The harp is a beautiful and ancient musical instrument that has captured the hearts of many people throughout history. Its elegant appearance and ethereal sound have made it a favorite among musicians and music lovers alike. Throughout the years, many talented harp players have emerged, creating beautiful and captivating music. In this article, we will explore 20 famous harp players who have made a significant impact on the world of music.
These harp players come from various backgrounds and have different styles of playing. Some are classical musicians, while others have branched out into jazz, folk, or world music. Some are renowned soloists, while others are members of well-known orchestras or bands. What unites them is their love for the harp and their dedication to creating beautiful music that inspires and delights audiences.
We will take a closer look at each of these 20 harp players, their backgrounds, and their contributions to the world of music. From the iconic harpists like Carlos Salzedo and Marcel Grandjany, to the modern-day harpists like Joanna Newsom and Park Stickney, this article will showcase the diversity and richness of harp music. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be enchanted by the sound of the harp and the talent of these 20 famous harp players.
1. Harpo Marx
Harpo Marx was a well-known American comedian, actor, and musician who is best known for his performances with the Marx Brothers. He was also an accomplished harpist and often incorporated his harp playing into his comedy routines. His unique and playful approach to the harp helped to popularize the instrument and inspired many to take up the harp. In this video, Harpo Marx showcases his impressive harp skills, playing a beautiful rendition of “Blue Moon”. His ability to effortlessly switch between comedic antics and serious musicianship is a testament to his talent and versatility.
2. Carlos Salzedo
Carlos Salzedo was a legendary French-American harpist, composer, and conductor who is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the development of the modern harp repertoire. He was known for his virtuosic technique and his innovative approach to the harp, which included the use of harmonics, extended techniques, and special effects. Salzedo was also a prolific composer and arranger, and his works have become staples of the harp repertoire. He founded the Salzedo Harp Colony, a summer program that provided intensive training for harpists, and taught at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Salzedo’s contributions to the harp world have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence harpists around the world.
3. Yolanda Kondonassis
Yolanda Kondonassis is a world-renowned American harpist, who is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential harpists of our time. She has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors and has released over 20 critically acclaimed albums. In this video, Kondonassis performs a beautiful rendition of “Impromptu” by Gabriel Fauré, which showcases her skillful technique and musicality. Her delicate touch and expressive phrasing bring out the nuances of the piece, making for a truly captivating performance. Kondonassis has been instrumental in expanding the repertoire for the harp, commissioning and premiering numerous new works for the instrument. Her contributions to the harp community have earned her numerous awards and honors, solidifying her place as a true icon of the instrument.
4. Lily Laskine
Lily Laskine, on the other hand, was a French harpist who played a significant role in the development of the harp as a solo instrument in the 20th century. She was renowned for her elegant and refined playing style, which won her numerous fans and admirers around the world. In this video, Laskine performs a piece called “Concertino pour Harpe et Orchestre” by composer Germaine Tailleferre. Her skillful interpretation of the piece highlights her ability to balance technical proficiency with a delicate touch, making her one of the most revered harpists of her time.
5. Nicanor Zabaleta
Nicanor Zabaleta was a legendary Spanish harpist, known for his exceptional musicianship and virtuosity. He played a significant role in the development of the modern harp repertoire, and his recordings and performances are considered to be some of the finest in the instrument’s history. In this video, Zabaleta performs a beautiful rendition of “Concerto for Harp and Orchestra in B-flat Major, Op. 4, No. 6” by George Frideric Handel. His technical prowess and musical sensitivity are on full display, as he navigates the intricate passages with ease and brings out the expressive qualities of the piece. Zabaleta’s contributions to the harp world have inspired countless harpists and helped to elevate the status of the instrument. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest harpists of all time.
6. Judy Loman
Judy Loman is a celebrated Canadian harpist, who has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. She is best known for her long and distinguished career as the principal harpist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a position she held for over 20 years. In this video, Loman performs “Ballade” by Gabriel Fauré, showcasing her expressive and lyrical playing style. Her delicate touch and nuanced phrasing bring out the beauty of the piece, creating a captivating and mesmerizing performance. Loman has been an inspiration to many young harpists, and has made significant contributions to the harp community through her teaching and mentoring. Her artistry and dedication to the harp have earned her numerous awards and honors, cementing her status as one of the most important and influential harpists of our time.
7. Marcel Grandjany
Marcel Grandjany was a French-born American harpist and composer, who played a significant role in the development of the modern harp repertoire. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential harpists of the 20th century. Grandjany began his career as a soloist in Paris, before moving to the United States where he became the principal harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In addition to his performing career, Grandjany was a prolific composer and arranger, and his works have become staples of the harp repertoire. He also taught many notable harpists, including Yolanda Kondonassis and Susann McDonald. Grandjany’s contributions to the harp world have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence harpists around the world.
8. Park Stickney
Park Stickney is an American harpist known for his innovative approach to the harp and his mastery of jazz and improvisation. He began his career as a classical harpist, but soon branched out into jazz, exploring new techniques and approaches to the instrument. Stickney has collaborated with many notable jazz musicians, including Bobby McFerrin and Bela Fleck, and has performed at prestigious jazz festivals around the world. In addition to his performing career, Stickney is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the Berklee College of Music. His contributions to the harp world have expanded the boundaries of the instrument, making it a more versatile and expressive instrument in the jazz genre. Stickney continues to inspire and challenge harpists around the world with his unique and innovative style.
9. Susann McDonald
Susann McDonald is an American harpist and educator, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and accomplished harpists of our time. She has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, and has recorded extensively. McDonald is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the Juilliard School and the Aspen Music Festival. She has published numerous books and articles on harp technique and repertoire, and has mentored many notable harpists, including Yolanda Kondonassis. McDonald’s contributions to the harp world have been immense, and her dedication to the artistry and pedagogy of the harp has made her a true icon of the instrument.
