DATE: SAT, NOV 11, 8 PM
VENUE: LeFrak Concert Hall
TICKETS: $30 for All (No Fees!)

Brandee Younger is a Grammy-nominated harpist making waves for becoming the first Black female solo artist nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category for her song “Beautiful Is Black” at the 2022 Grammy ceremony. Ravi Coltrane of The New York Times praises Younger, saying, “No harpist thus far has been more capable of combining all of the modern harp traditions.” Collaborating with artists such as Beyonce, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, and more, Younger demonstrates her ability to seamlessly inject the harp into arrangements and venues where it has historically been overlooked. Younger’s achievements are a testament to her deep love for and exemplary command of the instrument.

“Younger has almost single-handedly made a persuasive argument for the harp’s role in contemporary jazz,” (The New York Times)

“No harpist thus far has been more capable of combining all of the modern harp traditions — from Salzedo, through Dorothy Ashby, through Alice Coltrane — with such strength, grace and commitment” (The New York Times)

A versatile artist who has been proven to defy genres and labels, this young harpist has created a unique niche in both traditional and non-traditional harp arenas. In addition to expressively interpreting traditional harp repertoire, Ms Younger is most recognized for working with Jazz royalty as well as Grammy winning Hip-Hop producers and artists. Her ability to feature the harp in genres of music where the instrument is often absent is a testament of her love for the instrument, and her cross-reaching ability as a musician.

A classically trained harpist, Ms. Younger received her undergraduate degrees in Harp Performance and Music Business at the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford Connecticut, where she was also mentored by the faculty of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and African American Studies. Her studies at Hartt, coupled by the mentorship of the jazz department would serve as the foundation for her career as an innovative harpist.