Short Biography

Juan Riveros is one of a new generation of young harpists who bridge a variety of genres and artistic avenues, building audiences and fostering fresh appreciation for an instrument with ancient and diverse traditions. His numerous honors include Award Winner in the 2022 Lyon & Healy Awards, Outstanding Instrumentalist in Harp at the 2022 and 2023 Sphinx SOPA Competitions, Award Winner in the 2020 Anne Adams Awards Competition, Third Prize in the Young Professional Division of the 2019 American Harp Society National Competition, and Grand Prize in the Lewisville Lake International Concerto Competition. Orchestral experience includes performances as Guest Principal Harp with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, and Louisiana Philharmonic Orhcestra. Riveros holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Harp Performance and Music Theory from the Cleveland Institute of Music. where he studied with Yolanda Kondonassis. In 2023, Riveros received an International Postgraduate Certificate in Harp Performance and Research from the National University of the Arts (Argentina). Riveros is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Theory at the University of Michigan.

In addition to an active performance career, Riveros maintains a private studio of harp students, and teaches music theory at the University of Michigan. In his instruction, Riveros is devoted to crafting constructive approaches to harp pedagogy and music theory fundamentals. His research interests focus on providing accessible resources regarding the performance practice and repertoire of the harp (especially repertoire and traditions of Latin American origin), and music theory pedagogy. Riveros currently serves as the Diversity Coordinator for the American Harp Society (AHS), and serves as a committee member on the IDEA Committee and Membership Committee.