Camac Blog
A vision in Pastel: The Debut Album from Mélanie Laurent
November 22, 2025
Gold medalist of the USA International Harp Competition and solo harpist of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, Mélanie Laurent is undoubtedly one of the most eminent French harpists working today. Given her background, she has a natural affinity with the ethereal music of her compatriots. In tribute to the exquisite lightness of French repertoire, Mélanie titled her debut album Pastel, a word rich with delicate connotations. We asked Mélanie what this title specifically meant to her. “The album title resonates with me in several ways. First, it's a nod to my origins, through the pastel flower, nicknamed ‘the blue gold" of Toulouse. It also represents a palette of soft, subtle colors, as well as a drawing medium, like the harp, allowing me to paint an impressionistic universe full of nuances. These hues evoke delicacy, transparency, and subtlety, suggesting without imposing.”Read more…
‘Bringing a work to life’: Camac harps at the ARD competition
September 13, 2023
The ARD International Music Competition (Internationaler Musikwettbewerb der ARD) has become one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind, and is globally recognised. After an exceptional final round, Alexandra Bidi was declared joint second prize. We managed to catch up with her, and ask her about her experiences as a competitor. Read more…
François Pernel: A most unusual performance…
August 22, 2023
Any freelance harpist has to be open to possibilities. It is one of the magical but unpredictable things about being a performer. Who will hear you on this occasion, who could open the next door to opportunity? One job leads to another, and it’s how performers move from performance to performance. When our François played at the marriage of Surgeon, Dr. Philippe Paillard, a chance remark led to a most unusual performance… Read more…
A Catch-up with Emily Hopkins and a Teenage Kraken!
August 16, 2023
Harpist Emily Hopkins has accomplished that most difficult thing, to use technology and modern platforms to bring us into her world and draw us closer to her art: “Helping other harpists, composers, and musicians learn about the world of pedal effects not only helped me discover and express my artistry, but my confidence in it as well." Read more…
