Harp players are musicians who specialize in playing the harp, a beautiful and versatile instrument with a long history. Harp players are found in a variety of musical genres, including classical, folk, and popular music. They are known for their skillful use of the harp’s pedals and strings to produce a wide range of sounds, from gentle, ethereal tones to rich, resonant chords.
Harp players must master various aspects of harp technique, including hand positioning, finger movement, and pedal manipulation. They also need a good ear for pitch and harmony to create beautiful music on the instrument.
Famous harp players include Harpo Marx, Carlos Salzedo, and Nicanor Zabaleta, among others, who have made significant contributions to the harp repertoire and influenced generations of harp players.
1. Nicanor Zabaleta
Nicanor Zabaleta (1907-1993) was a Spanish harpist considered one of the greatest virtuosos of the instrument in the 20th century. Born in San Sebastián, Spain, he began studying the harp at an early age and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent.
Zabaleta’s illustrious career included performances as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, captivating audiences with his expressive playing and technical brilliance. He was particularly admired for his ability to elevate the harp to new heights as a solo instrument, expanding its repertoire and showcasing its versatility.
In addition to his performances as a soloist, Zabaleta was also a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned ensembles and musicians in diverse repertoire. He recorded extensively, leaving behind a rich legacy of recordings that showcase his artistry and musicality.
Zabaleta’s contributions to the world of harp playing were not limited to his performances. He was also a respected teacher and mentor, sharing his knowledge and passion for the instrument with aspiring harpists around the world.
Throughout his career, Nicanor Zabaleta’s artistry, dedication, and virtuosity earned him acclaim and admiration from audiences and musicians alike, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest harpists of all time.
2. Susann McDonald
Susann McDonald, born in 1949, is an esteemed American harpist recognized for her exceptional musicianship, influential teaching, and significant contributions to the world of classical music. She began studying the harp at an early age and quickly distinguished herself as a prodigious talent.
McDonald’s illustrious career has included performances as a soloist with major orchestras and ensembles worldwide, captivating audiences with her expressive playing, impeccable technique, and rich tone. She is particularly celebrated for her interpretations of the classical harp repertoire, including works by composers such as Handel, Debussy, and Britten.
In addition to her performing career, McDonald is also a dedicated educator and mentor. She has served on the faculties of prestigious institutions such as the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and the Aspen Music Festival and School, inspiring generations of harpists with her knowledge, passion, and commitment to excellence.
McDonald’s contributions to the world of harp playing extend beyond her performances and teaching. She has commissioned numerous new works for the harp, collaborated with contemporary composers, and advocated for the advancement of the instrument.
Throughout her career, Susann McDonald’s artistry, dedication, and leadership have earned her widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the leading figures in the harp world. Her influence continues to shape the future of harp playing and inspire musicians around the world.
3. Yolanda Kondonassis
Yolanda Kondonassis is a highly acclaimed American harpist known for her virtuosic playing and dynamic performances. Born in 1963 in Norman, Oklahoma, Kondonassis began playing the harp at the age of nine and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and later at the Paris Conservatoire.
Kondonassis is celebrated for her expressive playing style, technical mastery, and innovative approach to the harp. She has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Kondonassis is also a dedicated educator, sharing her passion for music with students at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Her contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Kondonassis’s playing has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing her as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
4. Catrin Finch
Catrin Finch is a highly acclaimed Welsh harpist known for her exquisite musicianship and captivating performances. Born in 1980 in Llanon, Wales, Finch began playing the harp at the age of five and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent. She studied at the Purcell School of Music and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Finch is celebrated for her expressive playing style, technical brilliance, and deep musicality. She has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Finch is also a dedicated promoter of Welsh music and culture, incorporating traditional Welsh melodies and themes into her repertoire.
Her contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Finch’s playing has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing her as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
5. Alice Giles
Alice Giles is a renowned Australian harpist known for her exceptional musicianship and innovative approach to the harp. Born in Tasmania, Giles began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and later at the Juilliard School in New York.
Giles is celebrated for her expressive playing style, technical mastery, and versatility across a wide range of musical genres. She has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing her artistry and creativity. Giles is also a dedicated educator, sharing her passion for the harp with students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Juilliard School.
