Juan Riveros is one of a new generation of harpists bridging a variety of styles and artistic avenues, building audiences and fostering fresh appreciation for an instrument with ancient and diverse traditions. A seasoned soloist, Riveros’ experience includes performances at the Rio Harp Festival (2023 and 2024), São Paulo Harp Festival, solo recitals through the American Harp Society’s Winner’s Outreach Program, and the 2019 and 2022 USA International Harp Competitions. Accolades 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. In 2022, Riveros premiered Sami Seif’s Harp Concerto, written for and dedicated to the performer.
Riveros’ orchestral experience includes performances as Guest Principal Harp with ensembles such as the Cleveland Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Opera Orchestra, Louisville Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Cleveland Repertory Orchestra, Round Top Festival Orchestra, and the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. During his NYO-USA residency and tour of Latin America, Riveros recorded Ravel’s Introduction et allegro, debuted at Carnegie Hall, and premiered Gabriela Lena-Frank’s, Apu: Tone Poem for Orchestra.
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. Academic studies included seminars with Diane Urista, Samuel Bivens, Marshall Griffith, Timothy Cutler, and Susan McClary. In 2023, Riveros received an International Postgraduate Certificate in Harp Performance and Research from the National University of the Arts (Argentina). His other previous instructors include Joan Raeburn Holland (Interlochen Arts Academy) and Alison Read. Riveros is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Theory at the University of Michigan.
Currently, Riveros is the Instructor of Harp at Michigan State University, serving as a member of the String Area faculty. Additionally, he maintains a studio of private harp students in both English and Spanish. In his instruction, Riveros is devoted to crafting constructive approaches to harp pedagogy and music theory fundamentals. Prior teaching experience includes masterclasses for various American Harp Society chapters, the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program (TDP), and the University of Michigan. Classroom experience includes teaching undergraduate sections of music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music and University of Michigan. 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. His first published work, “Concert Fantasy on Pajaro Campana,”is available for purchase through Lyon & Healy (www.harp.com).
Riveros serves as the Diversity Coordinator for the American Harp Society (AHS), working with the Society members and leadership to provide representation and resources for the diverse membership of the Society. Additionally, Riveros serves as the Co-Chair of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Committee. He is the Administrative Coordinator of the American Harp Institute with Yolanda Kondonassis.
Riveros performs on a Lyon and Healy Salzedo harp, as well as a Camac Llanera and an arpa llanera made by J. J. Martin in Colombia.
