Mitch Landy

Combining a classical music education (M.A. in musicology, U.C. Berkeley) with an eclectic musical taste, Mitch Landy brings a fresh approach to the harp. Until 1991 a resident of Philadelphia, Mitch was active in that city's Irish music community. It was his immersion in Irish music that exposed him to the magic of the Celtic harp.

Having won a prize on the Celtic harp at the 1995 International Pop & Jazz Harpfest, Mitch now focuses his talents on the rich harmonic potential of the pedal harp, arranging jazz classics from the twenties and thirties, along with contemporary songs, and improvisation; and of course, classical pieces, including his own compositions. Never limited to the existing repertoire of published harp music, Mitch continues to perform predominantly his own arrangements, and brings a style of his own to everything he plays. Though he now plays the pedal harp primarily, he maintains a reputation for doing surprising things on the lever, or Celtic, harp.

In addition to weddings and gala events (both solo and with flutists), Mitch has played solo concerts in the San Francisco Bay area, as well as restaurants, hotels, and tea rooms; and, recently, the 20th annual Festival of Harps.