Join us for a concert with renowned harpist Elisabeth Plank featuring music from her hometown of Vienna spanning from the 18th to the 21st century. The program creates impressive, as well as filigree soundscapes with original compositions and arrangements by composers like Franz Schubert, Arnold Schönberg, Hans Gál, Gustav Mahler and Elias Parish Alvars as well as a brand-new piece by Monika Stadler.

Rethinking the harp, combining tradition and innovation - such is harpist Elisabeth Plank's aim. She leads the audience on a journey of discovery - the harp as an exquisitely, modern solo instrument in its own right, with an exciting and unusual repertoire.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Elisabeth Plank has established herself as an internationally sought-after soloist & ambassador for the harp. As a recitalist or soloist with orchestra, she has performed in renowned concert halls & festivals around the world.

From 2019-2021 Elisabeth Plank was featured as part of the program "Great Talent" by the Wiener Konzerthaus that supports aspiring artists at the beginning of their career. She has released three critically acclaimed solo albums and has recorded Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp, KV299 with RSO Wien for the “Next Generation Mozart Soloist”-series.

Elisabeth Plank was born in Vienna in 1991 and studied at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with Adelheid Blovsky-Miller & Mirjam Schröder.

“Plank has a real command of light and shade. She’s adept at creating musical perspective” (Gramophone)

We would like to thank the Washington, DC chapter of the American Harp Society for the loan of the harp for the concert.

PROGRAM

Alfred Zamara (1863 – 1940)

Mes premières pensées. Romance.

Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Nachtstück in C-Moll, Op. 36 No. 2, D. 672 (arr. Elisabeth Plank)

Hans Gál (1890-1987)   

Skizzen, op. 7: Nr. 1 Allegretto lusingando, Nr. 2 Lento e dolce                                              

Arnold Schönberg (1874-1951)  

Six Little Piano Pieces (Sechs kleine Klavierstücke), op. 19, II – III - V

Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911)

Adagietto for solo harp (arr. Elisabeth Plank)

Monika Stadler (1963)   

Alpine Impressions (world premiere performance)

Mountain morning - The summit’s tranquillity

Elias Parish Alvars (1808 – 1849) 

Scenes of my Youth - Grande Fantaisie pour la harpe op. 75  

Image © Julia Wesely