Masterclasses
Be inspired by 4 world-renowned harpists:
Catherine Michel, Kathleen Bride, Jana Boušková, and Sarah Bullen.
Masterclasses are included with the purchase of "Festival Weekend Pass".
Masterclass:
French Tradition
with Catherine Michel and Kathleen Bride
July 11th, Sat, 9:30am- 12pm
Social Hall - The Ismaili Centre
Join two of the greatest harp pedagogues of our time —
Catherine Michel and Kathleen Bride, for a transformative masterclass rooted in the refined elegance of the French harp school.
Catherine Michel, a direct student of Pierre Jamet (who was the harpist who worked with Debussy), brings decades of solo, orchestral, and teaching experience to the class.
Kathleen Bride, Professor Emerita of Harp at the Eastman School of Music, is renowned not just for her 36 years of teaching at Eastman, but for her deep commitment to the French technique, passing on the tradition that she learnt from the great Marcel Grandjany.
In this masterclass, students will:
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Explore signature French repertoire and stylistic nuances
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Refine technique on tone production, musicality, and phrasing
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Receive coaching rooted in the lineage of Jamet and Grandjany.
An extraordinary opportunity for aspiring harpists who want to deepen their artistry, connect with a living tradition, and benefit from the wisdom of two pedagogical giants.
Historical Harp Exhibition
In addition to a rare masterclass co-led by two of the most authentic representatives of the French harp school, we will also exhibit two fascinating historical harps from Paris: an Erard (from 1904) and a Pleyel chromatic harp (from 1905).
Experiencing these original instruments that composers like Debussy and Ravel envisioned and wrote for, will add an invaluable dimension to the students’ understanding of the music
Masterclass:
The Voice of the Bohemian Harp
with Jana Boušková
July 12th 2026, Sun, 10am - 12pm
Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium - Aga Khan Museum
Experience the artistry and musical spirit of Central Europe in The Bohemian Voice of the Harp, a masterclass led by the internationally celebrated harpist Jana Boušková. Known for her commanding stage presence and lyrical depth, Boušková—Principal Harp of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and First Prize winner of the 1992 USA International Harp Competition—brings to iHarpFest a rare blend of virtuosity, tradition, and poetic expression.
In this masterclass, Professor Boušková will share the interpretive nuance, tonal colors, and expressive freedom that define the Bohemian harp style. Drawing on her extensive solo career and her esteemed teaching at both the Prague Academy of Performing Arts and the Royal College of Music in London, she guides students toward musical authenticity, technical refinement, and a deeper understanding of the harp’s eloquent voice.
Boušková’s earliest musical guidance came from her harpist-mother, Libuše Váchalová in Prague, a legacy that she continues to inspire harpists worldwide. Join her for a masterclass enriched by the warmth of family tradition.
Orchestral Insights:
The Harp in the Orchestra
with Sarah Bullen
July 12th 2026, Sun, 3:30 - 5:30pm
Nanji Family Foundation Auditorium - Aga Khan Museum
Join this class given by one of North America’s leading harpists, Sarah Bullen, who shares her deep expertise from decades with the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, discipline, and collaboration involved in orchestral harp playing. Made Suitable especially for aspiring and current harp performance college students as well as emerging professionals, this class explores practical strategies for orchestral auditions, score preparation, ensemble awareness, and developing a commanding yet sensitive orchestral sound.
Bullen currently teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Harp at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University
Masterclasses are included with the purchase of "Festival Weekend Pass".