DENTON (UNT), Texas--The University of North Texas College of Music HarpBeats recently performed at the famed Chicago Lyon & Healy Hall. The HarpBeats, a nine-member ensemble, joined only a few artists invited to participate in the concert series including Emmanuel Ceysson (harpist for the New York MET), Katherine Siochi (International Harp Competition gold medalist), Brandee Younger (nationally-recognized jazz harpist) and Lavinia Meijer (world-recognized harpist from Amsterdam). 

“The trip was an incredible honor,” said Jaymee Haefner, director of undergraduate studies and assistant professor of harp. “Only four other harpists were presented during the series. The group was very excited to have been invited and raised the funds to attend the event through performances in the DFW area.”

The HarpBeats toured the famed Lyon & Healy harp factory and showroom that hosts the Lyon & Healy Summer Concert Series. The UNT students performed a full program as part of the concert series and had opportunities to network with professional harpists and concert attendees.

UNT’s 12-year-old ensemble has attracted international attention for its innovative arrangements of traditional and popular music, ranging from Ben Folds to Queen. The group was recently featured as part of the 2017 World Harp Congress event in Hong Kong. One of the largest and most highly acclaimed college harp ensembles in the country, the HarpBeats are now an internationally-recognized touring harp ensemble.