International harpist to play with symphony

Carson City Symphony presents "Dances & Romances," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Directed by David Bugli, the concert features guest harpist Marina Roznitovsky.

Since coming to Reno in 2007 after graduating with several degrees in harp performance from Indiana University, Roznitovsky has created a niche for herself, teaching at University of Nevada, Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College and at her privately owned studio. She is the primary harpist for Susanville Symphony, Nevada Opera and the Reno Chamber Orchestra.

"I got a job here right after graduation and I really am happy here - I love the weather, this place and my job and I saw a lot of potential to create work for myself and introduce the harp to others," she said. "I was still young with a lot of energy and had great visions of what was possible."

Born in Ukraine, Roznitovsky moved with her mother to Israel when she was six.

"My mom is a musician and if I was interested in something she made sure I was able to try all kinds of art forms and many things, piano, dance, sports," she said. "Then she took me to an orchestra concert and I saw the harp and thought it was so beautiful how it looked and sounded."

Roznitovsky's mother enrolled her in lessons and before long, all other interests fell away.

"The harp took over and Mom made it look like I had chosen it by myself," she said.

Roznitovsky held her concerto debut at 13 and has been a featured soloist with numerous orchestras in the U.S. and Israel. She performed under the baton of Daniel Barenboim during a worldwide tour with the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, composed of musicians from Israel, Palestine, and other Arab countries. Her performances have been broadcast on television and radio in the United States and Israel.

Her mother had always dreamed that Roznitovsky would study abroad and when accepted at Indiana, they knew the dollars saved for college in Israel wouldn't go as far in the United States. But Roznitovsky had no doubt and believed if she worked hard she would figure her way through it.

"I fought through year by year, working several jobs and still keeping my grades up so I wouldn't lose my scholarship and I got it done," she said. "I look back sometimes and don't know how I did everything I did."

This commitment to hard work, discipline and focus continues to serve Roznitovsky well. She has received many awards, competed against the best in the world and created a thriving career for herself. All while doing what she loves.

In addition to presenting programs at area elementary and middle schools, Roznitovsky plays weddings and other private functions, has recorded two albums and heads up Classical Revolution, a "classical jam session," which will take place at Urban Beat.

"It's a great way for people to hear good music and enjoy a glass of wine in a very relaxed setting," she said.

For Saturday's performance, Roznitovsky

"You would be surprised how many harpists there are. Like anything else, unless you're in that world, you don't really know," she said. "But I have a long list of harpists I can call if someone would like to have someone play."

During Saturday's concert, Roznitovsky will give performances of Camille-Saint-Saens' "Morceau de Concert for Harp and Orchestra," and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's "Concertino for Harp."

Appearing with Carson City Symphony is something she and Bugli had discussed at social events with a "sometime in the future," approach.

"Then he asked me a few months ago and I am so excited to play with the symphony," she said. "Tedesco's work is less known, but really fun and I'm thrilled we've chosen these works.

"I just wish we had more concerts, because when you go on tour by the third or fourth performance, you can actually be in that place of just enjoying the moment and the music," she said.

The Symphony will also perform A. Paul Johnson's Symphony No. 1 ("The Romantic") and Elena Roussanova Lucas' "Tatarian Dances."

Pre-concert entertainment by the Consort Canzona on recorders, cello, and harpsichord, begins at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby. A meet-the-soloist preview with Bugli and Roznitovsky begins at 6:45 p.m. in the Sierra Room.

Tickets cost $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors, students and association members and free for age 16 and younger. Tickets are available at Play Your Own Music in the Carson Mall, 775-885-7529; on-line at ccsymphony.com, and at the door. For more information, call the Symphony at 775-883-4154 or visit ccsymphony.com.

To learn more about Roznitovsky, to book her for an event or to purchase her music, visit marinaharp.com or call 775-323-HARP.