A Black Harpist’s Story | Ann Hobson | TEDxBeaconStreet

Ann Hobson Pilot, the former Boston Symphony principal harpist plays a beautiful work for solo harp by the Argentinian composer, Astor Piazzolla, while sharing some of her challenges as the first African American musician in both the Washington National Symphony and the Boston Symphony in the mid 1960s. Upon her retirement from a 40 year career with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, legendary principal harpist Ann Hobson Pilot retired in 2009
with a tribute concert featuring a Harp Concerto written especially for her by world famous composer John Williams. She performed the concerto at Symphony Hall in Boston as well as Carnegie Hall in NYC and with many orchestras around the country.
Ms. Pilot has also been the soloist with international orchestras in Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. She has several CD’s available including one called “Escualo” featuring the music of Piazzolla with violinist Lucia Lin and JP Jofre on bandoneon. Her most recent CD is titled “A Dream” and is a compilation of beautiful and meditative music for harp which includes “Chiquilin de Bachin”.
Audio Engineer: Gary Baldassari & Alexander Berne
Editor: Shawn Convey
Photographer: Alexander Berne
BSO photo: Michael Lutch This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@geraldineharp4043]

Dear Ann, what a treat to hear you play, listening to your beautiful tone and exquisite phrasing is like a masterclass.

[@alanmarlor9522]

Beautiful Ann. I really love working in my garden and listening to you practice in the afternoon. Makes me forget all the problems of the world.

[@jassinclair6239]

Just now discovering you! I’m sooo proud and thankful that you actually existed to inspire not only other musicians, but of our own People of Color. Thank you 😊

[@susanguillory8983]

Ann is a rare gem in the world of classical music

[@SomnaMBulist]

A vision beautifully rendered, thank you Ann Hobson.

[@andrewolewine8271]

What a powerhouse player you are !! I wept at the beginning and throughout the piece. Incredible! BRAVA!

[@hipharpist]

Ann is such legend, great musician, power house, inspiration!!

[@yomo4u]

Dear Ann, you have been, and are, such an incredible inspiration to so many of us. Thank you for sharing your magnificent poetic heartwarming music. The composition you played here so beautiful - It has found the perfect home in your hands. With love, Joan

[@eliascascante8387]

Lovely and brave Woman, extraordinary harpist. You're the inspiration of many people, including me 🤗🎶🌹❤🎵👏

[@judilynn9569]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@evitacobo5100]

Ann, this is beautiful and your story is heartbreaking. Thank you for telling us what happened to you and for sharing your touching music.

[@priscilla9845]

Thank you for your strength and determination for not giving in to the cruel and indignations of those who attempt to dehumanize us. Beautiful song played with a Harp. What an awesome gift. Many Blessings to you.

[@ninaandroski8858]

you are a remarkable woman and harpist! God Bless you!

[@langstonjones9184]

Bravo Bravo Ms. Dobson

[@normalavallen]

Que hermosa interpretación de Chiquilín de Bachín. Gracias por elegirla para una historia triste que mejor que el arpa de sonido tan dulce. Mi agradecimiento como argentina y aplausos a la artista musical.🇦🇷

[@yoli4220]

Thank you for sharing your story and talent very blessed by your video and playing

[@bernicesanders3148]

Beautiful. I would like to hear her story of learning to play the harp.

[@Paula-133]

Thank You Ann Hobson Pilot for all your beautiful music.

[@renkitjenkit]

Divine Godly playing.

[@thebes50]

Mrs. Hobson, your performance was beautiful. You are so precious. The story behind this song should make us all think deeply about our beliefs and convictions. And what we can do to make this world a better place for all people.

[@elizabethdechent6658]

Ms. Hobson-Pilot, Thank you so much for sharing your story and the beautiful music.

[@comoroca]

Healing sounds for the soul in difficult times. Thank you Ann!

[@renkitjenkit]

I am exceedingly PROUD of you, dear heart. Xx

[@kristenann9467]

Thank you so much! And so nice to hear about your experiences - to get some insight of how it has been for you. Thank you a! ❤️

[@bonniebewickbrown]

Ann, this is so heartfelt and beautiful. I really meditated on this tonight. You are a treasure!

[@scroogemcduckrich9705]

Thank you for everything you went through. you are a true artist

[@lifewithemitawilliams9811]

Thank you for sharing your journey! I am so glad that you had the opportunities to pave the way for many. You are an inspiration. I want to learn how to play the harp.

[@teamTERF]

Absolute legend!

[@carirobinson1314]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing your story and music

[@claireb7639]

So lovely and emotional.

[@Noname-tt5sj]

Beautiful

[@ryanbaptiste249]

Hauntingly beautiful.

[@jacquelinegarden-marshall6203]

Vincit qui se vincit!
My sister, the late Eileen M. Folson played cello, trumpet and harp at our alma mater, the Philadelphia High School for Girls. I was very moved by this video of Ann Hobson.

[@kymbennett5720]

Hi Ann, so wonderful to see you and hear you perform. Astor Piazzola is one of my favorite artists however I am unfamiliar with this work. Thank you for sharing your talent and this beautiful arrangement for harp. Blessings.

[@TheAnneOlga]

thank you! the world does need human beings as warm, dedicated, talented and human as you!

[@pennya]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@user-hz2by7ty7z]

Hi.Highly inspired by your story,a movie could be done about your achievement, and also a book.Congratu lations!

[@adamecclestonflute]

Amazing. Thank you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@GianTJ]

Very touching

[@mariarosales7717]

Gracias por compartir,me gustó mucho. la felicito.

[@jamelparker75]

TheBeautyOfLuv..AUA!!

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

The only good transcription of Piazzolla for the harp.

[@susanguillory8983]

Ann is a rare gem in the world of classical music