Celebrating 25 Years of GreenSpring’s American Youth Harp Ensemble

The American Youth Harp Ensemble (AYHE), founded by Lynnelle Ediger, has been acclaimed a “national cultural treasure” by the Cultural Arts Director, U.S. Department of State. We provide life-changing experiences for youth, regardless of financial means, background, or disability, utilizing the harp as a catalyst for personal growth, community service, and social change. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the harp community for your unwavering support.

25 Years By the Numbers

1,000,000+ Audience Annually (Live & Broadcast)

11 CD Recordings 2 Grammy Considerations

100+ Performances Annually

44 National & International Tours

100+ Harp Ensemble Music Commissions

4,000+ Alumni

2 Locations – Richmond, VA & Frederick, MD

2 Tuition-free outreach programs serving an

average of 500 students annually

Timeline

1994 – It all begins when recent Oberlin Conservatory graduate Lynnelle Ediger moves to Richmond, VA, to direct the Richmond Public Schools Harp Ensemble. From the beginning, she envisions the creation of a harp-centered music education organization, building the foundation for what will become the American Youth Harp Ensemble and HARPS Foundation.

1995 – The Academy of Music, Summer Music Institutes, and Harp Therapy Outreach Programs begin.

1996 – The Harping in the Hospitals Outreach Program begins.

December 1st, 1999 – IRS grants non-profit status to the HARPS Foundation – Harp Advocates Reaching People with Special Needs/AYHE.

1997 – To reach more students, the AYHE is formed separately from the school system.

2001 – First of four sold-out AYHE feature performances in Carnegie Hall.

2004 – Sound Experiences Outreach Program begins.

2008 – Programming in Frederick, MD, our second location, begins.

2018 – Rebrand to the GreenSpring Foundation and GreenSpring American Youth Harp Ensemble.

2021 – AYHE Alumni Trey Nunnally assumes position of Director of Harp Ensembles, Outreach Programs, and Marketing Communications.

2024 – The GreenSpring Foundation, GreenSpring American Youth Harp Ensemble, and GreenSpring Outreach Programs continue creating a more beautiful and equitable world through harp- centered music education and performance programs.

Performance Highlights

The American Harp Ensemble has toured to 15 countries across three continents multiple times, including 9 UK Tours.

National Venues

Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center

AHS Conferences, AHS Summer Institute

Carnegie Hall

John F. Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center Honors

National Cathedral

U.S. Department of State

White House, East Room

United Nations, NYC

Two PBS hour-long specials

International Tours

Australia

World Harp Congress, Sydney

Austria

Mendelssohn Hall University of Music

and Performing Arts, Vienna, Melk Abbey

Belgium

St. Michael’s Church, Ghent

Canada

Cathedral de Notre Dame, Montreal

England

St. John’s Smith Square,

Winchester Cathedral, St. George’s Chapel,

Windsor Castle, Southwark Cathedral,

Jacqueline du Pré Concert Hall,

Abbey Road Studios

France

American Cathedral, Salle Gaveau

Germany

Aachen Cathedral

Ireland

Christ Church Cathedral

Italy

Sala Puccini Milan Conservatory,

Schola Cantorum, Rome

Netherlands

Basilica of Saint Servatius,

Maastricht, North Church, Amsterdam

Norway

Oslo City Hall

Queen Mary 2 – Transatlantic Crossing

Scotland

Edinburgh Easter Festival

Wales

St. David’s Cathedral

We are looking forward to our next 25 years!

We could not be here without the help of our generous donors. Will you help us continue our legacy of supporting musicians?