Juliana Lillie Beckel is an internationally accomplished harpist who has recently relocated to New York City. Prior to her move, she made her professional home in Hong Kong for seven years, nurturing a diverse career as a soloist, orchestral harpist, and chamber musician.
Most recently, Ms. Beckel’s artistic passions have focused on chamber music. She is a founding member of the Hong Kong Harp Quartet and the Lilac Trio (harp, flute, viola). With these groups, she has had concert engagements in the Netherlands, Italy, Korea, and Hong Kong. With the Lilac Trio, she was a featured performer in the lecture series for The 9th Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival. Additional chamber music work includes work as a guest artist with Premiere Performances, an acclaimed organization that brings internationally celebrated artists to Hong Kong. With this organization she performed the world premiere of a chamber work, The Beat of the Dragon Boat, at an outreach concert for young audiences at the Asia Society. Additionally, Ms. Beckel partook in multiple salon concerts hosted by the organization where she introduced audiences to contemporary pieces never before heard in Hong Kong.
As an orchestral harpist, Juliana recently had an active tenure performing as principal harpist of the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK). With this group of musicians, she performed in every major concert venue in Hong Kong and appeared at Le French May (an International Arts Carnival), the Hong Kong International Piano Competition, RTHK Radio 4’s annual Christmas concerts, as well as recording with the CCOHK on projects featuring famed percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
As a soloist, she has been a top prize winner in competitions hosted by the American Harp Society, the Fleadh Cheoil (Ireland), and the Scottish Highland Games. She has been sought after by luxury clients including Chanel, Piaget, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and many more. She was the resident harpist for three years at the famed Restaurant Petrus at the Hotel Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong. Her solo performances have been heard by celebrities including Michael Jordan, Colin Powell, the Qatari Royal Family, and Tony Blair. She performed in concert with local Hong Kong Canto-pop stars Kelly and The Twins.
In addition to her solo and orchestral endeavors, Juliana is a passionate educator and promoter of the harp. She has been recognized by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) for her excellence in producing distinction level students and has coached students to success in the highest level of Diploma exams in both ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall curriculums. In recognition of her achievements as a performer and educator, she was asked to be a juror at the Hong Kong region of the AMIGDALA International Music Competition. Students of all ages and skill levels have blossomed under her tutelage.
Ms. Beckel earned her Bachelor of Music with honors at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she studied with the world renowned harpist Yolonda Kondonassis. Juliana completed her Master of Music with honors at Rice University where she was awarded a full merit scholarship and studied under her dear mentor, Paula Page.