Annette Bjorling - Harpist
- Evanston, IL
- Harpist
- 21 Verified Bookings
J R. said “She was great she worked with my son and daughter in law with various songs”
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Harp Music for Weddings, Private Events, Parties, Funerals, orchestral work, flute and harp music, harp and cello music, flute, harp and cello music.
Janelle is such a sweetheart to work with. Having her at my daughter’s Marie Antoinette birthday party added such elegance to the event. I gave her a list of songs that my daughter requested a week before the party and she fulfilled the request. She dressed up according to the theme. We had her for 2 hours and that 2 hours didn’t seem enough. The guests were happy to sing along when Janelle played their requested songs on the spot. Her playing was beautiful, and filled the air with the exact mood that I wanted. She welcomed the guests afterward to see the harp closely (most of the guests haven’t seen a harp in person or it’s their first time seeing it) and took pictures with us. If I have a chance to plan another party, I will choose Janelle in a heartbeat. Thank you so much Janelle for making my daughter’s birthday so special.
Janelle was a wonderful addition to our company party! Everyone enjoyed her music and overall presence. Would 100% book again!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! Foreground is such a unique and perfect space for events!
Extremely professional and talented!! First time booking a harpist and I am more than content with my decision booking Janelle lake. I definitely recommend and will be booking for any future events. Thank you!!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! What a gorgeous community this baby is being born into!!
Prompt, professional, courteous but more so a professional of the Harp in sound and presentation. Thanks for making the start of this wedding the "Sparkling" success that it was!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Dr. Greene! Nick and Ashley's wedding was a gorgeous night of elegant class and love. It was a joy being there.
I hired Janelle to play for the ceremony and cocktail hour and when I tell you I didn’t really have a song list but a vibe I wanted and she totally ran with it and did a fantastic job! Everyone loved it! Thank you for all your work Janelle!! Highly recommend if you want a true classic vibes at your event!
Janelle is so very talented! She is a very beautiful harpist and person! We loved having her play for our daughter’s wedding!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Dr. Castiglia! Friday was just lovely and I am so happy I got to be part of their wedding day!
Janelle did an amazing job playing the harp for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. She catered to our unique requests and played beautifully! We highly recommend her services for any event.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Matt and Jannon! Your wedding was so gorgeous and delightfully personable. Here’s to a long and happy marriage!
Janelle's performance truly elevated our event! She was quick to respond and a great communicator. With her positive personality and professionalism, I would recommend her for any kind of event. Her playing was exquisite and we had tenants come down simply to watch her perform.
Janelle did an amazing job during my reception!! Best decision ever!!!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Christina! The applause of your family and friends was just heart warming! Muchas gracias!
Janelle is a real entertainer. She plays beautifully and engages the crowd naturally. We learned a lot about the music she played and the story of her harp. It made for a very fun evening.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Chris! Your family is so much fun and just a delight. Thank you for having me!
Janelle is an absolute rockstar! Thank you for making my wedding so so special.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Your wedding was so gorgeous and full of character! Thank you for having me!
She was great, very professional and helpful. On time and would highly recommend!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Cruz! Your family is so much fun! Best wishes!
Janelle did a beautiful job of playing a variety of music that added so much ambiance to our event.
Janelle played beautifully and just made the event more enjoyable and special. Her playing brought and easy and comfortable feeling to a beautiful day!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! What a Gorgeous family!
Janelle was just amazing ! Very nice, professional but most of all - amazing , very talented musician !
All the guests commented on how wonderful her playing was and set the scene very nicely for my daughter's Baby Shower . It was just pleasure to listen to her performance . I highly recommend Jenelle !
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Aneta! What a joy to see women gathering to support each other!
Janelle not only knew the "nonstandard" songs we wanted (Princess Bride Theme, The Shire from The Hobbit, Chasing Cars), she was charming, lovely, and a gem to work with. Our guests could not stop talking about her talent.
Janelle did fantastic at my wedding. She learned all the songs that we wanted on pretty short notice. She's so kind and she plays beautifully. Her smile alone lights up the room she's in and then when she starts playing.. She was the perfect touch to our ceremony. We got tons of compliments about her!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Greyson and Toni! Your family and friends are the coolest!
If a harpist is something you have considered at all do yourself a favor and hire Janelle. Our guests wouldn't stop talking about how amazing she was and what songs they were going to request next. She not only could play absolutely anything but she played beautifully. Hiring her was definitely one of our best choices we made for the night.
Janelle is a passionate player. Her heartfelt approach to the music added support and elegance to the funeral service. Couldn't have chosen a better person.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you!
This was an amazing experience which put the frosting on the cake to our event.
Janelle is cute,bubbly,professional,talented,and you can see she loves what she does,which
creates a comfortable and warm atmosphere. You will not regret experiencing the talent of this
Class act……….
