Harpist Mitchell releases new collection

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Harpist Emily Mitchell, newly appointed artist-in-residence and professor of harp in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music, has released her fourth CD of compositions by American flutist and composer Gary Schocker.

Recorded under the Albany Records label, "Changes" includes three pieces for solo harp, a piece for flute and harp, on which Schocker joins Mitchell in the performance, and two pieces for harp duo with harpist Jaymee Haefner, assistant professor of harp and director for undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas, also performing with Mitchell.

"All works on the CD are world premiere recordings," said Mitchell, who presented the recordings at the Bright Ideas Conference 2016, an annual event that highlights faculty research, scholarship and artistry at SFA.

An acknowledged concerto soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, Mitchell has performed around the globe, including in the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Brazil, Israel and Canada. She has toured 48 states of the United States under the auspices of Community Concerts for Columbia Artists Management. Mitchell has been profiled on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee," CNN, CNBC, Arts & Entertainment, the BBC, DRS-Swiss TV, the New York Times' WQXR, Radio France, National Public Radio's "Performance Today" and in People Magazine.

Mitchell enjoyed a 30-year career in New York City where she was principal harpist for Eos Orchestra, an established name in the television, motion picture and recording studios, and taught on the distinguished faculties of New York University and Purchase College. She also performed with the New York City Ballet and American Symphony Orchestras as well as the Broadway orchestras of "42nd Street," "The Producers," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Light in the Piazza" and "Wicked."