Lori Gemmell is a renowned Canadian harpist who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born in Toronto, Canada, on May 22, 1969, Lori grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. From a young age, Lori was exposed to music and began playing the piano at the age of four. However, it was not until she was 12 years old that she discovered her love for the harp. Lori began her harp studies with Judy Loman, a renowned Canadian harpist, and continued her studies at the University of Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague, Netherlands, where she earned a Master of Music degree. Throughout her career, Lori has performed with many orchestras and ensembles, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada, and the Canadian Opera Company. She has also performed as a soloist in many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of Lori's most notable performances was her solo performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. She performed a piece called "The Ice Is Dancing," which was composed specifically for the Olympics. The performance was broadcast to millions of people around the world and received critical acclaim. In addition to her performances, Lori is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the University of Toronto, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the University of Western Ontario. She has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world. Lori has received many awards and accolades throughout her career. In 1994, she was awarded the prestigious Canada Council for the Arts Career Development Grant. In 2002, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canadian music. In 2015, she was awarded the Toronto Arts Foundation's Muriel Sherrin Award for International Achievement in Music. Lori has also released several albums throughout her career. Her debut album, "Harping On," was released in 1998 and featured a mix of classical and contemporary pieces. Her second album, "Harping On II," was released in 2002 and featured works by Canadian composers. Her most recent album, "Harping On III," was released in 2015 and features works by French composers. In addition to her work as a harpist, Lori is also a dedicated philanthropist. She has worked with many charitable organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's Adopt-a-Player program. In conclusion, Lori Gemmell is a talented and accomplished harpist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances have captivated audiences around the world, and her dedication to teaching and philanthropy has made her a respected figure in the music community. With her talent and passion, Lori is sure to continue making a lasting impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

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