Harpist

Ben Albertson

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About Ben

Ben Albertson is the principal harpist of the Tucson Symphony, and one of the greatest harpists of the American Southwest.
Harpist
Tucson

Ben Albertson has performed for over sixteen years throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Ben’s recent accomplishments include his appointment as the principal harpist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and his distinction of being a winner of the Robert W. and G. Ann Corcoran Competition. Ben was one of five Americans selected to represent the nation at the 2022 edition of the USA International Harp Competition, the world’s largest. ​ Other recent accomplishments include being the youngest finalist in the American Harp Society’s National Competition in the Young Professional Division; his solo debut on WQXR, New York’s classical radio station; and his solo debut with the Eleva Chamber Players in Vermont. Ben is also an active chamber musician, recently recording on an album with Mayumi Seiler, a violinist on faculty at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto; making his Ohio debut at the Cathedral Concert Series; and winning third prize in the Royal Conservatory’s chamber music competition. ​ Ben is currently in his first year as the principal harpist of the Tucson Symphony, the 2023/24 season. Ben received his education at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto on the full tuition merit-based Marylin and Charles E. Bailie Family Scholarship. Ben has also attended numerous summer music festivals on full scholarships, such as the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. Ben has studied with many of the world’s greatest harpists, such as Judy Loman. Ben is honored to play the historic original Salzedo model harp that the great harpist Carlos Salzedo himself designed and played.

Ben
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5 out of 5
2 verified reviews

Ben's Reviews

From customers:

BJ
Brian J
1 year ago, for a Corporate event in Toronto
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5 out of 5

We hired Ben to add ambient music to our corporate event and to perform a piece during the evening. He did a fantastic job. He was punctual, is a very kind, professional and courteous person, the music was flawless, and his performance piece impressed everyone in the room. If you need a harpist in Toronto, and Ben is available, believe me, you will not be disappointed!!! Ben is going to keep advancing with his skills and I know he's going be an amazing global Harpist, so work with him while you still can!!! Thank you so very much Ben. Wishing you great success and happiness.

MG
Molly G
4 years ago, for a Wedding in Ashland
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5 out of 5

Ben is a talented harpist and very professional. The beautiful music he played was one of the highlights of our garden wedding!

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7th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 7 years

Ben's Song list

Ben Albertson plays a wide variety of music for which no arrangement charge is needed.
From Disney classics to demanding concert repertoire, Ben is just as comfortable playing at weddings as he is on the concert stage.
Based on what type of harp performance you are seeking, Ben can send you the appropriate repertoire list.
Inquire with Ben today to obtain a list catered for your needs.
Some Pieces Include:
Bach: Prelude in C (5 min)
Purchell: Trumpet Voluntary (5 min)
Debussy: Claire de Lune (6 min)
Andrès: Bourrée (4 min)
Bach: Minuet in G major (4 min)
Pachelbel: Cannon in D (5 min)
Wagner: Wedding March
Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Elvis: Can’t Help Falling in Love
Chertok: Ten Past Two (5 min .. this is upbeat jazz)
Ortiz: Habanera Gris (3 min .. This is Cuban traditional music)
Sherman: It’s A Small World (2 min .. from Disney)
Salzedo: Tengo (5 min .. It’s a Tengo!)
Beatles: Here Comes the Sun (3 min)
Ortiz: Habanera Rosa (2 min .. another Cuban traditional)
De Falla: Spanish Dance No. 1 (5 min .. it’s fun, fast, and fiery)
Menken: A Whole New World (2 min .. from Aladdin (Disney))
Handel: Concerto in B Flat Mvt 1 (6 min .. made for the Queen of England)
Debussy: First Arabesque (6 min French piece often played at weddings inspired by
ballet)
There is a lot more, just inquire!
Concert Repertoire is also available for more formal recitals.
Chamber music and duo/trio music is also available.
Christmas and holiday selections are also available.

Ben's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£250
Up to 1 hour£250
Up to 2 hours£375
Up to 3 hours£500
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Clients are always impressed by my finesse and personality. In addition to my playing, I can speak with the audience and engage them or play in the background, depending on the vibe.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed in venues from Carnegie Hall in New York to Benaroya Hall in Seattle. I have played at countless house parties, weddings, and corporate events. I have a well rounded wealth of experience on both the concert stage and the living room.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

My harp mentors have included Judy Loman, Heidi Bearcroft, Heidi Lehwalder, Kippy Scott, Nancy Allen, Sivan Megan, and many others.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I am the principal harpist of the Tucson Symphony, and I won an incredibly competitive audition to get that job. I have also been featured as a soloist with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra in Toronto. I was also one of five Americans chosen to participate in the USA International Harp Competition, the worlds largest, in 2022.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I always try my best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let me know.

How much time do you need to set up?

I typically arrive 45 minutes to one hour before the event. Setting up includes loading and tuning the harp. It is best if there is a place to store things like the harp case and dolly out of sight.

Is the transport of your harp included in your quote?

The quote will include all expenses, include cartage. Quotes may very depending on location due to the cost of transporting the harp greater distances.

Do you need any equipment provided to play outdoors?

If playing outdoors, a cover is required to protect the harp from both direct sun and rain. The harp cannot be played on grass or any uneven surface. The temperature outside must be between 65 and 87 F, (18 to 30 C). There must be no risk of water from sideways rain, and wind must not be significant so as to cause the harp to tip over.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Yes. Also, I can arrange pieces for an additional charge.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes, I can arrange pieces for the harp for an additional charge.
Musicianship
Genres:
Classical, Christmas, Baroque, Classical crossover, Contemporary classical, Early music, Film / TV music, Opera, Fanfare, Musical theatre, Traditional Irish folk, Jazz, Avant garde, Easy listening, Light music, Experimental, Acoustic, Pop, World music, Cuban music, French music, German music, Latin, Spanish music, Tango
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Corporate event, Wedding, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Other skills:
Arranger, Orchestrator, Accompanist, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching
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