World-Renowned Harpist Gives Class at Baylor

by Richard Veit

Alice Chalifoux, one of the world's most famous harpists and an internationally acclaimed teacher, will present a master class at Baylor University from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, in Meadows Recital Hall.
"Not only is Alice Chalifoux one of the foremost experts of the harp repertoire, but she also has done more than anyone to help young musicians grow in their expertise and appreciation of music," said Juliette Buchanan, lecturer in harp and a former student of Chalifoux. "This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to hear an amazing artist, the top in her field."
Chalifoux's career began at the age of 13. After graduating from high school, she won a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied with Carlos Salzedo, who was largely responsible for bringing the harp into the orchestra as we know it today.
In 1931, Chalifoux became the principal harpist of conductor George Szell's fabled Cleveland Orchestra, and she remained in that position until 1974. She also has appeared as soloist many times with the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as with numerous chamber music groups and other organizations nationwide.
Chalifoux, who is now 90 years of age, has taught for more than 60 years at such institutions as the Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin College-Conservatory of Music, and Baldwin Wallace College-Conservatory. She has appeared on "The Today Show," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and was featured in People magazine.
For more information on this class, call the Baylor School of Music at 710-3991 or Juliette Buchanan at (214) 324-2519.