10. Alice Giles
Alice Giles is an Australian harpist who has established herself as one of the most accomplished and versatile harpists of our time. She has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, and has recorded extensively. In addition to her classical repertoire, Giles is also known for her innovative collaborations and performances in world music and contemporary genres. She has commissioned and premiered numerous new works for the harp, expanding the instrument’s repertoire and pushing the boundaries of its capabilities. Giles is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions around the world. Her contributions to the harp world have been immense, and her passion for exploring new musical horizons has made her a true pioneer of the instrument.
11. Catrin Finch
Catrin Finch is a Welsh harpist who has gained international acclaim for her virtuosic performances and innovative collaborations. She was the Royal Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales from 2000-2004, and has since performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. In addition to her classical repertoire, Finch is also known for her collaborations with musicians from diverse genres, including folk, jazz, and world music. She has recorded numerous albums, and her work has earned her many awards and accolades. Finch is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Her contributions to the harp world have been immense, and her ability to transcend musical boundaries has made her a true icon of the instrument.
12. Isabelle Moretti
Isabelle Moretti is a French harpist who is renowned for her refined and expressive playing style. She has won numerous awards and competitions, and has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. Moretti is particularly known for her interpretations of French harp music, and has recorded extensively, including several albums dedicated to the works of composer Gabriel Fauré. In addition to her performing career, Moretti is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions around the world. Her contributions to the harp world have been significant, and her dedication to the artistry and musicality of the instrument has made her a true icon of the harp.
13. Emmanuel Ceysson
Emmanuel Ceysson is a French harpist who has established himself as one of the leading harpists of his generation. He was the principal harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York from 2006 to 2019, and has since returned to France to pursue a solo career. Ceysson has won numerous international competitions and awards, and has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. He is particularly known for his virtuosic technique and his ability to bring out the expressive qualities of the harp. In addition to his performing career, Ceysson is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the Juilliard School in New York. His contributions to the harp world have been significant, and his passion for the instrument has made him a true inspiration for harpists around the world.
14. Xavier de Maistre
Xavier de Maistre is a French harpist who has gained international acclaim for his virtuosic performances and innovative collaborations. He has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, and has recorded extensively. In addition to his classical repertoire, de Maistre is also known for his collaborations with musicians from diverse genres, including jazz and world music. He has commissioned and premiered numerous new works for the harp, expanding the instrument’s repertoire and pushing the boundaries of its capabilities. de Maistre is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions around the world. His contributions to the harp world have been significant, and his dedication to exploring new musical horizons has made him a true pioneer of the instrument.
15. Sivan Magen
Sivan Magen is an Israeli harpist who has established himself as one of the leading harpists of his generation. He has won numerous international competitions and awards, and has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. Magen is particularly known for his interpretations of contemporary harp music, and has commissioned and premiered numerous new works for the instrument. In addition to his performing career, Magen is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions around the world. His contributions to the harp world have been significant, and his dedication to expanding the repertoire and exploring new musical possibilities has made him a true inspiration for harpists around the world.
16. Deborah Henson-Conant
Deborah Henson-Conant is an American harpist, singer, and composer known for her innovative approach to the harp and her unique blend of jazz, blues, and rock influences. She has released numerous albums and has performed as a soloist with many notable musicians, including the Boston Pops Orchestra. Henson-Conant is also a gifted storyteller and has created several one-woman shows that combine music, humor, and spoken word. In addition to her performing career, she is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions around the world. Henson-Conant’s contributions to the harp world have been significant, and her ability to blend diverse musical styles has helped to expand the boundaries of the instrument.
17. Ann Hobson Pilot
Ann Hobson Pilot is an American harpist who has made significant contributions to the harp world as a performer, educator, and advocate for diversity in classical music. She served as the principal harpist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years, and has also performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. In addition to her performing career, Pilot is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the Tanglewood Music Center and the Boston Conservatory. She is also a mentor and role model for young musicians, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Pilot’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in classical music has earned her numerous awards and honors, making her a true inspiration for harpists and musicians around the world.
18. Alice Chalifoux
Alice Chalifoux was an American harpist who played a significant role in the development of the harp repertoire in the 20th century. She was the principal harpist of the Cleveland Orchestra for over 50 years, and also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras and conductors. Chalifoux was particularly known for her interpretations of French harp music, and played a pivotal role in popularizing the works of composer Claude Debussy. She was also a respected educator and taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music for many years, influencing generations of young harpists. Chalifoux’s contributions to the harp world have been significant, and her dedication to the artistry and musicianship of the instrument has made her a true icon of the harp.
19. Skaila Kanga
Skaila Kanga is a British harpist who has established herself as one of the most sought-after studio musicians in the world. She has recorded for numerous film scores, television shows, and popular music albums, and has worked with many notable musicians, including The Beatles and Adele. Kanga is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her contributions to the harp world have been significant, and her ability to adapt to diverse musical styles has made her a true pioneer of the instrument.
20. Maria Luisa Rayan-Forero
Maria Luisa Rayan-Forero is a Colombian harpist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and innovative compositions. She has performed as a soloist with many leading orchestras and conductors, and has also collaborated with musicians from diverse genres, including jazz and Latin music. Rayan-Forero is also a respected educator and has taught at many institutions, including the National University of Colombia. Her contributions to the harp world have been significant, and her dedication to expanding the repertoire and pushing the boundaries of the instrument has made her a true inspiration for harpists around the world.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