Her contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Giles’s playing has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing her as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
6. Marie-Pierre Langlamet
Marie-Pierre Langlamet, born in 1969 in Paris, France, is a highly acclaimed French harpist celebrated for her virtuosity, musicality, and versatility. She began her musical studies at an early age, showing exceptional talent for the harp, and went on to study at the Paris Conservatoire.
Langlamet’s career has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. She has held the position of principal harpist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra since 1993, making her one of the longest-serving principal players in the orchestra’s history. Her performances with the Berlin Philharmonic have earned her acclaim for her expressive playing and exquisite tone.
In addition to her orchestral career, Langlamet is also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. She has performed with leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, collaborating with renowned conductors and artists.
Langlamet’s recordings encompass a wide range of repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, showcasing her versatility and artistry. She is known for her commitment to expanding the harp repertoire through commissioning new works and championing lesser-known composers.
In addition to her performing career, Langlamet is also passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of harpists. She has served on the faculty of the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians.
Marie-Pierre Langlamet’s artistry, dedication, and contributions to the world of harp playing have earned her acclaim and admiration from audiences and musicians alike. She continues to inspire with her performances, recordings, and commitment to musical excellence.
7. Nancy Allen
Nancy Allen is an esteemed American harpist known for her remarkable artistry and profound influence on harp playing. Born in 1950 in Wilmington, Delaware, Allen began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She studied at the Juilliard School of Music and later became the principal harpist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, a position she has held since 1999.
Allen is celebrated for her exquisite tone, technical precision, and expressive phrasing. She has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Allen is also a dedicated educator, passing on her knowledge and passion for the harp to students at the Juilliard School and the Aspen Music Festival and School.
Her contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Allen’s playing has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing her as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
8. Xavier de Maistre
Xavier de Maistre is a renowned French harpist known for his exceptional musicianship and virtuosic playing. Born in 1973 in Toulon, France, de Maistre began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and later at the Juilliard School in New York.
De Maistre is celebrated for his expressive playing style, technical brilliance, and innovative approach to the harp. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing his versatility and artistry. De Maistre is also a dedicated promoter of new music for the harp, collaborating with contemporary composers to expand the harp repertoire.
His contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with leading musicians and ensembles. De Maistre’s playing has earned him acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing him as one of the leading harpists of his generation.
9. Isabelle Moretti
Isabelle Moretti, born in 1964 in Aix-en-Provence, France, is a highly regarded French harpist known for her exceptional talent, expressive playing, and versatile musicality. She began her musical studies at a young age, demonstrating prodigious talent for the harp, and went on to study at the Paris Conservatoire.
Moretti’s career has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. She has won top prizes at prestigious international competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich, Germany, and the Lily Laskine International Harp Competition in France.
As a soloist, Moretti has performed with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, captivating audiences with her virtuosic technique and expressive interpretation. She is known for her ability to showcase the full range and expressive capabilities of the harp, from delicate and lyrical passages to powerful and dynamic moments.
In addition to her solo performances, Moretti is also a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned artists and ensembles in diverse repertoire. She has recorded numerous albums, showcasing her versatility and artistry across a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Moretti is also passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of harpists. She has served on the faculty of the Paris Conservatoire and is committed to sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians.
Isabelle Moretti’s artistry, dedication, and contributions to the world of harp playing have earned her acclaim and admiration from audiences and musicians alike. She continues to inspire with her performances, recordings, and commitment to musical excellence.
10. Naoko Yoshino
Naoko Yoshino is a celebrated Japanese harpist known for her exquisite artistry and captivating performances. Born in 1959 in Tokyo, Yoshino began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts and later at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris.
Yoshino is renowned for her lyrical playing style, technical mastery, and deep musical insight. She has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Yoshino is also a dedicated educator, sharing her passion for the harp with students at the Tokyo University of the Arts and the Toho Gakuen School of Music.
Her contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Yoshino’s playing has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing her as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
11. Anneleen Lenaerts
Anneleen Lenaerts, born in 1987 in Belgium, is a highly acclaimed Belgian harpist known for her exceptional talent, captivating performances, and versatility across a wide range of musical genres. She began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established herself as a rising star in the classical music world.
