The Brandywine Harp Orchestra was organized in 2000 by Janet Witman, a nationally recognized harpist, teacher and arranger. The harp orchestra consists of 15 harpers of diverse ages with seasoned harp skills and extensive musical backgrounds from the Brandywine Valley of Southeastern PA, DE and MD.

Their programs feature the many talents of its members- choreographed dancing, solo and choral singing, poetry, percussion, storytelling, original compositions and special musical guests. They have delighted audiences at Longwood Gardens, Mt Gretna Tabernacle, the Everett Theater, the American Harp Society 2004 National Conference, Smyrna Opera House, Williamsburg Scottish Games, and Beginning in the Middle Harp Conference and over a hundred church and community concert series. They have produced two best selling Cds.

In 2009 they were the first American celtic harp orchestra to perform at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in the festival’s 29-year history. In August 2010 they were featured playing with the Kennett Symphony at Longwood Gardens to a sell out crowd.

Brandywine Harps I
Brandywine Harps II
Janet Witman - Music Director - Brandywine Harps

Janet Witman

Music Director of the Brandywine Harp Orchestra

Email: BrandywineHarps@gmail.com

From the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Janet Witman has successfully crisscrossed the realms of classical and celtic music. She is a classical protege of Marilyn Costello, former principal harpist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Janet has been featured soloist with Allentown Symphony, Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, Hilton Head and Kennett Symphony.

In 1999 she won the U.S. National Scottish Harp Championship and the All Eastern Scottish Open in 2000. Her trip to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival inspired her to form the Brandywine Harp Orchestra- a group of 17 celtic harpers- similiar to the harp orchestras of Scotland and Ireland. She has produced two best selling Cds with the ensemble, and her harp arrangements are sold nationally and internationally.

In April 2009 the Brandywine Harp Orchestra made their European debut and became the first American harp orchestra to perform at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in 29 years.