Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series Presents Emmanuel Ceysson, Harp

April 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:  Linda Burrows, Concert Series Coordinator; 805-705-0938

and Dr. Robert Cassidy, Artistic Director; syvconcerts@smitv.org; 805-455-5474

Final Concert of 2024-2025 Season

Emmanuel Ceysson, Harp

Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County, California—The Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series is proud to present its first ever solo harp recital featuring the world renowned Emmanuel Ceysson, principal harpist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This final concert of the season will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7pm, at St. Mark’s Church located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue in Los Olivos, CA.

His fascinating program is sure to enthrall the audience. Works by JS Bach, Spohr, Glinka/Balakirev, Caplet, Tournier, Debussy, and Fauré will be performed in the gorgeous acoustic of St. Mark’s in-the Valley Church. Afterwards, Mr. Ceysson will participate in a question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Robert Cassidy, Artistic Director of the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series.

Artistic Director Cassidy: “A solo harp recital in Los Olivos?! These concerts are exceptional occurrences even in the most renowned musical cities globally. Therefore, for the principal harpist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic to perform one on the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series is a 'not to be missed event.' Emmanuel Ceysson, we welcome you with open arms!”

Though tickets may be available at the door, advance purchase is strongly recommended. Please go to: Ticket Order to secure your seats. Student tickets to all our concerts are always free of charge.

Biography

Emmanuel Ceysson is one of the world’s leading harpists. In 2020 he joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Principal Harp, having previously held this position at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York and before that at Opera de Paris. Since 2005 he has been a presence in such leading venues on the international musical scene as the Wigmore Hall, the Salle Gaveau, Carnegie Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus, and the Berlin Philharmonie, where his appearances in recital, concerto repertoire and

chamber music regularly win high praise from the press. His unfailing commitment to his instrument has earned him the highest international distinctions. In rapid succession, he won the Gold Medal and the special performance prize at the USA International Harp Competition (Bloomington) in 2004, First Prize and six special prizes at the New York Young Concert Artist Auditions in 2006, and First Prize at the

prestigious ARD Competition in Munich in September 2009, thus becoming the first harpist to obtain awards at three major international competitions.

He was Visiting Professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 2005 to 2009 and has taught at the International Summer Academy in Nice since 2010. He also gives regular masterclasses in France and during his foreign tours and appearances. In 2010, Emmanuel Ceysson was nominated in the category ‘Solo Instrumental Discovery’ at the Victoires de la Musique Classique. In November 2011 he received a Prix d’Encouragement from the Académie des Beaux-Arts de l’Institut de France (Fondation Simone Del Duca) in recognition of his distinguished early career. Mr. Ceysson is a Naïve recording artist since January 2012 when he released Opéra Fantaisie, a solo album based upon famous operatic arias. He has also recorded the Mozart Concerto for Flute and Harp K299 for the Aparte

Label with the Orchestre de Chambre Paris, and has recently performed this work with the LA Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel.

He has given recitals and educational residencies at countless international venues including the Wolf Trap Foundation in Virginia, North Orange County Community Concerts Association in California, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Michigan, Mary Baldwin College in Virginia, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts (WA), and Emporia Arts Council in Kansas.

About St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church: Formed in 1926 and serving the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location in downtown Los Olivos since 1979, St. Mark’s practices a spacious Christianity and welcomes people of all faiths or none. St. Mark’s is a no-fee community center for non-profit groups and community meetings, an arts venue for musical and cultural events, a welcome center for residents and area visitors, and home to a vibrant, inclusive faith community. St. Mark’s top-flight, non-sectarian professional preschool serves Santa Ynez Valley families with quality early childhood education. The County-permitted SYV Community Kitchen at St. Mark's serves as a regional food hub. St. Mark’s is also grateful to be home to the area’s Jewish community and a local Zen sangha (part of Santa Barbara Zen Center). Open doors, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, a shady courtyard, gardens, a labyrinth, and water for pets are available for visitors and area residents all day, every day. For more information, please visit St. Mark's in the Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos, CA - News (smitv.org)