After what can be a quiet couple of months for gigging harpists in January and February, spring is starting to heat up and calendars are starting to fill up. It got us wondering what new tunes we should be sure we have in our set lists as we head into our 2023 gigs.
We asked five active freelance harpists what tunes they would deem as “must-haves” in their gig books this year. From classic oldies to songs that have gone viral on TikTok, their suggestions are sure to include some tunes you’ll want to add to your repertoire.
Kristen Elizabeth Hoyos is a full-time freelance harpist in Tampa Bay, Florida. She has been honing her craft for 22 years and has performed for hundreds of events including weddings, galas, dinners, and parties. She has received the coveted WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award every year she has been in business. She has a love of both classical and contemporary pieces, but most of all enjoys teaching her students.
“I think 2023 is the year of TikTok—yes, I said it! That is why I’m making sure to include some viral songs from the platform into my playlist this year,” says Hoyos. “I’ve already seen a trend of viral songs being requested more recently, and I plan to have them ready.” Hoyos says she is constantly listening to new music and trying out new tunes. “It’s a great way to expand your repertoire—the more songs you can play the better. Also, it can get old playing the same songs repeatedly. It’s exciting to be challenged and play something new.” Hoyos has played hundreds of events in her 22 years of gigging. But she says she has learned to look for two criteria when picking out songs to add to her repertoire. “It must be a recognizable song and one that most people would be surprised to hear on the harp.”
“golden hour” by JVKE
This is a new song that I think is going to be big this year. I also think the running eighth notes in the intro are perfect on the harp. I think this is going to be the equivalent of “Perfect” from 2018.
“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA
Definitely not a new song, but a song that has gained recent popularity on social media. It’s ABBA, what’s not to love? You’d be surprised how this song connects with many generation,s and it’s fun to play!
“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
Are you starting to see a trend? I love how there’s a trend towards “funky” older songs. I’m going to be playing this at every cocktail hour this year.
“Cornfield Chase” from the Interstellar soundtrack by Hans Zimmer
You can’t go wrong with a movie or TV theme. Hans Zimmer is one of the greatest composers of our time, so it’s no surprise you’ll see this song on so many content videos on social media. I can see a lot of brides walking down the aisle to this one. Play it with a nice rolled chord slow intro and create a nice build-up throughout. (Kristan Toczko—HarpistKT on social media—already has a version available!)
“You are the Reason” by Calum Scott and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Speaking of wedding music, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “You are the Reason” (even though this is technically a break up song…we won’t talk about that) are the new “A Thousand Years.” These songs are most likely already in your repertoire but if they’re not, add them now! I don’t think they’re going anywhere anytime soon.
“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
This popular Taylor Swift tune checks two boxes—it’s a viral song and it will please all of the Swifties that sold out her 2023 stadium tour in record time. You definitely need at least one or 10 Taylor Swift songs in your repertoire.
“No Rain” by Blind Melon
I’m personally wanting to include some more ’90s and early 2000s music in my repertoire in 2023. I’m adding the song “No Rain” by Blind Melon to my list this year. You may think you don’t know this song, but I bet you do. You just didn’t know the name of it. Go listen to it now.
“Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez
This song is going to be another big hit at weddings this year—providing the backdrop to many first dances. I love the oldies vibe this tune emits. This song tastefully pays homage to the ’50s and is so sweet. Let me get my poodle skirt and head to the sock hop. (Uh oh, I lost the young readers here.)
“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
Picture this, I’m finishing up playing a classic like Frank Sinatra or Elton John and a guest walks up and asks “Can you play anything by Metallica?” I get asked for Metallica probably more often than any other band or artist. “Nothing Else Matters” is a must and is staying in my gig book this year. I’ve even had a bride request to walk down the aisle to it!
Harpist Kristina Finch says she employs a Marie Kondo-inspired method of repertoire selection, asking herself, does it bring me joy? “More than anything I choose music that I love for my gig book,” says the Hattiesburg, Mississippi-based musician. “I have a running list of song titles I want to adapt for the harp after hearing them on the radio,” she says. “If it’s a song that you love, chances are, it’s going to sound great on harp.” Being a busy freelancer necessitates a nearly constant search for new tunes. “When I had a steady background gig I would regularly bring in five to 10 new pieces each week to explore on the job. Sometimes they were all winners and sometimes there were some stinkers that were never played again. You really never know what is going to sound great and reading something on the job can be a fast way to discover whether a song will work or not.”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
This is a huge crowd pleaser, but is not for the faint of heart. Double pedal changes and quick transitions make it a tricky but well-worth-it piece that should be in any gig book.
“5000 Candles in the Wind” from the television series Parks and Recreation
I love including songs from TV and movies in my sets, and this is an all-time favorite. Even if you’ve never seen the show, I think anyone can appreciate this beautiful tune about a miniature horse named Lil’ Sebastian.
