Jessica Tate Harpist

I cannot remember a time I have not been a harpist.

 

I began studying music at the age of 5, and have spent the rest of my life unlearning the lessons I spent the first 20 years learning. Music, to me, is not a faithful execution of another vision. Music is making something new out of the destruction and reassembly of established forms.

 

Harp is an instrument like any other, and it can be anything the player can make it.

 

My Teacher's Teacher, Carlos Salzedo, remade the harp for the modern era in the 1920's, and I'm here to do it again. This is harp for a modern age, in a modern way, with a classical understanding; Harp brought off the symphony stage and into the mainstream. Or at least, I hope that it is. My fondest wish is that you enjoy the music and perhaps change your mind about the instrument, as this journey has certainly changed mine. 

 

Headlines and past experience include engagements with Orchestras, Philharmonics, and a wide variety of music venues both domestically and internationally. Highlights include my time working with the Ritz-Carlton International group, and as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. Consulate in China. It has been my pleasure to perform for this adventure so far, and I can't wait to see what is next.

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It is my sincerest pleasure to perform with wonderful musicians of all instrumentations, to see what kind of interesting music we can make. I love being curious about the music that hasn't been written yet, and I am looking forward to hearing what it sounds like. 

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As always, thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show.