New York Harp Ensemble
Biographical History
The New York Harp Ensemble (1970-1997) toured the world performing the arrangements and original compositions of its creator, Aristid von Würtzler.
In 1969, Aristid von Würtzler organized the first international harp competition in the United States, at the Hartford College of music. Harpists from twenty-two different countries came to participate. The event was so well received that Aristid wanted it to continue, and in 1970, he created the New York Harp Ensemble (NYHE). For a period of twenty-seven years, the NYHE played together and traveled throughout the world. They played concerts in every state, with the exception of Alaska, and visited fifty-three different countries. They had the privilege to play for dignitaries and royalty, including four different U.S. presidents (Carter, Regan/Bush, and twice for Clinton). The Ensemble also made over twenty recordings. Throughout the twenty-seven years of the Ensemble, only Barbara and Aristid were regular members. There were usually four members at a time, adding up to a total of fourteen different harpists throughout the years. But because they were only paid for the concerts, the members had to find other things to do for a living. And with the rigorous travel schedules, it was hard for some of the members to commit because of their families and children. Because of this, Aristid took on many roles, whether it was as conductor, arranger, or soloist. The Ensemble usually played from Aristid's original harp transcriptions and had daily three-hour rehearsals. All of the music was copyrighted by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), but nothing was ever published because Aristid wanted the music to be exclusive to the Ensemble and wanted to ensure that his music was only played at a professional level. One hundred seventy-six different composers are represented in the music Aristid created and most are arranged for four harps. With Aristid von Würtzler's death in 1997, the New York Harp Ensemble also died. The Ensemble played a few memorial concerts, but that was the end. Aristid's influence and vision of the ensemble was what had held it together throughout the years.
Citation:
American Harp Journal, Summer 2002, Vol. 18, p. 31-38.Found in 50 Collections and/or Records:
New York Harp Ensemble concert programs, 1958-1997
Contains concert programs from specific events and typed notes for concert programs in New York City, across North America and Europe. Materials dated 1958-1997.
New York Harp Ensemble concert season literature , 1958-1999
Contains concert calendars, artists lists and festival calendars for performances in Europe, the United States, New York City and across the globe. Materials dated 1958-1999.
New York Harp Ensemble contracts, 1958-1986
Contains contracts between Aristid von Wurtzler and the New York Harp Ensemble and other individuals and associated groups. Materials dated 1958-1986.
New York Harp Ensemble correspondence, 1954-1996
Series contains correspondence between Aristid von Würtzler and various organizations, businesses, and harpists regarding the affairs of the New York Harp Ensemble. Materials dated 1954-1996.
New York Harp Ensemble documents, 1962-1994
Contains CD catalogs, certificates, articles, artist lists and other miscellaneous documents on the New York Harp Ensemble. Materials dated 1962-1994.
New York Harp Ensemble photographs, approximately 1960-1990
Contains photographs of New York Harp Ensemble, Aristid von Wurtzler and other related artists and people. Materials dated 1960-1990.
New York Harp Ensemble press clippings, 1956-1993
Contains cut-out articles, announcements, comments and reviews of Aristid von Wurtzler and the New York Harp Ensemble performances from all of the world, including North and South America and Europe.
New York Harp Ensemble promotional material, approximately 1958-2005
Contains flyers, pamphlets, advertisements about the New York Harp Ensemble, Aristid von Wurtzler and other performers. Materials dated from approximately 1958-2005.
New York Harp Ensemble repertoire, 1905-2005
Contains published and unpublished scores and manuscripts of repertoire used by Aristid Von Wurtzler and the New York Harp Ensemble. Materials date 1905-2005.
New York Harp Ensemble videocassettes and audiocassettes, approximately 1956-1990
Contains videocassttes with footage of "Something Farcey", "Classical Interlude", excerpts from "Granada-Serenata", "Capriccio", "Fishing Song on the East See", "Variation on Yankee Doodle", NBC Today Show excerpts and Television program NYU Laboratorium. Contains book "Hungarians in America" and audiocassettes of Festival on the Harp and radio materials. Materials dated approximately 1960-1990.