Julie Bunzel

Harpist Julie Bunzel was a multiple prize winner at the 15th International Harp Contest in Israel, in 2003. Her prizes included: over-all 2nd Prize, the Propes Prize for best performance of the Commissioned Israeli Composition, and the Chamber Music Award for the best performance of the Introduction and Allegro by Ravel. A native of San Francisco, Julie immigrated to Israel in 1993. She has toured with orchestras and performed solo in the United States, Australia, Europe, Alaska, China, and South America. In Israel, Julie performs frequently with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and has appeared as soloist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, and Raanana Symphonette. Julie has had the privilege to appear under the great batons of Zubin Mehta, Giuseppe Sinopoli, Gustavo Dudamel, Valery Gergiev, Vag Papian, Gary Bertini, Mikko Franck, and more. Julie also performs solo and chamber music in Israel reaching thousands of listeners. Known for her avant-garde transcriptions of Francis Poulenc, Julie has recorded and performed her transcriptions at the World Harp Congress, American Harp Society National Conference, as well as concertizing in Israel and the United States. She was also invited by Salvi Harps to perform her special transcriptions in Italy, as well as teaching a Master Class. In 1987, Julie was awarded a full 4-year scholarship to the University of Michigan School of Music where she received her Bachelor’s of Music Degree. She was Principal Harp at the Salzburg Music Festival, performed at the Aspen Music Festival, was a semi-finalist at the International Harp Competition in Wales, finalist at the American Harp Society’s Young Artist’s Program, and won the Concerto Competition at the University of Michigan, playing the Harp Concerto by Ginastera.