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Harp duo to perform at SFA

harpist Emily Mitchell, soprano Bryn Aratyr Jimenez and harpist Jaymee Haefner

(left to right): harpist Emily Mitchell, soprano Bryn Aratyr Jimenez and harpist Jaymee Haefner


NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Haefner-Mitchell Harp Duo in a guest/faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus as part of the Cole Performing Arts Series.

The duo features Dr. Jaymee Haefner, harp senior lecturer at the University of North Texas, Denton, and Emily Mitchell, harp instructor at SFA. Joining them for a portion of the performance will be soprano Bryn Aratyr Jimenez of Houston.

Haefner and Mitchell formed the duo last year. Several concerts are scheduled for the spring and fall at UNT as well as SFA and the harp societies in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and New Orleans (their official debut). An East Coast tour is being planned.

Among the pieces to be performed is Gary Schocker's "Better Than One" for two harps, which was written in 2013.

"The work will receive its premiere at our New Orleans concert," Mitchell said. "This work will also be performed at the American Harp Society's National Conference in New Orleans this summer."

Haefner has performed throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, in Mexico, the Czech Republic and Russia. Her recordings include features with the Bloomington Pops Orchestra, baritone Daniel Narducci and Alfredo Rolando Ortiz. While at SFA, she will conduct a master class for harp students.

Mitchell has worldwide recognition and has been profiled on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," CNN, the BBC, Arts & Entertainment, the New York Times' WQXR, Houston's KUHF, "The Front Row," National Public Radio's "Performance Today" and People Magazine, among others. Mitchell enjoyed a 30-year career in New York City where she was principal harpist for the Eos Orchestra and an established name in the television, motion picture and recording studios. She toured the United States for Community Concerts and Columbia Artists Management. She taught on the faculties of New York University and Purchase College, State University of N.Y. Relocating to Houston in 2008, she was appointed to the SFA School of Music faculty.

Jimenez has appeared on stages throughout North America and Europe. An active teacher herself, Jimenez also maintains a thriving voice studio in Houston.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.