Senior Spotlight: Olivia Tilley, Harp
Guest User
What is your current AYPO ensemble?
Symphonic Harp for AYCO, AYSO, & AYP
What AYPO ensembles have you played in and for how long?
AYPO Harp Ensemble, 2015-2022
AYPO Symphonic Harpist, 2018-2023
What college/university do you plan on attending this fall?
The Juilliard School, Harp Performance
Your advice for young musicians?
Don’t get overwhelmed by your mistakes - they can create the most beautiful opportunities for growth.
A favorite, or memorable AYPO experience?
I really enjoyed playing with the AYPO Harp Ensemble, especially at the Lincolnia Senior Center. My favorite piece that we played was the Baroque Flamingo for Harp Ensemble by Deborah Henson-Conant. And, of course, I remember all of our wonderful pizza parties our performances.
What do you hope to do after graduation or your more long-term goals?
My ultimate goal is to become an orchestral harpist, session musician and soloist. After graduation, I will be participating in the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Summer Music Institute and then traveling to the Mediterranean with my family for an incredible vacation.
What musician, conductor, or orchestra inspires you and why?
Ann Hobson Pilot is the harpist that inspires me the most because she opened so many doors at the first Black Female Principal Player in a major symphony orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in 1969.
Any additional memories or thoughts you would like to share?
Thank you AYPO for nurturing my love for orchestral music!