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 Conducted by
Astrid
Walschot-Stapp. Astrid Walschot-Stapp was born in
Maastricht, Holland and she began studying the harp at age nine. After
studying at the Maastricht Conservatory on the advice of Phia Berghout,
she received her Docerend Musicus (teaching degree) and later the
Uitvoerend Musicus (soloist diploma) summa cum laude. Following her
studies in Holland, Astrid received the VSB Bank Scholarship and the
Prince Bernhard Fund prize. She was invited to study with Susan McDonald
at Indiana University where she received her Performer Diploma. Astrid
has been active in popularizing pieces by contemporary composers.
Some of these pieces are published by Donemus in Amsterdam.
 As
a chamber musician she has played numerous recitals in Europe and North
America with such groups as the Orlando String Quartet, Kennedy Center
Theater Chamber Players, Skya, and Duo Liutaio. In addition to radio and
television performances, Astrid has been active as a soloist and as an
orchestral musician. She has performed with such groups as the Limburg
Symphony (The Netherlands), National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony,
National Gallery Orchestra, Washington Opera, Opera Royal de Wallonie
and the Baltimore Opera. Recently she was featured in the Baltimore
Symphony’s Summerfest chamber music program and in their newly
established ‘concertlab’ at MICA. In March 2003, she was selected by
Maestro Yuri Temirkanov to be the acting principal harpist of the
Baltimore Symphony during the ongoing hiring freeze. She is principal
harpist of the National Philharmonic and harpist of the Left Bank
Concert Society at the Kennedy Center. Mrs. Walschot-Stapp was on
the faculty of the Washington Conservatory from 1997 to 2004.
our MCYO began a
Harp Program in the 2001-2002 season.
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Through a collaboration with
the area harp teachers, harpists are recommended and auditioned for each
of the four MCYO Orchestras. Our MCYO Harp Ensemble is in its 5th
season. This included harpists from each orchestra, as well as additional harpists
who were not yet placed into our orchestras. This initiative will reach more young harpists, and develop their ensemble skills. |
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Listen to our
Harp Ensemble
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