Biography

Diana Rowan, M.M.

Diana Rowan's unique upbringing gives her music a cosmopolitan, timeless flavor. Born in Ireland, Diana has lived in Washington, D.C., Belgium, and the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Having played music since childhood, each place has influenced Diana's heart and artistic spirit, creating a musician with classical discipline and traditional soul. Her critically acclaimed CD Panta Rhei can be heard and purchased at www.pantarheicd.com and other outlets.

Diana’s classical training (MM Piano Performance, under Tchaikovsky Piano Competition prize-winner Roy Bogas, intensive ongoing studies with Alice Giles, 1st prize-winner of the Israel International Harp Contest) intersects with her love for Balkan, Eastern European, Sephardic and Middle Eastern music to create compelling solo and ensemble performances. Currently collaborating with her mentor Bon Singer's vocal ensemble Ya Elah, vocal virtuosa Lily Storm, and rising early music stars San Francisco Renaissance Voices, Diana can also be heard on several CDs including her debut solo album Panta Rhei. Diana’s second album, The Bright Knowledge, will be released 2008.

"I found Diana to be not only a skillful harpist, but a consummate professional and
a true pleasure to work with."
A & J, Oakland

Diana loves to perform the music of the great classical composers as well as the joyous, mystical music of the Mediterranean, Jewish, and Celtic traditions. Diana Rowan’s musical repertoire encompasses a wide range of styles and cultural influences, allowing personalization of your event to your own cultural heritage. Diana can alternate between piano and harp performance at your event, enhancing the variety of sound and romance.

“The music was beautiful - a perfect blend of our Irish and Israeli roots.”
M & R, Berkeley

“...such a thoughtful personalization of the reception music.
We really appreciate your talent, your professionalism, and your kindness.” 
A & D, Half Moon Bay

Repertoire playlists [Classical] [Celtic] [Jewish/Mediterranean]

Cithara Nova:
A New Standard of Harp

The harp is an ancient musical instrument, derived from the bow and arrow in Mesopotamia. Over the centuries the instrument has become a symbol of cultures as diverse as Celtic, Jewish, and South American.

Diana Rowan's cherished instrument is the Cithara Nova harp, crafted by renowned luthier John Westling, and described by its maker as "a quantum leap above anything we have built in terms of sound." This revolutionary harp's design results in rich bass tones, while light string tension throughout allows pure, clear treble tones - the perfect solo instrument. Visually beautiful, it stands five and a half feet tall.

“The traditional harp has a richer, colorful, more harmonically complete voice. Traditional harps tell ancient stories, they dance jigs at weddings and reels on a hot summer night, they mourn at funerals; they speak in voices as personal and subtle and complex as life itself.” 

William Rees, master harp luthier

Visit other harpists at The Harp Ring