LAURA ZAERR
Laura Zaerr began playing the harp at the age of ten. She studied at the University of Oregon under the direction of Sally Maxwell where she obtained a bachelor's degree in music performance and composition. She was a three-time recipient of the Ruth Lorraine Close award for musical studies. In 1981-82 she studied the harp in Paris with Bertille Fournier. She took her master's degree in harp performance at the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Eileen Malone. While at Eastman she recorded with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Benita Valente, and James Galway. Laura Zaerr's artistry as a soloist earned her the honor of being included in the American Harp Society Concert Artist Program. In this capacity, she performed solo recitals throughout the United States. Locally she has appeared as part of the Abbey Bach Festival and the O.S.U. Winter Music Festival. She has also appeared as a guest artist with several orchestras throughout Oregon and California, including the Rogue Valley Symphony, the Linfield Chamber Orchestra, and the Diablo Symphony in Walnut Creek. Aside from her solo work, Laura has been a member of the Portland-based Oregon Renaissance Band as well as two Celtic bands, Village Green and Trilogy. Laura has also served as the harpist for the Alaskan Cruise ship S.S. Universe Explorer.