Catherine Victorsen
Email: csv65746@bethel.edu
Job Title
-
Private Lesson Instructor in Harp
Music, College of Arts and Sciences
Highlight
Victorsen teaches private harp lessons and is an active performer in the Twin Cities area.
Started at Bethel
1992
Education
- Boston University - B.M. in Harp Performance, 1980
- University of Minnesota - M.M. in Harp Performance, 1983
Biography
Catherine S. Victorsen holds two degrees in Harp Performance; Boston University 1980, University of Minnesota Graduate School of Music 1983. She was the Solo Principal Harpist for the Regensburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Regensburg, Germany from 1984-1991. She is a past North American First Place winner of the Welsh Eisteddfod Competition, in Instrumental Music. Her recordings include "Songs of the Irish Harpers", with Irish Tenor Fran O"Rourke, property of West German Radio, (WDR), "French Art Songs" with Soprano Judy Cummings, "Christmas Blessings" and "Glorious" with Cellist Sachiya Isomura and Flautist Barbara Leibundguth. She was a featured performer for the IV International Rio Harp Festival in Rio de Janeiro with Flautist Jane Strauman. She has served on the Music Faculties of the Universitaet Regensburg, Germany, The Katholisches Musikschule, Regensburg, and in St Paul, MN, on the Faculties of Bethel University, Hamline University, and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. She is a guest performer with various local orchestras in the Twin Cities area, is a professional free lance musician, and also teaches in a private studio. She has served as both a past President and Vice President of the American Harp Society- Minnesota Chapter. Catherine's teachers have included Edward Druzinsky, Chicago Symphony, Lucille Lawrence, Frances Miller, Nancy Allen. She has attended Summer Harp Programs at the Tanglewood Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, and Sewanee Summer Music Festival.
Awards
First Place Winner of the North American Welsh Eisteddfod Instrumental Competition
Grand Prize Winner of the Instrumental Competition at the Celtic Festival at Murphy's Landing.
American Harp Society - Minnesota Chapter Arch Award Winner for Arrangement for Solo Harp
Professional Organizations, Committees, and Boards
American Harp Society AHS, Member.Past President and Vice President of the American Harp Society- Minnesota Chapter, Chapter of the Year AHS
Hobbies and Interests
Walking, Gardening, Bible Study, "Cooking"
Areas of expertise
"Professional Harpist, Solo Principal Harpist of the Regensburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Germany Opera, Orchestral, Chamber Music, all styles of music, Classical, Sacred, Folk, Pop, etc. I have studies and enjoy performing in many different genres, and with different collaborations of Welsh, Irish Scottish, Celtic Musi. I have performed as Soloist and Chamber Musician with Bachkammer Orchestra, Munich, Germany, Faculty Artist Series University of Northwestern, Bethel University, Soloist with Hamline University, St Paul, Handel Harp Concerto, Mozart Harp and Flute Concerto , Soloist and Chamber Music Performances with Regensburg Phil;harmonic Orchestra, Trio with Harp, Flute, Cello, Violin Duo, Flute Duo, Harp Ensemble, Professional Free lance musician, all styles of music, Faculty Instructor of all levels of Harp. "
Research interests
Arranging for harp
Teaching specialty
All levels of Harp from Beginner to Professional. My students have gone on to win many awards; in all styles of music. I enjoy teaching and helping my students become the best Harpists they can be, and I strive to help them love to play and share their music as opportunities arise.
Quote
"The Lord is my Shepherd." Psalm 23