Janelle performed at my wife’s memorial service. Her music brought light and joy to what could have been a somber occasion. She also accompanied an opera singer on Ave Maria- simply stunning performance.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Solomon! Families sure show their true colors when mourning and I think your family is Amazing!!!
It was wonderful to have Janelle at Emmett's funeral mass in Elk Grove. She collaborated well with the church's organist and played beautiful harp music. The selected music was very soothing and appreciated by the church attendees.
It was a sincere pleasure working with Janelle.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Maureen! I am wishing you warmth and grace.
Your family is beautiful.
Janelle was an absolute treat! She consulted us prior to the wedding and did a phenomenal job playing for our small crowd. We couldn’t be happier with her and her beautiful music. Moreover she is the kindest woman to talk to and generally cares about her clients. We will likely be utilizing her again for an anniversary in the future!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! You two were so genuine and loving towards each other. And your grandmother’s shoes were the coolest shoes I’ve ever seen!
I hired Janelle Lake for my grandmothers funeral, and she did a amazing job. She really went above and beyond to make the day special. She accommodated my personal song requests (and preformed them wonderfully), was very kind, and wrote thoughtful responses. I couldn’t have asked for a better harpist! She is an incredible talent and I totally recommend her.
We have had Janelle at our corporate building two times now for events, and she has been nothing short of amazing. We received many compliments from tenants. Her harp and music were both beautiful, and she is great to work with! I would definitely have her back, and I recommend her for any type of event!
Janelle,
Is amazing at what she does. Musical notes are her second language. She was able to learn music We gave her for our wedding in days of our request. She listened to what we wanted during our wedding and it executed on demand. Thank you Janelle!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Josh! You know how to throw a party! Your guests were so kind and fun. I hope I get to play on your 25th anniversary. Mazel Tov!
Janelle was very professional, kind, and not to mention her music talent was amazing. We were all so pleased and would definitely utilize her again. Thank you!
Janelle played her harp at my mom's memorial service. She was amazing! People that came were also amazed with her abilities to play such Heavenly Beautiful music. Janelle is the best in Chicagoland. Everyone should hear her beautiful music. Thanks Janelle, you played a big role in our celebration of my mom's life.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Mark! I loved hearing your amazing mother’s story and meeting your family. What a beautiful tribute to a strong woman.
My guests gushed over Janelle. She is incredibly talented and also such a kind person! I was incredibly nervous before walking into our reception. And she put down her things (she was packing up) and played for my husband and I! I adore her and know you would not regret hiring her for your event!!!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you, Brittany! Best wishes!
Having Janelle at our wedding was the icing on the cake! She is not only a very talented and professional musician, but a beautiful person as well! Everyone complemented her lovely music and performance. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you again Janelle!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank YOU Jessica! You are so sweet. And you were gorgeous! Those flowers you did... what a talent you have!
Janelle played for my wedding ceremony, and I couldn't be happier with her performance. She was completely personable and professional.. She was punctual and delivered everything she promised and more. I cannot praise her enough.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! You were such a stunning bride! Your ceremony was beautiful. Best wishes!
Janelle music was absolutely beautiful and added so much to our New Years's Eve wedding. Our guests are still talking about how much they enjoyed it. That you played every song we requested and did so in such an elegant and professional manner was just fantastic. I can not recommend Janelle enough! Thank you!
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! Best wishes!
Janelle is the perfect addition to an elegant affair.
She is professional, pleasant and an incredible musician. The music was beautiful and she played a variety of songs from classical to pop. I would not hesitate to hire her again.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you! Your family and friends are lovely! I loved the children's polite curiosity and requests.
Great talent and a never ending wonderful attitude.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Jim! What a delight to play for your ensemble.
Janelle Lake played for our office grand opening event and she was incredible! She's so nice and very personable!
Janelle was amazing at our wedding outdoors in 2006! Just wanted to send a review for her, as I was googling all these years later and saw her name popped up. Her repertoire even back then was phenomenal and blew out guests away, who STILL talk about her. She even took requests during our cocktail hour and was playing Led Zepplin. So talented and so professional.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Shannon! What a day brightening message to hear that you're still celebrating 11 years later!
We hired Janelle for a Valentines dinner party at our home. She was easy to work with regarding our celebration. She came appropriately dressed for the occasion and wowed our guests during the cocktail hour.
Her choice of music and repertoire was most enchanting and delighted all our guests with her interpretation of My funny Valentine for her closing piece.
We can highly recommend her.
Response from Janelle Lake:
Thank you Jess! You throw a great party!
From start to finish, Janelle exceeded my expectations. She was very professional and returned every email I sent her during the planning phase of my wedding promptly. I pretty much knew most of the selections I wanted to be played but there were gaps and I just didn't have a clue. Janelle put the selections together and it was perfect! I just received the video of my wedding and although my guest already had complimented on how beautiful she played, I was able to really listen, watching the video and it was absolutely amazing! Thank you Janelle for a job well done, with my highest recommendations.