“Endless Love” by Lionel Richie
This song is very playable and works well on the harp. It’s a tune that is familiar across multiple generations and never fails to turn heads.
“New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel
If you’ve ever been to NYC, you can certainly relate to this song. It fits the harp too well and sounds too good not to play!
“Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz
Whether you are playing a basic version or something with a few more harmonic changes, this is a piece that must be in any gig book.
“Somewhere Out There” from An American Tail
This is a gig book tune that is a dream to play from a classic movie about the American dream. Lovely and sparkly, this piece shows off the harp in its most beautiful form.
“It’s All Coming Back to Me” by Celine Dion (originally recorded by Pandora’s Box and later recorded by Meatloaf)
Really anything by Celine is a sure hit for harp, but when I first sat down to try and figure this one out I was immediately enamored by its playability and more up-beat dance tempo. A true power ballad, this is a hugely rewarding tune to play!
“Unravel” from Tokyo Ghoul
Listening to a recording of the original, you might not ever think about playing this on harp, but let me tell you, this piece from the Anime show Tokyo Ghoul is beautiful, playable, and offers the opportunity to connect with a different audience than our more standard repertoire.
“Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears
As a child of the ’90s, there was no way I wasn’t including at least one rager from my teen years. This classic Britney song from 1998 has all the nostalgia of music from that time and many options for embellishment and improvisation.
“Go the Distance” from Hercules
There are dozens of Disney tunes I play at gigs, but if I had to choose just one Disney tune to add to this list, it would be this one. Emotional, beautiful, and exciting to play, this piece juxtaposes sections of great activity with simple melodies in a way that is juicy to play.
Chicago-based harpist Janelle Lake has played harp on trains, boats, planes, and horse-drawn drays (on the famously unmotorized Mackinac Island). Being a big-city gigger has given Lake many opportunities to perform steadily at popular venues including Madame Zuzu’s, the Drake hotel, the Langham, CDPeacock, Jimmy Choo, Harry Winston, and others. Last year, Lake played on stage with Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame, Billy Swan, and Perry Ferral of Jane’s Addiction.
“When choosing new repertoire for my gig book, I weigh the piece’s ability to connect to an audience member,” Lake says, noting that she adds about one new piece a week to her gig repertoire. “Beyond client requests, quite often my own children inspire the next selection.” Lake is the mother to two young girls. “I’ll be adding the theme from the popular children’s show Bluey next because it gets so much attention. Once I have their attention, I can teach and expand their musical world.”
“Stairway to Heaven” by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, arr. David Ice
This always grabs someone’s attention and gets their minds brainstorming about the possibilities of the harp. The number of $20 bills enthusiastically dropped onto my music stand after playing this piece has paid for the arrangement many times over.
“Scene” from Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arr. Angela Klöhn
This timeless theme engages audiences of all ages. Last week, a grown man flutter-stepped as if on pointe across the concert space as I played this piece.
“If It’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder, arr. Brandee Younger
I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like the music of Stevie Wonder.
“Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison
The harp can often get stuck in a meditative, relaxing trance. An uplifting, lively classic shakes up the energy.
“Clair de lune” by Claude Debussy
I use Phyllis Schlomovitz’s arrangement so I can play the piece while still paying attention to all the moving parts of a non-concert hall gig. I’ve heard so many good stories of how “Clair de lune” has comforted different people. Plus, the number of contemporary movies that include this piece on their soundtrack make it familiar to a wide audience.
Anything from Disney’s Frozen: “Let it Go,” “Do you Want to Build a Snowman?,” “Into the Unknown,” etc.
There’s no way I could let down a child if they work up the courage to ask me to play their favorite music.
“Happy Birthday” by Mildred and Patty Hill
It would be embarrassing if someone asked for this tune, and the harpist didn’t know it!
“Super Mario Brothers Theme” by Koji Kondo
With the new movie coming out and McDonald’s pushing the toys and branding, Super Mario music will bring joy everywhere this year.
Anything from The Little Mermaid by Alan Menkin
Children of the ’80s know the music from The Little Mermaid well, and the anticipated release of the live-action remake of the Disney classic this year will boost the soundtrack’s popularity.
“What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele
I almost always end my gigs with this tune to leave a positive vibe in the room.
Adding new tunes to her gig book is a weekly occurrence for Southern California freelancer Chiara Capobianco. “When I’m choosing new music, I mainly look for entertaining, recognizable, relatable, catchy tunes that suit a specific environment. The key is being eclectic,” she says. “I also accept requests on the spot, so it’s important to have a little bit of everything.” After moving from her native Italy to the U.S. five years ago, Capobianco makes her living performing around the San Diego/Orange County and Los Angeles/Malibu areas. She performs weekly for afternoon tea at a luxury hotel where she plays mostly classical music, at an upscale Italian restaurant where she plays favorite songs from her native country, and a fusion bar/restaurant where she plays pop music on an electroacoustic harp. She also plays regularly with a DJ where she will improvise.
