Celia Chan Valerio, Harpist

Celia Chan Valerio is the Adjunct Professor of Harp for La Sierra University, Harp Instructor, University of California Riverside and former principal harpist of the Sarasota Orchestra, Florida. She teaches privately and performs as a solo harpist in Southern California.

Celia has been playing the harp professionally for 20 years. During this time, she has received many awards and prizes in various competitions including the Anne Adams Awards, American String Teachers Association--State and National Competition, American Harp Society Competition, Redlands Bowl Competition, and Music Teachers Association Competition. She has also been recognized on an international level in the USA International Harp Competition. Celia has released two solo CD’s: Favorites: Hymns and Classics and Favorites: Christmas. She has performed as a soloist for the American Harp Society National Conference, World Harp Congress Convention, Indianapolis Arts Council, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Brandstater Gallery Concert Series. She has performed extensively around the United States as well as Australia, Canada, France, and Mexico.

Celia holds a Bachelor of Music from La Sierra University and a Master and Doctor of Music in harp performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington where she completed her studies under the direction of world-renown Susann McDonald. Celia is a native of Loma Linda where she resides with her husband and daughter.