Biography
It all started when shakuhachi master Shawn Renzoh Head and harpist Susanna Campbell met at Retrospect Coffee Bar to discuss a concert collaboration. Fusing the eastern music and culture of the Japanese flute with the western aesthetic of the modern pedal harp appealed to both artists and a new musical initiative was born. Shoso Duo gave their debut performance on February 24, 2018 at Campbell Learning Center in Houston, TX. This concert was followed up with a repeat performance at the International Christian Church of Houston on May 21, 2018, and two additional concerts are scheduled for summer 2018. Shoso Duo hopes to promote the harp and shakuhachi at home and abroad as viable instruments for all to enjoy and for anyone with a passion for music to learn how to play.
Susanna Campbell is a passionate and experienced music educator and performer based in Houston, Texas. Recent concert highlights include the world premiere of Gary Schocker’s Heaven’s Above for the American Harp Society’s National Conference in Atlanta, the debut concert of the New Houston Harp Ensemble, and performances with AURORA – a harp, flute, and cello ensemble embracing classical repertoire while championing contemporary music by emerging composers. Susanna is principal harpist with the the Round Rock Symphony and Houston Civic Symphony. In addition to performing, she maintains a private harp and piano studio and takes great delight in training and mentoring young musicians. Susanna also teaches music classes at Lone Star College, is on faculty at the Houston Summer Harp Festival, and is music director at King’s Cross in Cypress, Texas. She holds a Master’s Degree in Harp Performance from Stephen F. State University where she studied with Ms. Emily Mitchell.