Students in the harp studio of Emily Mitchell, adjunct faculty in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music and harp teacher for the Music Preparatory Division, will perform in concert at 6 p.m. Monday, April 22, in the Judy B. McDonald Public Library.
The harpists include Hannah Arnold, a Music Prep student, and collegiate students Susanna Campbell, Martha De Luna Mateo, Victoria Oakes and Elizabeth Rowland. As an ensemble, the collegiate students will perform “Sheep May Safely Graze” by J.S. Bach, arranged for harp ensemble by Daniel Burton; and “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz” by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, arranged for harp ensemble by RoJean Loucks. Arnold will join the collegiate ensemble on “Let There Be Peace On Earth” by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller arranged for harp ensemble by RoJean Loucks.
Susanna Campbell will perform harp solos, including Louis Spohr’s “Fantasie for Harp” and Nino Rota’s “Sarabanda e Toccata.” Martha de Luna Mateo will perform harp solo “Viejo Zortzico” by Jesús Guridi.
“Martha and Susanna are performing as a harp duo the “Spanish Dance No. 5” by Enrique Granados arranged for two harps by Carlos Salzedo,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell has earned critical acclaim as “a marvelous harpist” (The New York Times) who captivates her audiences with “playing of the utmost delicacy, beauty and subtlety.” (Records and Recording) In the words of The Washington Post, “Mitchell commands a vivid palette of colors and uses them with imagination.”
Mitchell has been heard worldwide as a concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. Performances have taken her to the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Brazil, Israel, and Canada. She continues to tour the United States. Ms. Mitchell has been profiled on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, CNN, CNBC, Arts & Entertainment, the BBC, DRS-Swiss TV, the New York Times WQXR, Radio France, National Public Radio’s Performance Today and in People Magazine. Most memorable performances include the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp at Carnegie Hall with Sir James Galway and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, being presented in concert before British Royalty both in England and at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., and also performing for First Lady Rosalynn Carter at The White House.
For those interested in learning to play the harp, Mitchell will teach ensemble classes each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in June for 12 one-hour classes. “Harp for Fun” is for children, and “Harp for Joy” is for adults. Class size is limited to four students per class. Harp ensemble classes are for beginners and will be held at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St. Private harp classes will also be available on those days. Harps will be provided and available for practice on non-class days. Tuition is $120 for the 12 classes.
For additional information, call the SFA Music Preparatory Division at (936) 468-1291 or contact division director Pat Barnett at pbarnett@sfasu.edu.
