The harp, with its ethereal strings and enchanting melodies, has captivated audiences for centuries. From the grand concert halls of Europe to intimate folk gatherings, the harp’s versatility shines through a diverse array of musical styles. In this article, we delve into the lives and legacies of the top 15 best harp players of all time—artists who have not only mastered this exquisite instrument but have also redefined its place in the musical landscape.
Prepare to be inspired by virtuosos whose fingers dance across the strings, weaving intricate tapestries of sound that evoke deep emotions and transcend cultural boundaries. From classical prodigies to contemporary innovators, these harpists have pushed the limits of what is possible, blending tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a lifelong harp enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this exploration promises to unveil the stories behind the music, highlighting the passion, dedication, and artistry that have propelled these players to the pinnacle of their craft. Join us as we celebrate the brilliance and beauty of the harp through the extraordinary talents of these remarkable musicians. Let their stories and sounds inspire you to discover the magic of the harp like never before!
1. Carlos Salzedo
Carlos Salzedo was a visionary harpist, composer, and teacher who transformed the art of harp playing in the 20th century. Born in France in 1885, he quickly became known not only for his virtuosic skill but for the bold new ideas he brought to the instrument. Salzedo introduced innovative techniques like percussive tapping, pedal slides, and sweeping glissandos, all of which added color and depth to harp performances. These extended techniques gave the harp a new, more dynamic voice, and helped redefine what was musically possible. His original compositions, such as Scintillation and Whirlwind, remain core pieces in the harp repertoire today, valued for their technical brilliance and expressive range. Salzedo also made a lasting impact as a teacher. At the Curtis Institute of Music, he mentored a new generation of harpists and co-wrote foundational instructional texts that continue to influence harp pedagogy. He viewed the harp as a modern, expressive instrument capable of standing alongside the piano and violin in both solo and ensemble settings. Salzedo’s legacy is still felt deeply within the harp world, as his groundbreaking work continues to inspire performers and composers alike to expand the instrument’s boundaries.
2. Dorothy Ashby
Dorothy Ashby was a groundbreaking jazz harpist whose pioneering work forever changed how the harp is perceived in modern music. Born in 1932 in Detroit, she grew up surrounded by jazz and classical influences, and she found a way to bring both into her playing. At a time when the harp was mostly associated with classical music and seen as an instrument confined to concert halls, Ashby introduced it into the heart of jazz. Her work in the 1950s and ’60s, particularly on albums like Hip Harp and Afro-Harping, showcased her ability to swing, improvise, and create soulful grooves with the harp as the lead voice. She broke racial and gender barriers in a male-dominated industry, all while pushing the limits of what her instrument could do. Ashby wasn’t just a skilled harpist—she was a visionary composer and arranger who brought rich textures and bold harmonies to her work. Her influence can be heard today in hip-hop, R&B, and soul, with artists sampling her work or drawing inspiration from her sound. Dorothy Ashby proved the harp could groove, and her legacy lives on in every musician daring enough to take the harp beyond its traditional boundaries.
3. Nicanor Zabaleta
Nicanor Zabaleta was one of the most celebrated harpists of the 20th century and a key figure in bringing the harp to the forefront of classical concert music. Born in Spain in 1907, Zabaleta possessed a deep passion for his instrument and spent his life proving that the harp was more than just an orchestral background voice—it was a powerful solo instrument. His technique was both dazzling and refined, marked by flawless articulation and expressive nuance. He captivated audiences worldwide, performing with major orchestras and in prestigious venues across Europe and the Americas. Zabaleta was instrumental in expanding the harp repertoire, often collaborating with contemporary composers who wrote new works for him. Composers like Alberto Ginastera and Joaquín Rodrigo dedicated major harp compositions to him, recognizing his artistry and influence. His recordings of Bach, Handel, and Debussy are still considered benchmarks by harpists today. Beyond performing, he was also a dedicated teacher, shaping the careers of many young musicians. Zabaleta’s legacy is one of elegance, excellence, and dedication. Through his life’s work, he brought newfound respect and recognition to the harp, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians around the world.
