The Civic Orchestra of Chicago has appointed Kari Novilla principal harpist, to begin performing with the orchestra in October. She has also been named a Civic Fellow with the orchestra’s professional development program this season. “I intend to make the most of this position and am excited to continue the Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s ambitions to expand the horizons of classical music,” Novilla says. “Additionally, being a Fellow will allow me to continue to showcase the versatility of the harp, engage deeply with different communities, and produce innovative projects.”
Novilla says she also looks forward to experiencing Chicago’s rich cultural history. “To be in such an incredibly dynamic city that is the birthplace of the blues, gospel, and house music I know will help in my pursuit to push musical boundaries with the harp. After graduating with my [Master of Music] in London, I have been dreaming of moving to Chicago to be in another metropolitan city, so I am very excited to make it a reality with this opportunity!”
According to its website, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago trains young professional musicians for careers in symphony orchestras. Under the guidance of Principal Conductor Ken-David Masur, a faculty of coaches from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and guest conductors including CSO Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti, members of the Civic Orchestra gain experience through monthly rehearsals, coachings, performances, and workshops.
The Civic Fellowship program at the Civic Orchestra selects eleven participants each season. According to its website, the program aims to develop participants’ creative and professional skills, encourage community engagement, and promote collaboration and entrepreneurship. The curriculum focuses on artistic planning, music education, social justice, and project management.
Novilla describes herself as a multi-genre harpist who combines her background in classical harp with the worlds of electronics and jazz. As a previously featured performer for Google and NBC News, she has also appeared as a concerto soloist at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and was a finalist in the American Harp Society’s National Competition. She made her solo debut in London, United Kingdom, at Wigmore Hall in 2022 as part of the Crying Out Loud series and has since returned for two subsequent series at Wigmore Hall. Novilla’s jazz ensembles, the Kari Novilla Trio and Kari Novilla Sextet, can be found performing in London and across the United States. In addition, Novilla frequently collaborates with composers and premieres new works.
Novilla recently graduated with a Master of Music with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of professor emerita of harp Skaila Kanga and professor of jazz harp Park Stickney. Novilla holds a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance with the highest academic honors from Indiana University, where she studied with harp department chair Elzbieta Szmyt.
Learn more about Novilla on her website.
