Podcast

HarpFusion: Take Note was a pandemic podcast series started by the University of Arizona harp studio in 2020. In Season 1, we explored a brief history of HarpFusion, technology in the harp world, and creative writing through a holiday-themed episode. 

Episode 1: We are HarpFusion!

Join us for the debut episode of HarpFusion: Take Note! In this episode, we trace the roots of HarpFusion through the memories of current members, an interview with alumna Denielle Swartz Eliason, and musical interludes.

Listen to Episode 1

Episode 1 Credits

Denielle Swartz Eliason, Special Guest
Hunter Ackerley and Victoria Gonzalez, Interviewers and Writers
Dr. Michelle Gott, Writer and Producer

HarpFusion Theme Song

Marina Tiffany, composer
Dr. Michelle Gott, harp
Charlie Gott, percussionist

Featured Alumni

(in order of appearance during the Ceili montage)

  • Hannah Marker
  • Vanessa Sheldon
  • Merinda Christensen
  • Misty Williams
  • Sarah Carruth
  • Denielle Swartz Eliason

Featured Recordings

  • Masmoudi for the Pharaoh
    • Composed by Dr. Carrol McLaughlin
    • The 25th Anniversary of HarpFusion (2003)
  • Winterheart
    • Arranged by Victoria Gonzalez
    • Performed live by HarpFusion on March 1, 2020
    • Holsclaw Hall, University of Arizona
  • Desert Improvisations (Caravan)
    • Arranged by Dr. Michelle Gott
    • Performed live by HarpFusion on March 1, 2020
    • Holsclaw Hall, University of Arizona
  • Ceili
    • Arranged by Chiara Coombs
    • HarpFusion Live: The Cosmos Concert (2007)

Episode 2: Electric Angels: In Resonance with Technology

Dive deep into the world of technology with Los Angeles-based harpist-composer Lara Somogyi. 

Listen to Episode 2

Episode 2 Credits

Lara Somogyi, Special Guest
Bailey Stephenson, Head Writer and Interviewer
Xiaodi Xu, Audio Engineer
Creative Team: Marina Tiffany, Victoria Gonzalez, Hunter Ackerley, Dr. Michelle Gott

Special Effects Pedals Demonstrated in this Episode

  • Boss RC-300
  • Boss DD-500 Delay
  • Earthquaker Devices Westwood Translucent Drive Manipulator
  • Walrus Audio Fathom Multi-function Reverb

Original Song Written and Performed by Lara Somogyi

…self.seed…

HarpFusion Theme Song

Marina Tiffany, composer
Dr. Michelle Gott, harp
Charlie Gott, percussionist

Episode 3: Holiday Special

On a cold winter’s night, something strange stirs in the air as a harp ensemble prepares for their big holiday performance…

Listen to Episode 3

Episode 3 Credits

Story by Marina Tiffany
Narrated by Hunter Ackerley
Audio Editing: Victoria Gonzalez
Creative Team: Hunter Ackerley, Victoria Gonzalez, Bailey Stephenson, Marina Tiffany, Xiaodi Xu, Dr. Michelle Gott

Guest Voices

  • Cheng Li
  • Alex Svetlovsky
  • Stefan Warner

Sound Effects and Musical Excerpts

Professor Puck Leitmotif composed and performed by Dr. Michelle Gott

“Transformation Music” based on The Nutcracker by P. Tchaikovsky
Performed by Bailey Stephenson

“Magic Fire Music” from Die Walküre by Richard Wagner
Performed by Xiaodi Xu

“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker by P. Tchaikovsky, arr. E. Afanasieva
Performed by Dr. Michelle Gott

Excerpt from Danse sacrée et profane by Claude Debussy
Performed by Marina Tiffany

“Sæglópur” by Sigur Rós
Performed by Victoria Gonzalez 

Strauss Goes West by Willi Maerz
Performed live by HarpFusion
University of Arizona, March 2020
For more information, please visit Willi Maerz’s website

Special Effects Pedals Used

  • Boss DD-20 Giga Delay
  • Boss RC-30 Loop Station
  • Electroharmonix Cathedral
  • Empress Effects Reverb
  • Old Blood Noise Endeavors Dark Star Reverb
  • TC Helicon Voicetone R1 Reverb

HarpFusion Theme Song

Marina Tiffany, composer
Dr. Michelle Gott, harp
Charlie Gott, percussionist