4. Lily Laskine
Lily Laskine was a French harpist of extraordinary talent who helped usher the harp into mainstream classical music during the 20th century. Born in 1893 in Paris, she showed early musical promise and became the first female musician to join the Paris Opera Orchestra—a groundbreaking achievement at the time. Her playing was celebrated for its fluidity, warmth, and expressiveness, qualities that earned her international acclaim. Laskine was especially known for her interpretations of French composers such as Fauré, Debussy, and Saint-Saëns. These performances revealed the harp’s emotional depth and subtlety, showcasing it as a truly expressive solo instrument. She was also a champion of new music, premiering many modern works and encouraging composers to write specifically for the harp. In addition to her performing career, Laskine dedicated herself to teaching, nurturing a new generation of harpists through her work at the Paris Conservatoire. Her influence extended beyond France, as she became a global ambassador for the harp through her concerts and recordings. Lily Laskine’s artistry and trailblazing career not only expanded the harp’s repertoire but helped secure its place on the world’s concert stages.
5. Harpo Marx
Harpo Marx, best known for his silent comedy in the Marx Brothers films, was also an incredibly skilled and self-taught harpist whose playing added emotional richness to his comedic performances. Born in 1888, Harpo—whose real name was Adolph Marx—discovered the harp as a young man and learned to play it without any formal training. His connection to the instrument was deeply personal, and his unique playing style reflected his creative spirit. In the midst of the Marx Brothers’ fast-paced and chaotic humor, Harpo’s harp solos provided a moment of quiet beauty and reflection, touching audiences with their unexpected sincerity. His performances in films like A Night at the Opera and Animal Crackers introduced the harp to a wide audience who might never have encountered it otherwise. Harpo’s musicality went far beyond novelty—his playing was genuine, heartfelt, and technically impressive. Outside of film, he often performed in concerts and was respected by many professional musicians. He helped bring the harp into popular culture, breaking down stereotypes and showing that it could be funny, touching, and utterly captivating. Through his music and humor, Harpo Marx made the harp accessible, memorable, and beloved by millions.
6. Susann McDonald
Susann McDonald is widely regarded as one of the most influential American harpists of the 20th century. A gifted performer and passionate educator, she has left an indelible mark on the harp world through her artistry and leadership. McDonald’s playing is characterized by a flawless technique, graceful phrasing, and a deep emotional sensitivity that resonates with audiences. Over the years, she has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has appeared on countless recordings that highlight the harp’s lyrical beauty. But McDonald’s impact extends far beyond the stage. She has served as a teacher and mentor to numerous students at top music institutions, including Indiana University, where she built one of the world’s leading harp programs. A tireless advocate for the instrument, she has also helped commission new works and has promoted contemporary music throughout her career. Her legacy is perhaps most evident in the generations of harpists who credit her guidance as foundational to their own success. Through her commitment to excellence in both performance and teaching, Susann McDonald has played a key role in shaping modern harp pedagogy and expanding the instrument’s role in classical music today.
7. Andreas Vollenweider
Andreas Vollenweider is a Swiss harpist whose genre-blending music has captivated audiences worldwide since the 1980s. What makes Vollenweider truly unique is his ability to bring the harp into the realm of contemporary instrumental music, combining elements of jazz, classical, world music, and electronic textures to create a sound all his own. Using an electro-acoustic harp that he helped develop, Vollenweider crafts richly layered compositions that are atmospheric, meditative, and emotionally immersive. His breakout album Down to the Moon won a Grammy Award and introduced a wide audience to the harp in a completely new context. Since then, he has released numerous best-selling albums, collaborated with artists like Carly Simon and Luciano Pavarotti, and performed at venues around the globe. Vollenweider’s music transcends genre labels—it’s storytelling through sound, with the harp at its heart. He has shown that the instrument isn’t confined to concert halls or orchestras but can be a powerful voice in popular and ambient music as well. Through his innovative spirit and commitment to artistic exploration, Andreas Vollenweider has expanded the boundaries of what the harp can be and who it can reach.
