Biography
Elizabeth Volpé Bligh, Principal Harpist, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
E-mail: evolpe-bligh@telus.net
- Training
-
- graduated from University of Toronto, 1975, Mus. Bac. in Performance
- harp teachers: Judy Loman (Toronto Symphony) Alice Chalifoux (Cleveland Orchestra) Edna Phillips (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- participated in master classes with:
Ossian Ellis
Nancy Allen
Heidi Lehwalder
Cheryl Ann Fulton (early music)
- member of National Youth Orchestra of Canada 1973 and 1975
- Performing
-
- Principal Harpist, National Ballet Orchestra, 1975-1982
- 1975-1982 - extra with Toronto Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Edmonton Symphony, Atlantic Symphony, Charlottetown Festival
- Principal Harpist, Vancouver Symphony from Sept., 1982-
- SOLO CONCERTO PERFORMANCES WITH VSO
Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto, Grandjany's Aria in Classic Style, Mozetich's El Dorado, Debussy's Danses Sacrée et Profane, Michael Conway Baker's Harp Concerto (written for me and broadcast on CBC Radio)
SOLO CONCERTI WITH REGIONAL ORCHESTRAS - Mozart Concerto, Handel Harp Concerto, Debussy Danses, Michael Conway Baker Concerto
performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth II at luncheon in 1983
RECORDINGS
"Due North" and "Rise, Shine" with Vancouver Chamber Choir
"The Greater Vancouver Album" (works by Michael Conway Baker including "Intermezzo" for flute and harp)
various VSO recordings, notably the Grammy- and Juno-winning recording of James Ehnes of the Korngold, Barber and Walton Violin Concerti, Rhapsodies, and Glazunov: The Seasons and Valse de Concert
CHAMBER MUSIC PERFORMANCES
Vancouver Chamber Players, Turning Point, Masterpiece Music, UBC Noon Hour concerts
SOUNDTRACKS
"Poison Ivy", "The Alamo" and "Miracle on I-880"
commissioned and premiered two pieces by John Armstrong: “Earth, Wind, Sea” for soprano, violin and harp, and “Caol MacAoidh” for oboe and harp.
The VSO's CD of the Korngold, Barber and Walton Violin Concertos with
James Ehnes, violin, and Bramwell Tovey, conductor, won a Grammy and a
Juno!
2008
June: panellist on "Body Mechanics and Relaxation at
the Harp" at the American Harp Society Conference in Dearborn, MI.
July: attended
World Harp Congress in Amsterdam, taught at the Pacific Harp Institute
in Seattle, WA.
Sept. VSO recorded National Anthems for Olympics.
Premiered my harp duet arrangement of Dvorak's Song to the Moon from Rusalka with Blanche Olivar.
2009
April 19 Jean Cras Quintet with Vancouver
Chamber Players at Hycroft, 12:30 PM - gala lunch and concert
May VSO toured Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal
and Quebec City to rave reviews and standing ovations (www.vancouversymphony.ca).
June 20 Harpist/Composers Concert at 8pm at Celtic
Traditions - sold out house
Organizer: Mehlinda Heartt
July 3, 2010 performing at American Harp Society Conference in Tacoma
March 30, 2010 Jean Cras Quintet with Vancouver Chamber Players at Hycroft, 10:30 AM
November 2010 on jury for OSM Standard Life Harp Competition
July 24-31, 2011 hosting World Harp Congress in Vancouver, BC at Sheraton Wall Centre (see www.worldharpcongress2011.com)
Other
President of BC Chapter of American Harp Society 2006
President of Toronto Chapter of American Harp Society 1976
Vice-President of Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians, 1986
Artistic Advisory Committee, VSO
Education Committee, VSO
Chairman, Host Committee for World Harp Congress 2011 in Vancouver
Director, West Coast Harp Society
