bio

orchestral harpist, chamber collaborator and soloist...

Versatile harpist Kathryn Andrews fears no challenge on her instrument. Whether it be collaborating on a contemporary chamber work, playing with the orchestra or performing as a soloist, Kathryn’s unique interpretation, technique and musicality make her one of the most recognized emerging harpists in New York City. She is currently the principal harpist with the Chelsea Symphony and was a Featured Solo Artist for their 2008-2009 concert series. She has performed with the Queens Symphony, New York Chamber Virtuosi, Manhattan Camerata, One World Symphony, AAC Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey, New Sussex Symphony, New Amsterdam Symphony, Reginal Opera and DaCapo Opera.

Kathryn is an avid promoter of new music and is an active participant in the contemporary music scene. She performs regularly Trio KAVAK and PROJECT 60/40 and Duo Scorpio performing works by living composers as well as commissioned works and original arrangements. She recently gave the U.S. premiere of Simon Holt’s “the other side of silence” with Trio KAVAK, the world premiere of Ed Windels “Canciones Andaluzas” through New Music New York and Terry Champlin’s “The Guitar Dreams”-- a double concerto for guitar and harp. She recorded “Zin! Zin! Zin! a Violin” with Marvin Hamlisch and jazz legend Wycliff Gordon in a classical/jazz collaboration for children. Kathryn has toured with American Idol pop star Clay Aiken, The Irish Tenors and with Frank Patterson in his “God Bless America Spectacular” which aired on PBS. She recently performed with Florence + The Machine at the MET Gala and with Joe Lovano with the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Chamber Orchestra. Pursuing an ongoing love affair with Italian Opera, Kathryn participated in the Bel Canto Music Festival in Florence, Italy in 2009. She received the Instrumental Performance Award for her excellence in interpretation of the Bel Canto style, winning a solo performance in Los Angelos.

Kathryn has a Master’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music in Orchestral Performance and a Master’s Degree from the Mannes College of Music in Classical Harp. Passionate about teaching, Kathryn maintains a private harp studio in New York and New Jersey and is a substitute teacher at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College. She is a member of the Local 802 Musician Union, the American Harp Society and Metro Harp New York.