About Kathleen - Charleston Harpist
I am a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying full-time with world-renowned harpist Alice Chalifoux. I earned a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in harp performance and am the only harpist in this region to hold these performance degrees. In 1987, I was appointed as principal harpist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and I continue to hold that position as well as an adjunct position as instructor of harp at the College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University. As a frequent performer in the greater Charleston area I maintain a busy freelancing schedule in addition to my symphony duties. With over twenty years of performance experience and a strong reputation as a professional, I am a familiar and welcome presence with our local event planners, area hotels, convention centers and private facilities. As a result of this long time familiarity, I can offer past examples and hints to help in the planning of your event. Over my career, it has always been an honor to be called upon to perform for visiting dignitaries.
Some of the private receptions and dinners that I have performed for in a solo harp setting include Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Vice-President Dan Quayle, Princess Anne, Prince Charles, our Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired General Colin Powell, national military leaders from Great Britain, France, Germany and Costa Rica as well as numerous other ambassadors and U.S. political leaders. I am also routinely booked by other leaders within Charleston’s hospitality industry for their personal functions, such as family weddings or anniversary parties. I appreciate such confidence in my abilities.
Outside of my career as a professional musician, I have been a competitive swimmer for most of my life, now specializing in open water long distance events. I have completed many of the major open water swims around the world, including the English Channel in 2001. I still train daily and have no plans to retire from the sport which has given me so much. I use my swims as a basis for many public speaking engagements, ranging from elementary schools to corporate presentations and most often speaking on how to take large, impossible tasks and complete them successfully.
In November, 2005, I was elected to represent James Island District 12 as a member of Charleston City Council. It is an honor to represent approximately 12,000 residents of the island and has provided me with a considerable opportunity to learn and grow personally and professionally.
