Ann Hobson Pilot, the Boston Symphony's principal harpist, said she could recall only one woman in the violin section when she joined in 1969.

It sounded bland in this company, although Deborah Hoffman, the orchestra's principal harpist, played the solo line with an impressive delicacy and fluidity.

She was the orchestra's second harpist for about half a season, and was appointed principal harpist in 1946, a position she held until her retirement in 1992.

Several guest artists, including Nancy Allen of Pelham, the principal harpist with the New York Philharmonic, will also perform.

Her sister Jane Allen is the principal harpist for the Eugene Symphony.

Pilot retired from her position as principal harpist of the Boston Symphony at the end of the 2008 season.

The bride, 31, is the principal harpist for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

She is also the principal harpist for Eos Orchestra in Manhattan.

From 1913 to 1930 he was principal harpist of the Philadelphia Orchestra under Leopold Stokowski.

At 22, he is the new principal harpist at the Paris Opera.