Harpist Jennifer Ellis is a dynamic contemporary performer who thoroughly enjoys defying traditional expectations of harp playing. It is in that spirit that she became the first harpist ever named a One Beat fellow–a cultural diplomacy program of the U.S. State Department in conjunction with Found Sound Nation.

This program showcases the captivating, innovative harp music written across SFCM from our Composition, TAC, and RJAM departments: showing-off the limitless imagination and sheer virtuosic skill of SFCM composers and the SFCM harp department alike.  The program will include world premieres by Jennifer Ellis and David Garner, alongside works for harp by SFCM composers including Elinor Armer and David Conte as well as showcase new pieces by SFCM student composers written as part of the 2026 Harp Composition winter term project.  

Program

Jennifer Ellis: Laba: A Broken Harp (2022)

Elinor Armer: Oasis  

David Conte: Marian Variations

David Garner:
     I. Tropical Dawn
     II.  Neahkahnie Mountain, July 
     III. Jaap Eden Hal 1979 
 

-Intermission-

David Garner: My Right Foot (premiere)

SFCM Student Composer works (to be selected after January 2026 winter term project)

Jennifer Ellis: Sewing Circle (premiere)

Featured Artist

Jennifer Ellis, harp