LUMBERTON, N.J. (Burlington County Times) — Ruth Boyajian is just 13, but her age melts away when she takes the stage and wows the audience as her fingers glide over the strings of her harp.
The teen has performed solo and as part of ensembles at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. She has also played with some of the world’s most renowned harpists.
Last year, she was a finalist in one of the Delaware Valley’s most prestigious children’s music events, the Philadelphia Orchestra Albert M. Greenfield Student Competition.
“It’s really fun and exciting to be onstage, but I do get nervous,” the talented teen said.
This July, Boyajian will travel to Vancouver, British Columbia, to participate in the World Harp Congress. She was one of 26 selected worldwide to participate in the nonprofit’s Focus on Youth Advisory. Only eight of the harpists will come from the United States for the two-week program.
Even with her experience and accolades, Boyajian knew it would be difficult to be accepted into the prestigious program. Just to be considered, she had to record five solos (about 25 minutes of music total), write a biography and get recommendations.