Kari Novilla - Harpist

When you invite me to perform, you’re not just hiring a harpist — you’re bringing in an artist who sees the harp as a bridge between worlds: classical and contemporary, elegance and emotion, tradition and innovation.
Every performance I give is designed to be more than background music; it’s an experience that transforms the atmosphere of your event. Whether I’m performing for an intimate wedding, a grand gala, or a corporate celebration, my goal is always the same — to create moments that move people, linger in their memories, and feel beautifully unique to your occasion.

What Your Guests Will Experience
They’ll see the harp in a new light.
One moment, I might be weaving the timeless sounds of a classical masterpiece; the next, reimagining a pop or jazz favorite with a cinematic flair. I love surprising audiences — blending genres, textures, and moods to take them on a journey that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal.
My performances are elegant yet fresh, polished yet spontaneous. Every note is intentional, every phrase crafted to draw listeners in and make them feel connected to not only the music, but the moment itself.

What You Can Expect as a Client or Event Planner
I know that every event has its own energy and purpose, and I approach each one with care and professionalism. From our first conversation, I make sure the process is smooth and stress-free — clear communication, thoughtful planning, and complete reliability are always part of my approach.
Together, we’ll curate the perfect sound for your event. Whether you’re envisioning romantic harp melodies for a ceremony, modern arrangements that captivate a cocktail crowd, or an elegant concert-style feature performance, I’ll tailor the music to fit your vision seamlessly.
Beyond music, I bring intention and artistry to everything I do. My background (from my classical studies and international performances to my passion for sharing the harp with diverse audiences) allows me to connect with people from all walks of life. I believe music should not only sound beautiful, but also make people feel something real.
When you work with me, you’re not just hiring someone to play the harp. You’re partnering with a musician who brings heart, precision, and creativity to every note — someone who truly cares about making your event unforgettable.

An internationally recognized multi-genre artist, Kari strives to promote inclusivity and diversity throughout all facets of her musical career. She is committed to reaching under-served communities, and produces her own charity concerts and educational programs internationally. Her extensive background in classical music has aided in her journey to reach new horizons with the harp, now including the world of electronics and jazz. Kari is excited to begin her journey in another big city as she has recently been appointed a Fellow and the Principal Harpist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
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Kari completed her Masters of Music in harp performance with Distinction and LRAM at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England under the tutelage of Professor Emerita of Harp, Skaila Kanga and Professor of Jazz Harp, Park Stickney. As a dual major in both classical and jazz, she leads a busy career pursuing both music worlds. Having appeared as a soloist with Google and NBC News, she collaborates with composers frequently, having premiered seven new works in 2022 alone. She has also worked as a solo harpist on multiple sessions, albums, and movie soundtracks both in America and in Europe. From playing for the Bishop of London, to making her Wigmore Hall solo concert debut, she is a sought-after soloist internationally. Her jazz ensembles, The Kari Novilla Sextet and Trio can be found playing all across London, most recently at the Regent’s Park Summer Jazz Festival and the Spice of Life Jazz Club in Soho, London. Playing with bandmates of Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald, she continues her jazz career and continues to record in her home studio for exciting upcoming projects.
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Kari was a finalist in the American Harp Society’s National Competition and has been a featured concerto winner at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. with the Glière Harp Concerto. She has also appeared as a soloist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Summer engagements have included the Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra National Trustees Summer Music Institute, the Idyllwild Arts Academy in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Kari has served as Principal Harpist with the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras, with other orchestral experience including performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Johnson City Symphony, New World Symphony, University of Tennessee Symphony and Wind Ensembles, and Royal Academy Symphony Orchestra amongst others. She has performed with such conductors as Ken-David Masur, Giancarlo Guerrero, Ryan Bancroft, James Fellenbaum, Larry Livingston, and Ludovic Morlot.

Kari Novilla began her harp studies in Tennessee under the guidance of William Lovelace, former president of the American Harp Society. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from Indiana University in May 2021, graduating with the highest academic honors as a Barbara and David Jacobs Scholar. During her time at IU, she studied with Professor Elzbieta Szmyt, Chair of the Harp Department. Based in Chicago, Kari maintains a vibrant private teaching studio, offering both virtual and in-person lessons to a growing roster of dedicated students. Alongside her teaching, she performs regularly as a soloist and orchestral harpist in concerts across the United States and internationally. Her versatile career also includes performances at weddings, worship services, and civic events throughout America, her home state of Tennessee, and the United Kingdom.