Harp Holiday
Started in 2014 Harp Holiday is the brainchild of founder Louise Johnson, the globally recognised former Principal Harpist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (1985-2019), harp teacher at the Sydney Conservatorium and Principal Teacher of Sydney Harp School. Louise has over 50 years of experience both performing and teaching.
Harp Holiday is a week long interactive gathering of professional harpists, wannabe harpists and "always wanted to try the harp" harpists, of all ages, all stages and all sizes. We meet up to share the joy of our chosen instrument. If you would like to enjoy support and harpy friendship, be you a beginner or professional, pedal or lever harpist, Harp Holiday is the place to be. All techniques and styles are welcome. The main focus of the week is playing in, or learning to play in, a harp ensemble each day and preparing for the public concert given at the end of the Harp Holiday week. This gives everyone a main challenge and focus in a happy, relaxed environment. The repertoire is sent out in advance, so there is an opportunity to know the notes beforehand, which can assist with the overall experience but not mandatory, as there is private practice time also available. Parts cater for all levels, from total beginners to advanced players. There is a lever harp ensemble, a youth group ensemble, a pedal harp ensemble and the full group ensemble. Last year there was a total of 41 harpists playing together onstage. There are also opportunities for individual harp lessons, booked separately, where all genres of music are explored from jazz, solo, orchestral to chamber music. Whatever you want to learn. The lesson can also include a seating check, to eliminate any aches and pains and assistance with any technical issues you may like to explore. You will also have the opportunity to add to your repertoire with suggested ideas for practice and gig books, once again catering for any level. The week finishes with all Harp Holiday participants playing in the public concert but, don't worry, there's safety in numbers so no pressure at all, other than the pressure you may put on yourself! You will leave Harp Holiday with new friendships and an incredible sense of achievement.
The Youth Program is specifically designed for our up and coming young harpists and is run by teachers from Sydney Harp School. The Youth program includes ensemble participation and coaching, performance opportunities, stage presentation, a harp masterclass with Louise Johnson, private lessons, (booked separately) and a harp maintenance workshop, learning how to look after your instrument.
Held in Sydney, at the wonderful R J Wallace performing Arts Centre, Waverley College. Waverley is centrally located between the famous eastern suburb beaches and Bondi Junction Westfield, with over 400 specialty retail stores. Just 7km from the Sydney CBD and 5km from Bondi Beach Waverley has lots of cosy cafes, cheap and cheerful pubs and is easy to get to via train or bus from the city.
More about Harp Holiday
Make a booking here:
Harp Holiday is a week long interactive gathering of professional harpists, wannabe harpists and "always wanted to try the harp" harpists, of all ages, all stages and all sizes. We meet up to share the joy of our chosen instrument. If you would like to enjoy support and harpy friendship, be you a beginner or professional, pedal or lever harpist, Harp Holiday is the place to be. All techniques and styles are welcome. The main focus of the week is playing in, or learning to play in, a harp ensemble each day and preparing for the public concert given at the end of the Harp Holiday week. This gives everyone a main challenge and focus in a happy, relaxed environment. The repertoire is sent out in advance, so there is an opportunity to know the notes beforehand, which can assist with the overall experience but not mandatory, as there is private practice time also available. Parts cater for all levels, from total beginners to advanced players. There is a lever harp ensemble, a youth group ensemble, a pedal harp ensemble and the full group ensemble. Last year there was a total of 41 harpists playing together onstage. There are also opportunities for individual harp lessons, booked separately, where all genres of music are explored from jazz, solo, orchestral to chamber music. Whatever you want to learn. The lesson can also include a seating check, to eliminate any aches and pains and assistance with any technical issues you may like to explore. You will also have the opportunity to add to your repertoire with suggested ideas for practice and gig books, once again catering for any level. The week finishes with all Harp Holiday participants playing in the public concert but, don't worry, there's safety in numbers so no pressure at all, other than the pressure you may put on yourself! You will leave Harp Holiday with new friendships and an incredible sense of achievement.
The Youth Program is specifically designed for our up and coming young harpists and is run by teachers from Sydney Harp School. The Youth program includes ensemble participation and coaching, performance opportunities, stage presentation, a harp masterclass with Louise Johnson, private lessons, (booked separately) and a harp maintenance workshop, learning how to look after your instrument.
Held in Sydney, at the wonderful R J Wallace performing Arts Centre, Waverley College. Waverley is centrally located between the famous eastern suburb beaches and Bondi Junction Westfield, with over 400 specialty retail stores. Just 7km from the Sydney CBD and 5km from Bondi Beach Waverley has lots of cosy cafes, cheap and cheerful pubs and is easy to get to via train or bus from the city.
More about Harp Holiday
Make a booking here:
Introducing The Team
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 Margaret Curtis,
HH tutor
Margaret Curtis
Executive Manager Margaret began her musical studies at the tender age of four and and in the year 2000 added the harp to her repertoire. She is currently resident harpist and pianist with the Lismore Symphony Orchestra, a freelance harpist and pianist, a sought after teacher of both instruments, as well as one half of the successful Aria Viva duo. 
Georgia Lowe, HH
tutor. (Sydney Harp School)
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Natalie Wong, Youth Program tutor.
(Sydney Harp School)
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Julie Kim, Youth Program tutor.
(Sydney Harp School)
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Jo Baée will be servicing harps for 2 days only at HH25. January 9 & 10. Book early.
Honorary Members
Alice Chalifoux in Memoriam
John and Sandra Nelson
Gioconda Augimeri, Rosemary Pryor
Bruce Johnson in Memoriam
John Gardner in Memoriam, Penelope Gardner
Greg and Linda Milne
Alice Chalifoux in Memoriam
John and Sandra Nelson
Gioconda Augimeri, Rosemary Pryor
Bruce Johnson in Memoriam
John Gardner in Memoriam, Penelope Gardner
Greg and Linda Milne
Home
More About Harp Holiday
Introducing Louise Johnson
Harp Holiday + Youth Program 2025
Harp Holiday Gallery
Previous Harp Holidays and Testimonials
Book Harp Holiday 2025
Book Harp Holiday Youth Program 2025
Book Heavenly Harps in Concert 2025
Book a Baee Harp Regulation/Service
More About Harp Holiday
Introducing Louise Johnson
Harp Holiday + Youth Program 2025
Harp Holiday Gallery
Previous Harp Holidays and Testimonials
Book Harp Holiday 2025
Book Harp Holiday Youth Program 2025
Book Heavenly Harps in Concert 2025
Book a Baee Harp Regulation/Service