HarpSinger by Rolliana Scheckler

She was recognized nationally by her invitational concert performance and workshop presentations at The 1998 Conference of The International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen (ISFHC), Galveston, Texas.

She began her music career as soprano soloist in art song recital, opera, oratorio, revue and early music upon receipt of the Bachelor of Music Degree from UW-Madison School of Music under direction of major professor, David Hottmann. Earlier voice teachers were Inge Manski Lundeen, Atlanta, GA, and Ruth Horrall, Madison, WI.

Performance highlights as soprano soloist were in the theatre piece Carmina Burana, the oratorio Messiah, Grieg's song cycle Haugtussa sung in Nynorsk, Madison Consort of Early Music's Spanish Concert, Musicians' Forum Concert at the Madison Civic Center, show tunes for The 27th Concert on the Square, opera roles for UW Opera and Madison Opera Baby Doe, Mrs. Pott (Pickwick Papers), Mrs. Ham (Noyes' Fludde) and popular and music theater songs for Blessed Sacrament Encores and Edgefest Follies.

Rolliana took up Celtic harp in 1980 at the request of The Madison Consort of Early Music. She trained for two years with Sue Richards, now the four-time National Champion of the Scottish Harp Society of America, and another nine years with Karen Atz, Principal Harpist of the Madison Symphony. She also studied harp at seminars, clinics and workshops by such luminaries as Allison Kinnaird, Chris Caswell, Kim Robertson, Ann Heymann, Philip Boulding, Laurie Riley, Tina Tourin, Dennis Doyle, Ron Price, Liz Cifani, Janet Harbison, Aibhlín McCrann, William Jacksona and Gráinne Hambly. During summer, 2000, she studied harp with Máire ní Chathasaigh and Gráinne Yeats at the school and harp festival of Cairde na Cruite in Ireland.

Rolliana has performed in public programs as harper and/or harpsinger for Labyrinth Walks at Madison Christian Community, Faculty Concert at the Great Lakes Harpers 5th Biennial Midwest Regional Conference, Ron Pellegrino's Multimedia Visual Music Presentation at the University of Wisconsin, Chicago Celtic Fest, Irishfest in Milwaukee, ISFHC Conference in Galveston, TX, Olbrich Gardens Winter Concert Series in Madison, WI, Cornish Festival in Mineral Point, WI, Burlington, WI, Hospital Auxiliary, Madison HospiceCare, Edgewood College, Edgewood High School, Edgewood Campus School, Jane Austen Society, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI, Rural Musicians Forum at Unity Chapel in Spring Green, Firstar Eve (New Year's Eve), UW Medical Foundation and UW Foundation, Madison Art Center, Celtic Cultural Center, South Central WI Public Libraries, Madison Public Library's 125th Birthday Celebration, Grand Opening of Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and numerous Madison area stores, shops and restaurants including Orange Tree Imports, Qual-Line Fence, Marshall Field's, Canterbury Booksellers, Linda's Sunporch, East Towne Mall and South Towne Mall and in Door County for Sunset Concert Cruises, Wagon Trail Resort, The Clearing and The Ridges, Linden's Gallery and Antiques, Domicile and Art in the Park at Newport State Park.

In addition, she plays Celtic harp for many private occasions such as weddings, wedding and corporate receptions, art shows, all kinds of gala events as well as for memorial services and hospice music visits.

Rolliana has maintained a private teaching studio for voice, 1975-May 1999, and Celtic harp, 1985 and presently. Concurrently she taught voice for the Music Department of Edgewood College, Fall, 1990- May, 1999, and harp for the Edgewood College Office of Continuing Education, Fall, 1991-May 2001. She held or now holds leadership positions on numerous area non-profit boards including the Madison Consort of Early Music, Musicians' Forum of Dane County, Wisconsin Chapter of The National Association of Teachers of Singing, Newport Wilderness Society, University of Wisconsin School of Music Alumni Association, Great Lakes Harpers and The Yrjö Kilpinen Society of North America. She served for twelve years as a preferred adjudicator for WSMA Solo/Ensemble Festivals.

Music-Tech.Net Indie Artist Showcase Review, July, 2004:

"Specializing in the ancient Celtic traditions and with this unique act, this classically trained singer is truly a trailblazer for independents. Rolliana Scheckler is a master with her chosen instrument, the harp, and matches the lovely range and tone of the harp with an astonishing vocal performance, each complimenting [sic[] the other."

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