Following an audition that took place June 17–19, Katherine Siochi was selected as the principal harpist for the Kansas City Symphony. “I’m super excited to be joining such an incredible orchestra and to perform in their gorgeous hall,” says Siochi. With a 42–week season, the orchestra performs for Kansas City’s opera and ballet companies in addition to its own classical, educational, and outreach concerts. “I’m also really looking forward to living in Kansas City—from the few days I spent there it seems like such a fun and interesting city.”
The audition took place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, where the orchestra has performed since its opening in 2011. “The audition process was extremely well–organized and smooth,” says Siochi. A screen was up for all four rounds, and three Lyon & Healy harps were provided for candidates who could not bring their own. Harp technician Peter Wiley was also on–site to help with any instrument concerns. Repertoire requirements included the first movement of the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto, Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, and the Debussy Danses, in addition to orchestral excerpts.
Winner of the 10th USA International Harp Competition, Siochi has been principal harpist with the Sarasota Orchestra since 2017. She was the American Harp Society Concert Artist from 2015–2017, presenting 23 recitals and master classes across the United States. She received two degrees at Juilliard, where she studied with Nancy Allen.
Subscribe today to read Harp Column’s 2016 feature interview with Siochi. To learn more about the Kansas City Symphony, visit their website at kcsymphony.org/.
