Performing for a lost star: tragic loss becomes a legacy of music education on the South Coast

However this year Mrs McAuliffe is making the trip alone, learning the same pieces Philippa played when she was just eight and in her first year at Kioloa.

The mother and daughter had often spoken about learning together and playing together, but those hopes and plans disappeared when Philippa passed away suddenly in 2024 at the age of just 24.

Philippa was renowned as a highly accomplished young harpist and pianist known for her talent, performances with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Australian Youth Orchestra, and dedication to promoting female composers.

Travelling to the Shoalhaven now was "very different," Mrs McAuliffe said.

The attraction at Kioloa is the chance to learn with internationally-acclaimed harpist Alice Giles during a week-long camp starting on Monday, January 12.

Mrs McAuliffe is among 20 students from all over Australia who are taking part in the camp at the Australian National University's Kioloa campus.

It is the first harp camp held at the location since 2019, before the Black Summer bushfires damaged the locatrion.

But before the camp begins some of the world's leading harpists are heading to the Shoalhaven for a unique performance.

Headlined by Ms Giles, the harp concert in Kioloa features six acclaimed musicians in one performance.

It is being held in the Bangalay Room, London Shed, at Australian National University's Kioloa campus starting 5pm on Sunday, January 11.

Joining Ms Giles in the performance will be Jacinta Dennett from the University of Melbourne, Opera Victoria's harp principal William Nichols, Kate Moloney of Sydney, Kristina Johnson of Melbourne and Katia Mestrovic, also of Melbourne, in a program of harp solos and ensemble performances.

All are Philippa's former teachers, mentors, colleagues, and friends who will use the performance to celebrate Philippa's love harp and Kioloa.

The music will especially feature the romantic harp repertoire she loved.

The concert and the harp camp are generously sponsored by the Estate of Philippa McAuliffe - which has been used to subsidise music education and seminars to continue her passion for music.

There will also be a more informal concert featuring the harp course students at 5pm on Saturday, January 17.

Entry to either concert is by donation, with all proceeds going to the Philippa McAuliffe Kioloa Harp Fund.