Elegant harp music for all occasions.
Harpist Marguerite Lynn Williams has concertized throughout the United States, Europe and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra member in such venues as Carnegie Hall (New York), Shostakovich Hall (St. Petersburg, Russia) and Symphony Center (Chicago). Ms. Williams has won prizes in numerous competitions including First Prize of the Anne Adams National Competition sponsored by the American Harp Society in both 1998 and 1999; the National Endowment of the Arts Artist Recognition Talent Search (1997), the National Federation of Music Clubs (1997), the American Opera Society (2003) and Sigma Alpha Iota (2001). Ms. Williams performed as substitute Principal Harpist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the 2008-2009 season.
Among other solo engagements, Marguerite Williams has been featured as soloist with the International Chamber Artists, New World Symphony, Roosevelt University Chamber Orchestra; has premiered numerous compositions including Augusta Read Thomas' …The Soul is Light… ; and is under high demand for her performances of contemporary music including Berio's "Circles" for voice, harp and two percussionists. Recent performances have included collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Maxim Vengerov, Kanye West and appearances as royal entertainment for H.I.H. Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam.
An experienced orchestra musician, Ms. Williams has appeared with the Chicago Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Ravinia Festival Orchestra, Toronto Symphony and San Diego Symphony. She is currently substitute principal harpist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and principal harpist of the Colorado Music Festival (Boulder, CO). Previously she was the principal harpist of the New World Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, New Philharmonic Orchestra (Glyn Ellen, IL), and DuPage Opera Orchestra. She is a founding member of the International Chamber Artists, Project Copernicus and Fifth House ensembles.
Marguerite Lynn Williams attended the Eastman School of Music where she received both a Bachelor of Music degree and Performer's Certificate studying with Kathleen Bride. She then attended Roosevelt University to study with Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal harpist Sarah Bullen, where she received a Master's Degree in Orchestral Studies. Ms. Williams was on faculty at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami from 2006 until 2008,she maintains a private harp studio.