Birds of Paradise

Released via Azica Records on September 12, 2025

In the discussion on women and classical music, perhaps no other instrument draws such a strong association with feminine stereotypes as the harp. Once the instrument of choice for respectable young ladies, it was considered suitable for the domestic sphere and the world of private salons. And yet, as the harp made its way out of the home and into the concert hall, its publicity was championed by male performers, playing the music of male composers. Often overlooked are the women—performers and composers alike—who revolutionized the instrument and gave it a solo voice.

Birds of Paradise celebrates the artistic voices of women as both performers and creators. Featured works include Renié’s Trio, the first major work written for this combination of instruments, alongside the world premiere recording of Negrón’s Ave del paraíso and the first recording of Esmail’s Saans as arranged for harp, violin, and cello.

Listeners are invited to experience this dynamic sound world, full of color and warmth, created and performed by women.

Angélica Negrón’s Ave del paraíso (World Premiere Recording)

Photo Credit: Catalina Kulczar

Angélica Negrón’s (pictured above) Ave del paraíso was commissioned as part of Emily Levin’s GroundWork(s) commissioning project. Inspired by the tropical bird of paradise plant, Negrón describes the piece as “an exercise in musicalizing the striking beauty of natural forms as a way to preserve them in memory.” Ave del paraíso incorporates field recordings of birds from Negrón’s home of Puerto Rico, offering a multilayered sonic reflection on utopian and idyllic views of places that have deeply complicated histories. Levin’s GroundWorks premieres works in the composers’ home cities, and Ember gave the world premiere performance of Ave del paraíso at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico.

Photo Credit: Dario Acosta

The three musicians of Ember bring exceptional credentials to this project. Emily Levin, the only American to win top prizes at both the USA International Harp Competition and the International Harp Contest in Israel, is currently Principal Harp of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and has served as guest principal with the Boston and Chicago Symphony Orchestras, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Houston Symphony.

Julia Choi, praised for her “delightful idiosyncrasy” and “involving performances,” (The Classical Source) is a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra’s First Violin section and has appeared as a guest musician with leading ensembles including the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, as well as the Atlanta, Detroit, New Jersey, and San Diego Symphonies. A prizewinner in several national competitions including the LISMA, Caprio, and New York Competitions, she was recently featured on the cover of Real Woman magazine for her inspiring musical journey.

Cellist Christine Lamprea, noted for her “supreme panache” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer), is a winner of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2013, and has performed with major orchestras nationwide. Her soloist debut recording with the Detroit Symphony was released on Albany Records, featuring a concerto written for her by Jeffrey Mumford. Her Songs of Colombia Suite includes arrangements of traditional South American tunes and has been performed at the Colombian Embassy and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Track List

Ember
Emily Levin, harp; Julia Choi, violin; and Christine Lamprea, cello

[1-4] Henriette Renié: Trio in B-flat Major (29:50)

I. Allegro risoluto
II. Scherzo. Vivace scherzando con spirito
III. Andante
IV. Final. Allegro

[5] Reena Esmail: Saans (8:59)

[6] Angélica Negrón: Ave del paraíso (9:09) *

Producers: Alan Bise & Emily Levin
Recording Engineer: Alan Bise
Mastering: Alan Bise
Photography: Dario Acosta & Vanessa Brice
Graphic Design: Danielle Reeves
Creative Editor: Vannesa Nates

Recorded March 13-15 2024, Van Cliburn Concert Hall, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX

*world premiere recording