"She demonstrated so much strength and power in her performance. That's terrific because it is such an integral thing. It is one of the characteristics we see in prodigy performers. Her musical ability is outstanding. She hears well, listens well, interprets well and she communicates well. It is very clear that Vanessa is not only willing but eager to apply herself and test her own limits. That personal commitment is essential and critical to success." ~Dr. JoAn Kunselman, Professor of Musicology |
| It was during her first harp lesson, at the age of nine, that Dr. Fountain (née Sheldon) discovered her life’s vocation, a career in harp performance. A native Southern Californian, she holds a Bachelor's and Master’s of Music in harp performance from the California State University Los Angeles, where she was named the CSU system's youngest to receive a graduate degree. In 2005 she earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in harp and musicology from the University of Arizona, where she was the Graduate Teaching Assistant to professor Carrol McLaughlin and assistant director of the world-renown HarpFusion. She has also been honored as the University of Arizona's youngest doctoral graduate, receiving her degree at age 19. Dr. Fountain has performed as a member and guest soloist with countless chamber ensembles, orchestras, and bands across the United States. Highlights of her international tours include concerts in Shanghai, Seoul, Madrid and South Africa. At the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. she premiered "Reverie" by Masatoshi Mitsumoto for solo harp. Her programs include new music for harp in all genres, including her own transcriptions, compositions and arrangements. In addition to playing for such notables as Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Tippi Hedren, Barbara Sinatra, Florence Henderson and John Bayless, she has played as an honorary guest at UCLA, the Colburn School, at the California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education at UC Santa Cruz, for the Japanese Ambassador and Embassy, and appeared as guest artist with world-renown cellists Michael Cameron and Masatoshi Mitsumoto, as well as the Anderson String Quartet, Barry Manilow and Il Divo. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her performance, including the Valeria Finzi Memorial Harp Competition two years consecutively and has been named as a Medici Scholar and in Who's Who Among American Women. She is also a member of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key International Honour Society. As a member of the Venice Youth Pops Orchestra, Dr. Sheldon was featured in a Southern California Edison television commercial. Other television appearances include feature-length stories on ABC's 20/20, KUAT's Arizona Illustrated, and KGUN 9 News, in addition to radio appearances. Dr. Fountain currently concertizes by request in a variety of venues throughout Southern California as well as nationally and internationally as a soloist and ensemble member on various harp types ranging from Celtic to electric. Resume of previous performances |
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage concert- one hour live performance video "Vanessa played her program with such grace and virtuosity, which dazzled the audience completely." Mariko Hiller, director, Odeon Chamber Music Series "Dr. Vanessa is the finest harpist in the Coachella Valley. She is a true professional and is always my first option when I need to hire a harpist.I hope she continues to be available for my events for a long time." Jon McGihon, Director of Music, Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church |
Concert Harpist
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