Liz H
Response from Janelle Lake:
Dear Liz, I’m looking at gig salad reviews and you just made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words many years ago!
Everyone loved her! We will definetly use Janelle again. What a bright, talented, engaging performer. True passion for her music and extremely gifted.
Price Range: $200 and up
Janelle Jansen Lake is a creative and diverse, full-time harpist in Chicago. Equally comfortable with solo, chamber, and orchestral works, she specializes in contemporary, jazz, and pop music. Ms. Lake was recently appointed; as faculty; to Columbia College's Sherwood Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago. She also teaches harp at the University of Chicago, and in her own private studio. Currently, she teaches between 30 and 40 harp students.
When not teaching, Ms. Lake's performance sphere reaches many far corners. She currently holds the principal harp position to the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, and the New Millenium chamber players. As an advocate of new music, Ms. Lake holds the principal harp position with the Chicago-based contemporary music ensemble Dal Niente. With this group she has performed a multitude of irregular harp techniques and has even invented a new technique to suit a composer's desire. She has premiered works by Augusta Reed Thomas, Drew Baker, and Kirsten Broberg. Some of her favorite new music performances include works by Jon Deak, Michael Daugherty, and Lucio Berio.
One of Ms. Lake's passions is meeting new people and taking part in their lives in a memorable way on a daily basis. Despite playing hundreds of weddings, funerals, and other services, each ceremony is unique to her. Most memorable performances for Ms. Lake include the National Republican Candidate conference (2007, MI), tea time and demitasse at the Grand Hotel (2007, Mackinac Island, MI), the opening of the Miller Park Baseball Stadium (2001, Milwaukee, WI), and the preview party for the international art and antique show with flutist, Kim Sopata (2008, Chicago's Merchandise Mart).
Janelle Lake received her Bachelors and Master of music degrees from Northwestern University. There, she studied with the harpist of the Lyric Opera, Elizabeth Cifani. "Liz" helped Janelle foster a love of arranging and writing music. Her most recent arrangement is a harp duet combining Gershwin's "An American in Paris" with "Rhapsody in Blue". As a supplement to the Suzuki method, Ms. Lake wrote a book "Beginning Music on Harp" that is currently up for publication.
March 19, 2024 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
April 09, 2024 • 4:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
May 04, 2024 • 11:30am - 1:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
May 07, 2024 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Cocktail Party |
October 12, 2024 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 17, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
December 13, 2023 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Corporate Event |
November 11, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Baby Shower |
October 14, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
October 08, 2023 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 24, 2023 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 17, 2023 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 09, 2023 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
June 03, 2023 • 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 20, 2023 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
May 14, 2023 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Easter Party |
May 06, 2023 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Baby Shower |
March 18, 2023 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
March 16, 2023 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Corporate Event |
March 12, 2023 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
February 11, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 26, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
October 22, 2022 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
October 13, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
October 09, 2022 • 11:30am - 2:30pm | Baby Shower |
September 04, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
August 06, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Baby Shower |
July 24, 2022 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Baby Shower |
June 25, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
April 16, 2022 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
February 20, 2022 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
January 16, 2022 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Reception |
December 17, 2021 • 10:30am - 12:30pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 09, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Party |
October 03, 2021 • 12:30pm - 2:30pm | Bridal Shower |
August 31, 2021 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
July 11, 2021 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
April 24, 2021 • 3:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
April 09, 2021 • 10:00am - 10:45am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
October 29, 2020 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
September 06, 2020 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 17, 2020 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 14, 2020 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Funeral/Memorial Service |
February 14, 2020 • 8:00am - 10:00am | Holiday Party |
November 02, 2019 • 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
September 07, 2019 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Religious Celebration |
June 15, 2019 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
June 04, 2019 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 17, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
October 27, 2018 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 15, 2018 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
December 20, 2017 • 7:30am - 10:00am | Concert |
December 17, 2017 • 5:00pm - 7:30pm | Birthday Party |
December 07, 2017 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Corporate Event |
August 05, 2017 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
July 17, 2016 | Wedding Ceremony |
June 26, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:30pm | Anniversary Party |
February 06, 2016 | Dinner Party |
October 24, 2015 | Wedding Ceremony |
September 05, 2015 | Wedding Ceremony |
June 13, 2015 | Wedding Ceremony |
March 09, 2014 | Birthday Party |
November 21, 2013 | Luncheon/Tea |
September 14, 2013 | Funeral Service |
June 09, 2013 | Bridal Shower |
J R. said “She was great she worked with my son and daughter in law with various songs”
Mary R. said “Erin went above our expectations. She honored song requests and sang and played them. She was amazing! We fully enjoyed her music and looking forward…”
Mark S. said “Our family booked Sinfonietta Arts for a "celebration of life" of a loved one, to be performed at a large downtown Chicago private club. Sinfonietta…”
Anton S. said “Ksenia was not only incredibly talented but also highly professional and accommodating. She took the time to understand our preferences and incorporated…”