The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has appointed Katherine Ventura principal harp. She will begin performing with the orchestra this fall. “This season’s repertoire includes so many harpist favorites, and I can’t wait to meet and work with my new colleagues and Maestro José-Luis Novo,” Ventura says. “I know I’m in for an inspiring season!” She adds, “Sixteen-year-old me is so excited to finally be in the same orchestra as her longtime friend and bunkmate from Interlochen Music and Arts Camp, a member of the Annapolis cello section!”
Ventura played the last three seasons as acting principal harp with the Kansas City Symphony. She appears frequently with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as guest principal and second harp, including on recordings and international tours. She has performed as guest principal harp with the Chicago, Houston, National, St. Louis, Baltimore, and Virginia Symphony Orchestras, Minnesota Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, United States Air Force Band, and on trial with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London (United Kingdom). Her festival appearances include principal harp at the Verbier Festival in Switzerland and the Aspen Music Festival, and with the National Repertory Orchestra, among others.
Ventura maintains a private studio and serves as a teaching artist for the Lyra Society. She has held faculty positions at Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges in Philadelphia, the Music Institute of Chicago, and The People’s Music School in Chicago. Ventura is pursuing a Doctorate in Musical Arts at Temple University and holds degrees from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and Carnegie Mellon University. Her principal teachers include Gretchen Van Hoesen, Elizabeth Hainen, and Sarah Bullen.
Learn more about Ventura on her website.
