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Lyra Society Profiled in the Philadelphia Inquirer!

CBS3 Philly: The Lyra Society

 

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Rest in Peace to Gerry Lenfest

We are sad to hear about the passing of our dear patron H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest. Gerry & Marguerite’s contribution has made it possible for students attending Philadelphia High School for Girls to study the harp as well as attend programs at Curtis Institute of Music and Curtis Summerfest . Our condolences to the Lenfest Family. – Elizabeth Hainen, Lyra Society Founder and Artistic Director

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Thank YOU for making our 12th Annual Benefit a huge success!

Thank you so much to all who attended our benefit in May 2017! Because of you, we raised over $20,000 to provide harps and lessons to Philadelphia public school students! Hilary Hahn performed a stunning program of solo Bach and joined Founder and Director Elizabeth Hainen for Debussy’s Beau Soir to cap off a harmonious evening of violins and harps.  Thank you to Ms. Hahn for her incomparable artistry and commitment to music education for all students.

Students from the Glissando School Harp program and Play On, Philly worked closely with Ms. Hahn in rehearsal and showcased their hard work in the culminating concert. What a beautiful evening of collaboration, inspiration, and community!

 

 

 

 

Learn About the Lyra Society

 The Lyra Society, established in 2004, was created to increase awareness of the harp as a major solo instrument, expand the harp repertoire by commissioning gifted composers, educate young harpists, and enrich the lives of students.

The Philadelphia Schools Harp Program

We believe the harp is a wonderful vehicle for inspiring students so that music will enrich them for the rest of their lives. The Lyra Society has a vital interest in education as a means for bringing the harp closer to children and young adults. Through your support, we are thrilled to offer in-school presentations—without charge to students—to acquaint and excite young people with the harp. Your generosity also enables us to repair and maintain school-owned harps and to provide students with professional instruction.
Learn more about GLISSANDO!

 

The Costello & Phillips Commissioning Awards

Edna Phillips and Marilyn Costello, former Harpists of The Philadelphia Orchestra, contributed to the establishment of The Lyra Society. Ms. Phillips was responsible for commissioning over 50 works featuring harp and Ms. Costello also championed new repertoire. These awards are a living memorial to these women who did so much for the harp.

Please contact us on how you can sponsor an individual harpist or if you want to make a gift to the Lyra Society to defray our organization’s expenses.

The Lyra Society is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Your generosity enables us to commission new works by world-renowned composers and young composers at the start of their careers. To implement these Awards, the Lyra Society collaborates with prominent non-profit institutions including the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. Commissions feature the harp in solo, chamber and concerto compositions. Both professionals and outstanding students perform these new works.

 

The Elizabeth Hainen Harp Colony

The Elizabeth Hainen Harp Colony is an advanced training ground for the world’s next generation of professional harpists. The colony is a true pedagogical institution, with emphasis on individual development for promising young harpists as well as professionals. The distinguished faculty conducts an intensive program of master classes, ensemble playing, and orchestral training.

Harpists looking for a rigorous program will benefit from an intensive week of orchestral training through mock auditions, master classes with Elizabeth Hainen, and harp ensemble with Nancy Lendrim, culminating in a performance in the final concert. Whether looking to enter competitions or merely seeking a greater knowledge of the repertoire, students will benefit from a full exploration of harp literature.

Build friendships, share ideas, and enrich your musical talent in an intimate atmosphere—and enjoy yourself thoroughly in the process.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Hainen Harp Colony please click here.

 Thank you to Gerry Lenfest 

for enabling us to purchase fifteen new harps for Philadelphia High School for Girls!