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Laura Zaerr
(541) 346-3709
lauraz@peak.org

Laura Zaerr is an adjunct instructor of harp at the University of Oregon. She joined the UO faculty in 2001, replacing the recently-retired Sally Maxwell, with whom she studied at Oregon, obtaining a bachelor's degree in music performance and composition. Zaerr was a three-time recipient of the Ruth Lorraine Close Award for musical studies. In 1981-82 she studied harp in Paris with Bertille Fournier. She has a master's degree in harp performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Eileen Malone. While at Eastman, she recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Benita Valente, and James Galway.

Zaerr's artistry as a soloist earned her the honor of being included on the American Harp Society Concert Artist Program. In this capacity she performed solo recitals throughout the United States. In Oregon she has appeared as part of the Abbey Bach Festival and the OSU Winter Music Festival. She has also appeared as 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, Zaerr is a member of the Portland-based Oregon Renaissance Band as well as the Celtic band Village Green, based in Corvallis. She has also served as harpist for the Alaskan Cruise ship S.S. Universe Explorer.

In addition to harp performance, Zaerr studied composition at the University of Oregon with Derek Healey. Her compositions include works for string quartet, woodwind quintet, choir, and most recently a concerto for Celtic harp and orchestra. Zaerr blends her strong classical background with her love of Celtic music to achieve a dazzling showcase for the popular Celtic harp.

Zaerr's artistic interests extend beyond classical music. She has collaborated in storytelling with her sister Linda Marie, who is a medievalist. Their consort Psalite presents a collage of poetry, drama, and music from the Middle Ages. Their work can be seen and heard on a video of The Weddyng of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnel, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.

With the help of her father, Zaerr renovated a single-action pedal harp built in Paris in 1892. Zaerr's exquisite performances of little-known classical harp works on this unique and beautiful instrument has gained national attention. The music of this instrument can be heard on two compact discs on the Pandourion label, L'autre jour... and One Horse Open Sleigh.

Zaerr is also an instructor at Willamette University in Salem, and at Linn-Benton Community College. She has been guest teacher for harp festivals and workshops throughout the Northwest and Canada, and has organized several local concerts and workshops. She also maintains a lively private studio.