The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has appointed Alyssa Katahara principal harpist, following three rounds of auditions held Oct. 9–11, 2023. Katahara will begin performing with the DSO this fall.
“Throughout my trial everyone in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra was warm and welcoming,” Katahara says. “I am grateful to be joining them in the 2024–25 season. The group plays with such clarity and has found the delicate balance of playing as a tight ensemble while remaining flexible and expressive. Every performance really breathes musically and I am excited to discover how my sound will support this dynamic group!”
Katahara previously held the principal harp position in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed alongside the Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and New World Symphony. As the grand prize winner of the Hennings-Fischer Young Artists Competition, Katahara appeared as a featured artist with the Burbank Philharmonic. Additionally, she won second prize in the Young Professional Division of the 2021 American Harp Society National Competition.
Katahara received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Colburn Conservatory of Music as a student of JoAnn Turovsky. She is also a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, where she studied with Joan Holland.