8. Jean-Pierre Rampal
Though best known as a legendary flutist, Jean-Pierre Rampal played a significant role in bringing attention to the harp through his frequent collaborations with harpists. Born in 1922 in France, Rampal was a champion of chamber music and had a deep appreciation for the harp’s beauty and versatility. His numerous performances and recordings with renowned harpists helped elevate the instrument’s profile in the classical world. He often paired the flute and harp in elegant duos, a combination celebrated for its delicate and harmonious sound. These collaborations weren’t just artistic choices—they were statements about the harp’s place in serious concert music. Rampal’s musical partnerships brought out the lyrical qualities of the harp and showcased its ability to engage in intricate, expressive dialogue with other instruments. Works like Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp became staples of the concert repertoire in part because of Rampal’s influence. While his legacy is primarily tied to the flute, Jean-Pierre Rampal’s commitment to the harp through performance and advocacy has had a lasting impact, encouraging composers and performers alike to explore the instrument’s full potential in chamber and solo settings.
9. Mary Lattimore
Mary Lattimore is a contemporary harpist who has redefined how the instrument fits into the modern music landscape. With a style that blends ambient, experimental, and folk influences, she creates immersive soundscapes that feel like sonic dream worlds. Lattimore often uses loop pedals and electronic effects to layer her harp playing, resulting in compositions that evolve slowly and organically, like drifting through a memory. Albums like Silver Ladders and Hundreds of Days have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base outside traditional classical or jazz circles. Lattimore’s music is deeply personal, often inspired by places, people, and emotions, making each track feel like a chapter from her life. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Julianna Barwick, Thurston Moore, and Steve Gunn, showing the harp’s surprising versatility in alternative and indie genres. In doing so, she’s introduced the instrument to a whole new generation of listeners. Mary Lattimore’s work proves that the harp isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a living, breathing instrument capable of evoking complex feelings in a modern context. Her creativity continues to push the boundaries of what the harp can be.
10. Catrin Finch
Catrin Finch is a Welsh harpist renowned for her virtuosity, versatility, and innovative approach to the instrument. Appointed as the official Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales in 2000, she has since built a dynamic career that bridges classical traditions with contemporary and world music. Finch’s classical training is evident in her polished technique and expressive interpretations, but what sets her apart is her willingness to explore new musical frontiers. Whether she’s performing a Bach concerto, collaborating with African kora master Seckou Keita, or arranging Welsh folk melodies, Finch brings passion and depth to every performance. Her recordings have won numerous awards, and her live concerts are celebrated for their emotional power and artistic range. She’s also a composer, frequently writing new music for the harp and working to expand its repertoire. Through her outreach and educational initiatives, Finch has inspired young musicians and brought greater visibility to the harp both in Wales and internationally. Catrin Finch is not only preserving the rich heritage of the harp but also reinventing it for the 21st century—proving it can thrive in almost any musical setting.
11. Deborah Henson-Conant
Deborah Henson-Conant is a genre-defying harpist, composer, and performer who has reimagined what the harp can be—both musically and visually. Known for her electric body harp and theatrical stage presence, she has created a performance style that blends jazz, pop, blues, Latin rhythms, and even spoken word. With vibrant energy and fearless creativity, Henson-Conant doesn’t just play music—she tells stories, often weaving narrative into her concerts in ways that feel more like one-woman shows than traditional recitals. Her Grammy-nominated album Invention & Alchemy is a perfect showcase of her eclectic approach and virtuosic ability. What makes her so unique is not just her technical command of the instrument but her commitment to breaking boundaries and engaging with audiences of all ages. She’s also a passionate educator and mentor, offering online courses and masterclasses that encourage harpists to find their own voice and break free from traditional molds. Deborah Henson-Conant has transformed the harp from a symbol of quiet elegance into a tool for powerful self-expression. Through her innovation, charisma, and boundless imagination, she has made the harp exciting, accessible, and inspiring to an entirely new generation of musicians.