Lenaerts’ career has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements. She has won top prizes at prestigious international competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich, Germany, and the International Harp Contest in Israel.
As a soloist, Lenaerts has performed with major orchestras and ensembles worldwide, earning praise for her expressive playing, impeccable technique, and dynamic stage presence. She is known for her ability to bring out the full range of colors and emotions from the harp, captivating audiences with her virtuosity and musicality.
In addition to her solo performances, Lenaerts is also a passionate chamber musician, collaborating with renowned artists and ensembles in diverse repertoire. She has recorded several critically acclaimed albums, showcasing her versatility and artistry across a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Lenaerts is also committed to music education and outreach, regularly giving masterclasses and workshops to aspiring harpists around the world. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and passion for the harp, inspiring the next generation of musicians with her talent and expertise.
Anneleen Lenaerts’ artistry, dedication, and contributions to the world of harp playing have earned her acclaim and admiration from audiences and musicians alike. She continues to inspire with her performances, recordings, and commitment to musical excellence.
12. Sivan Magen
Sivan Magen is a highly acclaimed Israeli harpist known for his exceptional musicianship and captivating performances. Born in 1988 in Jerusalem, Magen began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He studied at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and later at the Juilliard School in New York.
Magen is celebrated for his expressive playing style, technical brilliance, and innovative approach to the harp. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing his versatility and artistry. Magen is also a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned ensembles and artists.
His contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Magen’s playing has earned him acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing him as one of the leading harpists of his generation.
13. Florence Sitruk
Florence Sitruk is a distinguished German-Israeli harpist known for her exceptional musicianship and expressive playing. Born in Berlin, Germany, Sitruk began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established herself as a prodigious talent. She studied at the Berlin University of the Arts and later at the Juilliard School in New York.
Sitruk is celebrated for her lyrical playing style, technical mastery, and deep musical insight. She has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Sitruk is also a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned ensembles and artists.
Her contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Sitruk’s playing has earned her acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing her as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
14. Lavinia Meijer
Lavinia Meijer, born in 1983 in the Netherlands, is a highly acclaimed Dutch harpist known for her captivating performances, innovative collaborations, and versatile repertoire. She began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established herself as one of the leading harpists of her generation.
Meijer’s career has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. She has won prestigious awards, including the Dutch Music Prize, which is the highest honor awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Culture to musicians in the Netherlands.
As a soloist, Meijer has performed with major orchestras and ensembles worldwide, earning praise for her expressive playing, technical brilliance, and profound musical interpretation. She is known for her ability to bring out the full range of emotions and colors from the harp, captivating audiences with her virtuosity and sensitivity.
In addition to her solo performances, Meijer is also a passionate chamber musician and collaborator. She has worked with a diverse range of artists and ensembles, including classical musicians, jazz musicians, and electronic music producers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the harp and exploring new musical possibilities.
Meijer has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing her versatility and artistry across a wide range of musical styles and genres. She is known for her adventurous programming, which often includes works by contemporary composers alongside classical repertoire.
In addition to her performing career, Meijer is also committed to music education and outreach, regularly giving masterclasses and workshops to aspiring harpists around the world. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and passion for the harp, inspiring the next generation of musicians with her talent and expertise.
Lavinia Meijer’s artistry, dedication, and contributions to the world of harp playing have earned her acclaim and admiration from audiences and musicians alike. She continues to inspire with her performances, recordings, and commitment to musical excellence.
15. Emmanuel Ceysson
Emmanuel Ceysson is a highly acclaimed French harpist known for his exceptional artistry and virtuosic playing. Born in Paris, France, Ceysson began playing the harp at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and later at the Juilliard School in New York.
Ceysson is celebrated for his expressive playing style, technical brilliance, and innovative approach to the harp. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively, showcasing his versatility and artistry. Ceysson is also a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned ensembles and artists.
His contributions to the harp repertoire include numerous recordings and editions of harp music, as well as collaborations with contemporary composers. Ceysson’s playing has earned him acclaim from audiences and critics alike, establishing him as one of the leading harpists of his generation.
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.
