HomeNewsHappy anniversary to Lyra Society

Happy anniversary to Lyra Society

Photo credit: Peter Blaikie at Bachrach Photo
Photo credit: Peter Blaikie at Bachrach Photo
Photo credit: Peter Blaikie at Bachrach Photo

The nonprofit Lyra Society recently celebrated its 20th anniversary during a Harp’N Hoedown at BLDG39 at the Frankford Arsenal.

Founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Hainen, Principal Harp of The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Lyra Society provides harps, harp lessons and harp presentations at no cost to students in the School District of Philadelphia.

“My goal in founding Lyra was to reignite music education in schools, despite the limited resources available in many city schools,” Hainen said.

Lyra also provides college and financial aid guidance, which has contributed to 100% of Lyra graduates – many of whom are first-generation, low-income students – continuing their education in colleges, universities and conservatories.

Executive Director Helen Gerhold, a professional harpist and longtime contributor to Lyra, said. “I want to share with students the magic we feel every day when we play in an orchestra or collaborate with other musicians. Our programs bring that feeling into ‘underserved’ communities.”

The anniversary celebration featured live bluegrass-classical music from The Philadelphia Orchestra. Proceeds from the sold-out event will fund Lyra’s programs. ••

Philadelphia
broken clouds
44.9 ° F
46.8 °
42.8 °
61 %
2.9mph
75 %
Thu
50 °
Fri
56 °
Sat
60 °
Sun
58 °
Mon
63 °

STAY CONNECTED

11,235FansLike
2,089FollowersFollow

Related articles

5

Be All You Can Be

October 24, 2024

10

Around Town

October 14, 2024

11

Famous Birthdays

October 14, 2024

13

Reunions

October 10, 2024

15

Community Pride Award for GBCL

September 30, 2024

20

Around Town

September 28, 2024

23

Scholars

September 28, 2024

24

Sports briefs

September 28, 2024

25

Jerry McGovern, at your service

September 28, 2024

26

A family affair

September 28, 2024

27

Manor opens Nursing Skills Lab

September 28, 2024

28

Gill wants penalties for ‘car...

September 28, 2024
Community Calendar

29

Community Calendar

September 28, 2024

30

Chloe is a snuggler

September 28, 2024

32

Website accepting prayer requests

September 28, 2024

34

TWU 234 backs Dougherty

September 28, 2024

36

Around Town

September 27, 2024

38

Election ballot finalized

September 27, 2024