Harp Fest Returns to University of Nevada, Reno May 3

An annual concert in celebration of the harp returns to the University of Nevada, Reno

A man singing and a woman playing the harp.

Harp Fest Returns to University of Nevada, Reno May 3

An annual concert in celebration of the harp returns to the University of Nevada, Reno

A man singing and a woman playing the harp.

Harp Fest features harp showpieces and chamber music involving harps and other instruments, produced and performed by the University of Nevada, Reno harp instructor Marina Roznitovsky Oster with guest artists. This will be a unique performance, with all ages welcome. Celebrating the “Inner Child,” this program is meant to give the audience a moment to reconnect with our inner child and step away from our busy and serious lives. The themes are lighthearted and playful.

Oster started the Harp Fest series in 2008 (AKA Harp Plus) to showcase harp music in the Reno community. The concert features solo and chamber music performed on the harp by Oster along with various guest artists, weaving a new musical experience every year. This year the concert's theme is "The Inner Child," and will feature over 20 harpists and many other musicians and dancers. Youth enter for free and dress up is encouraged… time to explore that “Inner Child”!

Guest artists joining Oster will include:

  • Mary Miller: Flute.
  • Ava Norbert: Voice.
  • Olivia Knock: Cello.
  • Nataly Roznitovsky: Piano.
  • Susan Mazer: Electro-Acoustic Harp.
  • Dallas Smith: Woodwinds.
  • Brandon Dodge: Percussion.
  • The University of Nevada, Reno and Reno Harp Ensembles.
  • Dancers from the Arthur Miller Studio.

A University faculty member, Marina Roznitovsky Oster is from the Ukraine and was raised in Israel. Making music since the age of five, Oster became passionate about the harp at the age of 12.

“Seeing and hearing the harp in person in my youth captured my attention with its beauty and elegance, yet powerful presence," Oster said. "Trying it with my own hands really captivated me and kept me engaged ever since. Having a piano background really allowed me to blossom with the harp. The harp is such a fascinating and intricate instrument, with a 6-thousand-year history. Today's concert harps have a complex pedal mechanism with more than 2000 moving parts. I love that one can practically 'touch the sound' when playing the harp and feel the vibrations created by the sound waves traveling through the wood.”

Oster has since performed internationally and is now the principal harpist with the Reno Philharmonic, and the Reno Chamber Orchestra.

Oster considers it a, “calling and a pleasure to bring music lovers together, performers and audiences alike, in this unique annual celebration of the harp. It is a great joy to see this rich musical community in such a small city. Life is good in Reno!”

Event information:

Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Church Fine Arts, Nightingale Concert Hall.

Ticket information:

Tickets are $15 for Adults and Free for youth and University students with ID.

 

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