Email This StoryWorld-renowned harpist comes to campus
March 20, 1998Harpist will teach master class today in the music school
By Courtney Crowell
Reporter for The Baylor Lariat
Alice Chalifoux, a world-renowned harpist and internationally acclaimed teacher, will administer a master class from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today in Meadows Concert Hall in the Glennis McCrary Music Building.
Chalifoux's career spans more than 70 years and this rare occasion to experience her talent and expertise has caught the eyes of not only the musicians at Baylor, but also in Texas and throughout the Southwest.
'Miss Chalifoux does not come into this part of the country very often,' said Juliette Buchanan, lecturer in harp and a former student of Chalifoux. 'Her visit is a big deal to the harp world.'
Beginning at 13, Chalifoux has had a phenomenal career. After graduating from high school, she attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied with Carlos Salzedo.
'Carlos Salzedo, mentor and teacher to many famous harpists, took Miss Chalifoux as his protégé' Buchanan said. 'After he died, she took over his work.'
In 1931, Chalifoux was engaged as principal harpist with the orchestra. She retained this position until 1974 when she retired to devote herself to teaching.
Upon her arrival in Cleveland to assume her position with the orchestra, she was named head of the harp department of the Cleveland Institute of Music.
In 1961, at Salzedo's request, Chalifoux was asked to run his summer camp for harpists in Camden, Maine. Now 90 years-old, Chalifoux still maintains the camp almost single-handedly.
'Chalifoux also has been appointed visiting instructor at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and the head of the harp department at Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory.
Chalifoux's students are represented in many leading orchestras in this country and abroad.
'If you were to line up professional, leading harpists from renown orchestras, Miss Chalifoux's name would be heard over and over again,' Buchanan said.
Chalifoux recently moved to Virginia and continues her teaching at The University of Maryland. She also teaches lessons at her private studio in Round Hill, Va.
Chalifoux's career has been noted on 'The Today Show,' 'The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson' and People magazine.
As for her own life, Chalifoux thinks of her experiences as blessings.
'I have worked with the last of the great conductors,' Chalifoux said. 'George Szell, of the Cleveland Orchestra, was one of the last of the greats.'
As for her inspirations on others and the gifts she has given to so many harpists, Chalifoux said she has never really thought about it.
'I am enjoying my life,' Chalifoux said. 'I have moved to Virginia to be closer to my daughter; driving on the snow and ice had begun to get difficult.'
Chalifoux, however, has everything else under control.
'The opportunity to hear Miss Chalifoux and her expertise in harp repertoire, is a once-a lifetime opportunity,' Buchanan said.
The master class is free and open to the public.
Copyright © 1998 The Lariat
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