Thanks to all who participated in Isabelle Perrin's Summer Harp Workshop this past summer! An excellent and enthusiastic group of harpists helped to make the week a highly successful experience for all. This past year saw the addition of the opportunity for students to prepare and perform a concerto of their choice, through coachings with piano accompaniment, culminating in a final participant's concert. Due to the success of this program, pianist Damien Luce will be invited back as the workshop continues into its eighth consecutive year, and students are once again encouraged to bring a concerto or a chamber work, in addition to their solo or orchestral repertoire. A new element in 2009 will be lectures presented by Isabelle Perrin on the essential, but often neglected subject of posture at the harp and on her particular area of expertise: the interpretion of French music. Guest clinician for 2009 will be Tim Dietlin, one of the Midwest’s most accomplished piano tuners, who will give a presentation on tuning and temperament, providing a new perspective on the subject for harpists. Check back, in December, for updated registration information.
Harp professor at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, Isabelle Perrin is world-renowned for her passionate dedication to instructing the upcoming generation of harpists. Students benefit from her vast professional experience as co-principal of the Orchestre National de France and international solo and chamber-music performer. Her expressive enthusiasm and attention to detail have inspired harpists the world over.
Traverse City, MI, home to the National Cherry Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival provides ample opportunity for enjoyment. Close to the Interlochen Center for the Arts and with many cultural venues of its own, the Traverse City area hosts a multitude of artistic events. The natural beauty of this region includes beaches on Lake Michigan, the Grand Traverse Bay and many inland lakes, as well as national parks (Sleeping Bear Dunes) with hiking, canoeing, and camping available. Quaint boutiques, cafés, and restaurants can be found in picturesque downtown Traverse City, situated at the foot of West Grand Traverse Bay.
