After several months of entreaties, 16-year-old Emily Levin, of Centennial, began harp studies under Mary Kay Waddington at the age of five. Soon after, she stated that “not playing the harp would be like not being able to breathe.” From classical works to Argentinean tango music, Emily has always loved performing for audiences where she is able to share her love of the harp.

Her dedication to the harp paid off when she won 1st place in the 2003 American Harp Society (AHS) National Competition, Intermediate One division. The following year, she was one of the select few invited to perform as a Featured Artist at the USA International Harp Competition Stars of Tomorrow concert. In 2005, Emily placed 2nd in the AHS National Competition, Advanced Division and also traveled to Dublin, Ireland, where she was invited to perform in two venues at the World Harp Congress. Before heading back to the United States, she was able to fit in four days of sight-seeing in one of her favorite countries: England.

Currently in her 4rd season as principal harpist of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, Emily won the 2006 Concerto Competition and performed the Renié Concerto in Denver’s Boettcher Concert Hall. She also worked with the Colorado Young Sinfonia last year and is delighted to be able to return and perform the Debussy Dances with them.

Emily is a four-year roster member of the Young Musicians Foundation of Colorado, where she was awarded the prize of Top Performer in the Junior Division for 2005-2006 and the High School Top Performer prize for 2007-2008. She is an honors student at Arapahoe High School and is the piano accompanist for the Arapahoe Singers. She has been studying piano for seven years under the
tutelage of Carolyn Shaak. Outside of music, Emily loves reading, etymology, history and swimming.

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