12. Alberto Ginastera
Although Alberto Ginastera is primarily remembered as one of Argentina’s greatest composers, his impact on the harp world is substantial and enduring. Ginastera had a remarkable ability to blend modern classical language with the folk rhythms and sounds of Latin America. Nowhere is this more evident than in his Harp Concerto, written in 1956. This groundbreaking piece is widely considered one of the most challenging and exhilarating works in the harp repertoire. It combines complex rhythmic patterns, percussive textures, and moments of haunting lyricism—all of which push the harp far beyond its traditional boundaries. The concerto has since become a rite of passage for serious harpists and is regularly featured in competitions and major concert programs. Ginastera’s innovative writing expanded what composers believed was possible with the harp, encouraging future generations to explore the instrument’s expressive range in new ways. Even though he wasn’t a harpist himself, his deep understanding of musical color and timbre allowed him to write for the instrument with exceptional insight. Through his powerful compositions, Ginastera elevated the harp’s role in modern classical music, leaving a legacy that continues to influence composers and performers to this day.
13. Ann Hobson Pilot
Ann Hobson Pilot is a pioneering American harpist whose distinguished career has broken barriers and inspired generations. Born in 1943, she became the first African American woman to be appointed principal harpist in a major U.S. orchestra, serving for decades with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Her playing is marked by elegance, expressive depth, and technical brilliance, winning her widespread admiration across the classical music world. Pilot has performed as a soloist with numerous prestigious orchestras, but her influence extends beyond the concert stage. As a teacher at institutions like the New England Conservatory and Boston University, she has mentored countless students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers. Her advocacy for diversity in classical music and her efforts to make the harp more accessible have made her a vital figure in the music community. She has also been the subject of a documentary, A Harpist’s Legacy, which chronicles her groundbreaking journey. Ann Hobson Pilot is not only an extraordinary musician but also a role model whose perseverance and artistry have opened doors for others. Her contributions to music, education, and inclusion continue to resonate powerfully in today’s musical landscape.
14. Edward Vito
Edward Vito was a notable American harpist whose career spanned the mid-20th century, bringing the harp into the spotlight during a pivotal time in American music. Known for his elegant sound and wide-ranging repertoire, Vito played with the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini, a collaboration that placed him among the era’s most respected musicians. His orchestral playing was marked by clarity and refinement, yet he was also an advocate for the harp as a solo instrument. Vito arranged and performed numerous works for harp that brought out its lyrical and expressive qualities, helping to bridge the gap between traditional repertoire and modern tastes. He also appeared frequently on radio broadcasts and recordings, which introduced his harp playing to a much broader audience during the golden age of American broadcast media. Beyond performance, Vito contributed to the growth of harp literature and helped popularize the instrument at a time when it was still relatively rare in mainstream music settings. His commitment to excellence and innovation made him a key figure in American harp history, and his recordings remain a source of inspiration for those exploring the rich possibilities of the instrument.
15. Judith Liber
Judith Liber is a renowned Israeli-American harpist whose artistry and dedication to music have earned her recognition around the world. She has enjoyed a career that spans decades, performing with major orchestras, in chamber ensembles, and as a soloist. Known for her warm tone and deeply expressive playing, Liber brings a rare combination of emotional sensitivity and technical finesse to her performances. In addition to her work on stage, she has been a powerful advocate for music education, devoting much of her time to teaching and mentoring aspiring harpists. Many of her students have gone on to successful professional careers, and her influence can be felt across generations. Liber has also worked tirelessly to expand the harp’s reach by promoting new compositions and arrangements, helping to grow the instrument’s modern repertoire. Her dedication to nurturing musical talent and her lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence have left a lasting legacy. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Judith Liber embodies the passion, discipline, and generosity that define the very best of the music world. She remains an enduring figure in the global harp community, beloved for her contributions both as a performer and educator.
Edward Tomlin 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.
