Hope College’s Great Performance Series (GPS) will continue its 2023-24 season with renowned harpist Lavinia Meijer on Friday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.
Meijer has received numerous awards for her work, including two gold records and a certified platinum record for the album “Metamorphosis-The Hours,” featuring pieces by composer Philip Glass. The Washington Post has said that “She has technique and stamina to burn, but it is her expressive detailing that raises these performances above the ordinary.”
“While I’ve wanted a harpist on the GPS stage for some time, I always envisioned that as a collaboration with a chamber ensemble,” said Hope staff member Derek Emerson, who has curated the series for more than 20 years. “But Mejier is committed to expanding the harp repertoire and re-establishing it as a solo instrument. She deserves to be the sole focus of a performance.”
Meijer is known to be one of the most diverse harpists of the 21st century. Not only does she search for rare classical solo and orchestral repertoire, but she is also always on the alert for contemporary music possibilities with her collaborations. Besides performing the classical standard harp repertoire, Meijer experiments with electronic music, theatrical music, jazz and avant-rock. She has recently recorded with a recent visitor to Hope College, jazz artist Brad Mehldau, and has worked with Hope College alumnus Sufjan Stevens.
Her performance at Hope College will include works by Debussy and Glass, as well as Meijer’s own compositions.
Tickets are $28 for regular admission, $23 for senior citizens, and $14 for children 18 and under, and are available at the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. 8th Street). The office is open for ticket sales on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890. Tickets may also be purchased online at hope.edu/tickets.
The full lineup for the season, and more information about Meijer, is available at hope.edu/gps.
To inquire about accessibility or if you need accommodations to fully participate in the event, please email accommodations@hope.edu. Updates related to events are posted when available at hope.edu/calendar in the individual listings.
The Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts is located at 221 Columbia Ave., between Ninth and 10th streets.