Rolliana is a singer, harper and harpsinger in performance, teaching, publishing and recording. She specializes in Celtic harp instrumentals and self-accompanied harpsong, performing in formal recitals and in shorter programs for schools, libraries [+]Rolliana is a singer, harper and harpsinger in performance, teaching, publishing and recording. She specializes in Celtic harp instrumentals and self-accompanied harpsong, performing in formal recitals and in shorter programs for schools, libraries, nature centers, older adult organizations, service groups, weddings, wedding and corporate receptions, banquets and other gala events. She has frequently appeared on the Edgewood College Concert Series and The Olbrich Gardens Winter Concert Series. 1995 saw the release of her debut solo recording, HarpSinger, on her Siochain Music label, now renamed "HarpSinger". In 1996, she won First Prize in The Professional Division of The First Great Lakes Harpers Regional Competition. In 1998, she received a major grant from the Palmer Foundation to bring 80 Celtic harp and song performances to the elderly in residential care facilities. She was recognized nationally by her invitational concert performance and workshop presentations at The 1998 Conference of The International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen (ISFHC), Galveston, Texas. Her "Dawning of the Day" CD, featuring solo Celtic harp, was released November, 2003.
Laryngitis brought Rolliana, an accomplished soprano soloist, to harp. The viral illness had made it impossible for the singers of The Madison Consort of Early Music to perform five-voice madrigals for an entire season. So The Consort suggested that the singers take up early instruments and that Rolliana should get a harp. The suggestion changed her direction forever.
Her first harp, a gift from her mother, celebrated Rolliana's attainment of the Bachelor of Music degree [a second bachelor's degree] from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music.
Rolliana trained for 2 years on lever harp with Sue Richards, who later went on to international stardom as four-time National Champion of the Scottish Harp Society of America, and another 9 years with Karen Atz, Principal Harpist of the Madison Symphony. She also studied harp at various clinics and workshops by such luminaries as Allison Kinnaird, Chris Caswell, Kim Robertson, Ann Heymann, Philip Boulding, Laurie Riley, Tina Tourin, Dennis Doyle, Ron Price, Liz Cifani, Janet Harbison, AibhlÃn McCrann, William Jackson and Gráinn
|
 |
Genre/Tags: 
Ringtones
Full Tracks
