The SDHS recently sponsored a concert by local harpist Ivan Gomez at the Serra Mesa Library.
Dr. Ortiz played traditional Latin favorites along with original compositions in a February concert sponsored by the SDHS. He also presented a workshop for students, teachers, and professionals, which covered topics such as techniques, rhythms, and performance of Latin and South American music as well as injury prevention.
Harpist Tasha Smith presented an exciting concert of tango duos with bassist Andres Martin. The concert was sponsored by SDHS.
Internationally acclaimed harpist Isabelle Perrin played a wonderful selection of classical and modern French music in October at the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla. She also presented a masterclass for talented harp students. Both events were generously sponsored by the SDHS.
Recently, local harpists Ramona Unwin, Julie Ann Smith, and JoAnn Ford were featured in an article in the San Diego Reader. Click here to read the full article.
Harpists Kate Loughrey and Anastasia Pike were joined by guest artist Peter Speziale for an afternoon of harp and flute music in their West Coast debut concert. Sprezzatura is defined as "the art of making something difficult look effortless." An exciting and fun program of music from around the world was presented on March 21, 2010 by the duo, who gave a well-received performance and demonstrated the art of "sprezzatura."
Fellow harpists Tasha Smith and Sarah Davis presented a program of romantic and contemporary French harp music by Andres, Ginastera, Faure, Parish-Alvars, and Ravel. The concert was held at the Serra Mesa Library on November 22, 2009. Sarah and Tasha are students of Elena Mashkovtseva and are currently attending San Diego State University. Tasha is the Vice-President of the San Diego Harp Society.
Cathy Litaker played a concert of classical music at Old Poway Park on June 14, 2009. She was accompanied by violinist Marie-Madeleine Orban, performing pieces by Debussy, Piazolla, Tournier, and Tailleferre, among others.
Tasha Smith presented a wonderful concert for the "Friends of the Serra Mesa Library" Music Series on February 15, 2009. Tasha, an accomplished musician and teacher, has over 15 years experience playing the harp. She holds a Bachelor's degree in harp performance from SDSU, a Diplome Superieur from L'Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, and is currently working on a Master's degree in harp performance from SDSU. Tasha performs extensively throughout southern California, Mexico, and Europe and is the director and harp teacher at the San Diego Academy for Musical Excellence. The concert was sponsored by the San Diego Harp Society and was offered free to the public.
Former SDAHS Vice-President Kate Loughrey presented a solo concert of classical and jazz harp music for the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library. The concert was sponsored by the San Diego Harp Society as part of "The Pleasure of Your Company" Music Series. Kate holds a Masters degree in Harp Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and is currently attending the University of Southern California as a recipient of the Provost's Fellowship for Musicology. The concert was offered free to the public.
Ah-Rim Kim's concert in March, 2008 - sponsored by the San Diego Chapter - was a complete success. Ms. Kim is a doctoral student from Korea, studying with Susann McDonald at the University of Indiana. Joining her from the university was San Diego native Cathy Litaker, who recently completed her Bachelor's degree. They played a program of French, Spanish and modern music at the Serra Mesa Library, which was attended by many members of the community.