Harmonia Sessions #2 🎶 | Whispers of the Harp

Discover the harp as you've never heard it before. In this captivating concert, acclaimed harpist Cara Dawson showcases the instrument's versatility, balancing its ethereal beauty with the bold possibilities of new music. The program spans a wide expressive and sonic range, from delicate, ambient soundscapes to striking experimental works, some enhanced by electronic tape. This is a unique opportunity to experience the harp in a new light, as a vessel for innovation and artistic depth.

About the Artist:

Cara Dawson is an award-winning harpist celebrated for her artistry in contemporary and experimental music. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Cara is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in contemporary performance practice at the Universität der Künste Berlin. Her accomplishments include accolades such as the Ida Carroll Award for Strings and the John Marson Harp Award for Outstanding Musicianship. Cara is regularly in demand as an orchestral harpist and has performed in many of the leading concert halls across the UK and Germany, such as the Barbican Concert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, and most often at Berlin Philharmonie, and with orchestras including Kammerakademie Potsdam and Deutsches Sinfonie Orchester.

A passionate advocate for new music, Cara has performed with renowned ensembles such as the London Sinfonietta and the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra, cementing her reputation as a leading interpreter of contemporary repertoire. Her solo-project successes include reaching the semi-finals of the World Harp Competition, with her innovative program 'shadows of solitude', which featured newly commissioned works for harp and electronics, as well as her own arrangements. As an ensemble musician, Cara is a founding member of two dynamic groups. The first, 'red panel', is a composer-performer collective that creates immersive performances blending ambient and experimental genres. The group embraces a deeply collaborative approach, exclusively performing works composed by its own members. Cara is also a co-founder of the flute, harp, and viola trio 'Ensemble Utak'. Together, they explore repertoire from the late 20th and 21st centuries for their unique instrumentation. This year, they were honored to join Ensemble Modern's prestigious chamber music academy.

Details:
- Date: February 1st, 2024
- Format: BYOD & Potluck (some snacks and drinks will be provided by the host—feel free to bring something to share!)
- Sign-Up: Spots are limited, so secure yours via Groupmuse!
- SPREAD THE WORD: We’re always looking for new guests, musicians, and even hosts to grow the Groupmuse community!

Follow Harmonia Sessions on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmoniaberlin

What's the music?

Cara Dawson Harp

Attendees

Alex D.

Sami A.