“A Time to Say Goodbye” by Francesco Sartori
People love to hear this familiar melody made famous by Andrea Bocelli. It channels an Italian music vibe, which is perfect for what I do and who I am.
Medley from Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Everyone loves the music from this Broadway hit. I also love playing “Memory” from Cats and “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita.
“Love Theme” from The Godfather by Nino Rota
The Italian vibes are also strong in this movie soundtrack favorite. I also like playing the dramatic theme from Romeo and Juliet, “A Time for Us.”
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Everyone loves this goldie oldie!
Beatles medley
A few of the most famous tunes by the Fab Four is a must. I like evergreen melodies like “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and “Michelle.”
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and David Hodges
I like this famous tune from The Twilight Saga for a more modern, romantic vibe.
Concerto in B-flat Major by G. F. Handel
The first movement is perfect to impress a crowd with some proper classical music.
Clair de lune by Claude Debussy
This, along with Beethoven’s Für Elise, are classic classical pieces everyone loves.
Staying current on trends in pop culture, movies, TV shows, and social media is important because of how they affect what is currently hot in music, says Nashville harpist Liana Alpino. “I know live action Disney movie soundtracks always explode, so I’m making sure to add some songs from The Little Mermaid to my gig book for when it comes out in May. I know that Phantom of the Opera is leaving Broadway this spring, and it’s a beloved show, so that soundtrack may explode,” Alpino says. “I think about the best new artists coming up, or beloved artists who are in the news like Dolly Parton, for example. I’m also on TikTok more than I should admit, but because of this, I’m seeing what sound clips are going viral. I’ve loved seeing classical standards, like Vivaldi’s “Spring,” explode this past year and gaining a whole new set of listeners.”
Alpino graduated from Belmont University where she was the first harpist to receive a commercial music degree. As an active freelancer in Nashville’s vibrant music scene, Alpino plays everything from recording sessions to special events where she has become known for her signature pop harp arrangements. “My clients are a big influence in what I add to my gig book,” she notes. “I pride myself in trying to make most requests adaptable to harp because I always want to make sure a client is happy with their setlist. Sometimes I discover new songs that work perfectly on the harp because of this, and sometimes they’ll request a song that I love but just never thought to arrange.”
Any song by Taylor Swift
The hottest concert ticket for 2023 is, without a doubt, Taylor Swift’s “The Eras” tour. Since her current tour celebrates all her past albums, her entire catalog is relevant! ”Anti-Hero” is the big hit from her latest album Midnights, but Swiftie sleuths anticipate Speak Now to be the next album she re-records, so learning a song from that album may put you ahead of the curve. You also can’t go wrong with “Wildest Dreams,” whose instrumental version was made popular by the hit TV show Bridgerton.
“All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber
After 35 years, it’s hard to believe the beloved musical is leaving Broadway this year. Pay homage to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s incredible work by learning one of its most popular songs. (I love Sylvia Woods’ version.) Bonus—this tune is a fabulous addition to wedding repertoire.
”Happier” by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s music exploded last year with the success of her debut album, Sour, and her Best New Artist Grammy award. I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from her, so be sure to add one of her hits to your gig book this year.
“Canon in D” medleys
“Canon in D” medleys are all the rage on TikTok these days, and brides are loving them. Pair your favorite version of Pachelbel’s classic “Canon in D” with popular wedding songs like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” or Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
“Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Loggins
In my opinion, Dolly Parton will forever be relevant, so 2023 is the year to add one of her tunes to your gig book if you don’t have one yet.
“Prelude” from Cello Suite No.1 by J.S. Bach
I’m resolving to finally learn this timeless piece in 2023. I think it would be a perfect addition to a variety of event setlists. Check out Maria Luisa Rayan’s arrangement on Harp Column Music. Merynda Adams also has a simplified version for lever or pedal harp.
“Kiss The Girl” from The Little Mermaid
One of the most highly anticipated films of 2023 is the new live action version of The Little Mermaid. Be ahead of the game by learning this classic song which will be included in the film! This and other song arrangements from the film are included in Sylvia Woods’ book 76 Disney Songs For The Harp.
”La Vie En Rose” by Louiguy/Édith Piaf
You can’t go wrong with this gorgeous melody, and it’s suitable for all types of events. I have found myself playing it at a lot of gigs lately, and many clients enjoy it even if they didn’t know it. Find the sheet music in Ray Pool’s book Tea At The Waldorf Vol. 2.
“Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
As a millennial, I must admit I love that trends from the ’90s and ’00s are coming back around, because there were some great music moments back then, like this 2006 smash hit!
“Smile” by Charlie Chaplin
I have always enjoyed this sweet little tune and decided to finally add it to my gig book this year. I think it will be perfect for a variety of events.
“Hopelessly Devoted To You” from Grease
The world lost the great Olivia Newton-John in 2022, but her voice will always be synonymous with the musical Grease. What better way to continue her legacy then by learning one of her most powerful vocal works? •
