to spend time with other harpists and get inspired by hearing new works and different interpretations of the pieces you’re working on! On a more practical note, I would recommend allocating a good amount of time for recording videos and uploading the enormous files.
Did you learn anything that surprised you?
I learned that giving program notes before playing was a helpful way to get settled in the space and think about what I wanted to say with my music.
What's next for you?
I’m really looking forward to being the 2021-2023 Concert Artist and my upcoming management consulting role at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Did you learn anything that surprised you?
While I was warming up for my competition performance, a loud buzz started coming from the competition harp I was playing on. Peter Wiley came to fix the problem, and I learned way more than I ever could have imagined about the mechanics of our instrument!
What advice would you share with a harpist who is thinking about entering the National Competition in 2023?
No matter the results, you will enhance your playing in all capacities by preparing for the National Competition. At the end of the day, this is the real prize!
What's next for you?
I will be continuing my academic studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music as a recipient of the CIM Orchestral Career Fellowship; a full-scholarship award for up to two years to assist Fellows in seeking successful and rewarding careers in orchestral music.
What advice would you share with a harpist who is thinking about entering the National Competition in 2023?
For harpists preparing for the 2023 competition, my advice is to take the opportunity to really refine and polish repertoire to new levels. Competition prep requires a lot of concentrated practice and preparation, and constantly setting the bar higher and higher for oneself only elevates your music making in the long run. Don't be afraid to try new things in your preparation, and use the competition as an opportunity to find your own voice and expression through the harp.
What's next for you?
In the fall, I will be wrapping up my time at the Cleveland Institute of Music with the second year of my masters program.
