LAURA PORTER, PRINCIPAL HARP

"The Fresno Philharmonic is Fresno's own treasure." -Laura Porter

BIOGRAPHY

Name: Laura Porter

Instruments played: Harp (both lever and pedal), Piano (a little), Voice

Member Since: 1988

Laura Porter has held the position of Principal Harp with the Fresno Philharmonic for twenty years. She is proud to be a full-time musician, keeping a schedule which includes private studio teaching, giving harp lessons for those ages 8 to 80, and performing with orchestras and chamber music groups not only here in Fresno, but also in Bakersfield and Modesto, and occasionally in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Sacramento. Laura works as a free-lance musician too, playing for weddings, as well as business and social events of every type.

Laura attended Mills College in Oakland for her Bachelors, then the University of Southern California for her Masters and other post-graduate work. She was the recipient of many prizes and awards during the course of her studies. 

In another aspect of her professional life, Laura is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 12, the local for the union which represents the musicians of the Fresno Philharmonic. She is also the delegate for the orchestra to the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association and serves on the Players’ Committee, which is the prime negotiating arm for the musicians of the Philharmonic.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, and working in her garden and planning renovations at her new ‘OLD’ house which she purchased recently in the Tower District. She shares the house with Saber the cat and seven harps of various sizes.

Visit Laura Porter's website at fresnoharpmusic.com or call 1-888-477-1487 for Porter Studio information.

FUN FACTS

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Favorite Symphony: Bartok Concerto for Orchestra or Mahler's First

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

Favorite Food: Coffee Ice Cream, Mint Chip Ice Cream, or Chocolate   

Favorite Color: Green or Blue

Worst School Subject: Geometry

Favorite Fresno Hangout: Irene's on Olive

Favorite Sport: Basketball

Favorite Band/Artist: Eagles or Fleetwood Mac

If you had a superpower, what would it be? The ability to travel somewhere instantaneously

Any "Hidden Talents"? Sewing, and other needle work

Describe Yourself in 5 words or less: Affectionate, Inquisitive, Hopeful, Performer, Teacher

RELATED LINKS

Musician Roster

Cynthia Stuart, violin
Claudia Shiuh, viola
Kathleen Sutherland, cello
Heidi Franklin, Bass
Janette Erickson, Flute
José Diaz, Oboe
Ginger Kroft Barnetson, Clarinet
Lauren Varley, Horn
Ron Franklin, Trumpet