Ben Albertson, Harpist Harpist from Tucson, AZ

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