Lamont harpists study with Grace Browning, the newly appointed Principal Harpist of The Rochester Philharmonic and the Santa Fe Opera. An equal devotee of ensemble music and solo performance, she has been recognized for her commanding stage presence, artistic versatility, and her dedication to community engagement. Our harp studio takes full advantage of Lamont's many performance opportunities, participating in symphony orchestra and opera, as well as chamber, world and contemporary groups.
This Fall, Lamont is thrilled to welcome as our new harp faculty Courtney Hershey Bress, who has served as Principal Harp of the Colorado Symphony since 2001. See below for more information.
Welcoming Courtney Hershey Bress
Courtney Hershey Bress joined the Colorado Symphony as Principal Harp in 2001. She has appeared with the orchestra as a soloist on numerous occasions. Before coming to Colorado, Ms. Bress enjoyed a wide and varied freelance career, including engagements with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She was also the Principal Harpist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has served as Acting Principal of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and was Principal Harp with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C. where she toured the 48 continental states, playing concertos and concerts. Ms. Bress has played with the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Strings Music Festival, Steamboat Springs, CO. She held the Principal Harp position with the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, CA from 2002-2007. She has also performed as a guest artist with Colorado College Summer Music Festival. She was selected and has performed for the American Harp Society and the World Harp Congress. She can be reached at chbress@gmail.com. Read more.
Repertoire Requirements
Undergraduate (BM and BA)
- Two standard works of contrasting style demonstrating highest technical and artistic abilities (Grandjany's Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Glinka's Nocturne, Natra's Sonatina, etc.). Memorization required.
- Orchestral excepts:
- Tchaikovsky, Waltz of the Flowers (cadenza)
- One of the following:
- Franck, Symphony in D Minor (complete)
- Verdi, La Forza del Destino (overture)
Undergraduate (Minor)
- Two contrasting pieces
- One orchestral cadenza or excerpt of your choice
Graduate (MM)
- Three works of contrasting style demonstrating highest technical and artistic abilities (a Bach transcription, unaccompanied movement of a standard concerto, Houdy's Sonata, Salzedo's Scintilation, Grandjany's Rhapsodie, etc.). Memorization required.
- Orchestral excerpts:
- Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique (complete)
- One of the following:
- Ravel, Tzigane (cadenza)
- Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor (harp solo)
- Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake (cadenza)
Graduate (Certificate in Performance)
- Two contrasting pieces or movements, memorized
- Two orchestral cadenzas or excerpts of your choice
Review requirements for Artist Diploma
Review requirements for Certificate in Orchestral Studies
Faculty
