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.

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

NEWS & UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Elizabeth will be adjudicating at the Kiwanis Festival in Calgary, Alberta, from February 25-26, and doing some teaching as well.
In June, she will be a panelist for a discussion on Body Mechanics and Relaxation at the Harp at the American Harp Society Conference in Dearborn, MI.
July 28-August 2, Elizabeth is teaching at the Pacific Harp Institute in Seattle, WA.
Her student, Esther Cannon, will be performing "Féerie" by Tournier, with the VYSO on February 24.