Elizabeth Hainen, IRIS Orchestra & Michael Stern - Les Amis - Debussy & Caplet

On 'Les Amis', Elizabeth Hainen, principal harpist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, offers a rare pairing of works by French compatriots Claude Debussy and Andr� Caplet, partnered by her own amis, conductor Michael Stern, the IRIS Orchestra, flautist Jeffrey Khaner and violist Roberto Diaz.

Elizabeth Hainen's first release for Avie spanned three centuries of Harp Concertos. Her Kickstarter-funded release, 'Les Amis', features a rare pairing of works by Claude Debussy and Andr� Caplet, exploring the composers' friendship through their respective works Danse sacr�e and Danse profane, and the evocative Masque of the Red Death, with Michael Stern and the IRIS Orchestra. Rounding out the recording, Elizabeth solos with a transcription of Debussy's Petite Suite, originally for solo piano, and Caplet's Divertissements, and is joined by her own amis, fellow Philadelphia Orchestra principal flautist Jeffrey Khaner and violist Roberto Diaz, President of the Curtis Institute, in Debussy's Trio Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp.

Personnel: Elizabeth Hainen (harp), IRIS Orchestra, Michael Stern (conductor), Jeffrey Khaner (flute), Roberto Diaz (viola)

Critical acclaim for Elizabeth Hainen's Harp Concertos:

The entire production has class and great aural resonance, a real delight to add to an otherwise neglected body of music. - Audiophile Audition

Hainen plays with impressive virtuosity. - Fanfare

The tonal range of Hainen's playing, coupled with her technical finesse and sense of style, bring allure to the entire disc. - The Daily Telegraph