Afternoon concerts on Saturday, Sunday and Monday are included in the Weekend (Three Day) Pass

Saturday, 4 February 2023, at 3.00pm
Artists: Mary O’Neill (Northern Ireland) and Elizabeth Volpé Bligh (Canada)
Location: Camac Chapel

Mary O’Neill
When your mother is a harpist and your father is a harp maker, Mary seemed destined to take up the harp. Mary is an active harpist and vocalist and a sought-after traditional musician in Northern Ireland, both as a soloist and playing with traditional bands.  Mary is a talented composer and songwriter and will delight you with her mix of traditional and contemporary music for voice and harp.
To find out more about Mary O’Neill - www.facebook.com/MaryONeillMusic

Elizabeth Volpé Bligh
Elizabeth will be presenting a short programme of works by Canadian composers. Elizabeth has extensive performance experience as Principal Harpist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (retired in 2018) and, prior to this, the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra. Elizabeth also performs in chamber music ensembles, for movie soundtracks and on recordings. Elizabeth is an active teacher, presenter, adjudicator and advocate for all things harp.
To find out more about Elizabeth Volpé Bligh – www.elizabethvolphebligh.com

Sunday, 5 February 2023, at 3.00pm
Artist: Esther Swift (Scotland)
Location: Camac Chapel

Esther Swift is a prolific, boldly innovative harpist, composer and singer. She works across genres as diverse as classical chamber music and free improvisation and writes for ensembles large and small. Esther has received numerous prestigious commissions and has shared international, music lead collaborations with musicians and other artists around the world. Esther explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world in her performance with pedal harp and voice.
To find out more about Esther Swift – www.estherswift.co.uk

Sunday, 5 February 2023, at 3.00pm
Artist: Lin Zheng (China/New Zealand) and Boya Guzheng 
Location: Auditorium

Lin Zheng began playing the guzheng and performing at five years old. The guzheng is one of the oldest traditional Chinese instruments, dating back over 2000 years to the Qin State, and displays the quintessential characteristics of Chinese music. Lin, along with her students, perform as Boya Guzheng at community and cultural events. Their performance will feature traditional and contemporary works, giving an overview of the sounds and playing techniques of the guzheng. Lin completed her master’s degree at one of the top music conservatories in China and is currently undertaking her PhD in music at The University of Auckland
To find out more about Lin Zheng - www.zhengmusic.co.nz

Monday, 6 February 2023, at 2.00pm
Artists: Michelle Velvin and Ingrid Bauer (New Zealand) and Harp Competition winner
Location: Camac Chapel

Harp Competition winner
Lewis Eady, in conjunction with the Harp Society of New Zealand, present the winner of the Harp Competition (taking place on Sunday, 5 February 2023). The winner will perform their two pieces from the competition – a set piece by one of three New Zealand composers and the other, a piece of the harpist’s own choice.

Michelle Velvin
Michelle is a Wellington based harpist, composer and teacher. She has a passion for performing New Zealand compositions. As a musician her explorations have led to diverse collaborations with other musicians in wide-ranging genres and disciplines. Michelle has performed as part of all New Zealand's major orchestras and is involved with a number of chamber music ensembles. Michelle completed her Postgraduate Diploma in harp performance at Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music under Carolyn Mills.
To find out more about Michelle Velvin – www.michellevelvin.com

Ingrid Bauer
Ingrid is a classical harpist and is the Principal Harp of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. She has performed with many New Zealand orchestras and has performed solo in competitions and recitals in the US, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. As a chamber musician, Ingrid has toured with her ensembles Toru and Parp!, and performed at the 2014 Huntington Estate Music Festival. She is a founding member of the harp septet SHE, which performs internationally.
To find out more about Ingrid Bauer – www.ingridbauer.com

This concert will be the final event of Harp Fest NZ 2023 and organising committee will close the concert with words of thanks to the guests, performers, presenters, sponsors, vendors and volunteers.