Strings of Legacy: Kathleen Bride
The Ismaili Centre & Auditorium | Digital Screen, July 11–12th, 2026
For 36 years, Kathleen Bride served as Professor of harp at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York, shaping the careers of countless harpists. A direct student of the legendary Marcel Grandjany, she continues to pass on his legacy of technical brilliance and musical depth.
Bride’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Her students have gone on to careers as soloists, orchestral musicians, and teachers worldwide. Her reputation as an educator and performer has made her a respected figure in the global harp community.
At the Toronto International Harp Festival 2026, festival attendees will have the opportunity to learn from Bride through a special documentary and interviews broadcast on-screen throughout the festival. These presentations will offer insight into her journey, her relationship with Grandjany, and her vision for the harp’s future.
Strings of Legacy: Huguette Géliot
The Ismaili Centre & Auditorium | July 11–12th, 2026
Dive into the rich lineage of the French harp tradition with this special presentation featuring Huguette Géliot, distinguished harpist born in1923 and one of the last direct students of the legendary Marcel Tournier.
Through a series of rare interviews recorded in Paris in 2025, audiences will discover Madame Géliot’s remarkable personal story via an on-screen broadcast throughout the festival. Her reflections reveal a unique window into the artistic ideals and discipline that defined a golden era of harp playing in Paris.
Tribute to Queen Marie Antoinette & Cousineau
This exquisite 18th-century pedal harp, built in the 1780s by Cousineau — luthier to Queen Marie Antoinette — is a true heirloom of history. This harp has been lovingly passed down through generations, has travelled from Paris, to London, and eventually to Toronto. Family-lore tells of a remarkable origin: that this harp was gifted by the French Court, possibly once belonging to Marie Antoinette, in gratitude for “services rendered.”
There are compelling clues supporting this claim. Most harps of the period were designed with wooden panels concealing the inner mechanism in the neck. But Marie Antoinette, ever the connoisseur of elegance and innovation, requested glass panels instead—so she could watch the intricate movement of the mechanism as the pedals were pressed. This harp still features those very panels, a rare and distinctive detail.
Further enhancing its uniqueness are the Chinoiserie motifs delicately painted on the soundboard — another nod to the Queen’s well-documented fascination with Asian art.
In late 18th-century Paris, the harp reigned as the height of musical fashion, a trend largely credited to Marie Antoinette’s influence. In 1783, Georges Cousineau and his son Jacques-Georges were appointed official harp makers to the Queen, and their craftsmanship is on full display in this magnificent instrument.
More than just a musical tool, this harp is a visual masterpiece — its graceful lines and hand-painted flourishes designed to captivate both the ear and the eye. One can almost picture it being played in the grand salons of Versailles, the Queen herself in full regalia, music drifting through the gilded halls.
As we celebrate the legacy of harp music—from the royal courts of Versailles to the stages of Hollywood—this instrument offers a poignant and tangible link across centuries of musical artistry.
Harp Art
By Hoi Kwon Choi, sculptor
Hoi Kwon Choi is a versatile artist known for his innovative work across various mediums, particularly wood sculpture. His modernistic industrial art, furniture design, and wood sculptures, ranging from classical to abstract, have always pushed creative boundaries. Choi’s love for wood led him to move from Korea to Canada in 1970, where the abundance of trees allowed him to indulge in his passion for sculpture.
Upon meeting harpist Andrew Chan, their collaboration eventually resulted in “Audible Sculptures”, a series of sculptures that not only function as art but also as harps that produce beautiful sounds. These creations, born from the natural beauty of wood, reflect Choi’s deep connection to nature and his lifelong love for music.
Lyon & Healy, Salvi Harps Exhibition
At the Toronto International Harp Festival, attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore an exquisite exhibition featuring harps from two of the world's most esteemed manufacturers: Lyon & Healy and Salvi Harps.
Both brands are renowned for their exceptional tone, innovative design, and aesthetic beauty, making this exhibition a must-visit for harp enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Whether you're a seasoned harpist or a newcomer, this event offers a rare chance to experience firsthand the artistry and engineering behind these iconic instruments.
