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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
September WAGG event to feature “Heavenly Notes”
If you’ve ever wondered what kind of music will be in heaven, September’s WAGG (Winfield Area Grateful Gathering) Event is for you. Our featured musician will be Gretchen Brumwell, a Cedar Rapids harpist, on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m. at Winfield’s First Presbyterian Church.
Gretchen Brumwell is principal harpist of Orchestra Iowa and an active performer throughout Eastern Iowa. In addition to her work as an orchestral and freelance musician, she has appeared as a featured soloist with many area symphonies, including the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony and Orchestra Iowa. As a chamber musician, she is a regular performer on Orchestra Iowa’s Showcase Chamber series.
A passionate educator, Brumwell serves as harp instructor at the University of Northern Iowa, Coe College, and the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival as well as maintaining an active private studio. She directs the Brumwell Studio Harp Ensemble and for many years was the director of the Orchestra Iowa School’s Harp Ensemble. Brumwell also serves as president of the Eastern Iowa Chapter of the American Harp Society, dedicated to bringing together a community of local harpists.
Brumwell has premiered and recorded several newly-composed works: Jeremy Beck’s “ Songs Without Words” for harp and flute, and Andrew Earle Simpson’s “ Four Views of Pompeii” for string quartet and harp. In 2006, the Orchestra Iowa School’s Harp Ensemble released a Christmas album, under her direction.
Brumwell followed an unusual path to the field of music, receiving a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and humanities from Grace University before earning her master’s degree in harp performance from Rice University. She has studied with Paula Page, Mary Bircher, and the legendary Alice Chalifoux.
Everyone is welcome to attend the WAGG Event! Join us for refreshments and fellowship following Gretchen’s heavenly musical performance. There will be a free will donation for future WAGG Events.
