Kari Gardner Chicago Harpist. Wedding ceremony harp music included, musician for hire for events, parties. Serving Chicagoland.

Looking for a harpist in the Chicago, Illinois area to play at your special event or party? With my harp I travel the greater Chicago area, NE Illinois to SE Wisconsin and NW Indiana. Examples of events include weddings (ceremony, shower, reception - cocktail hour and/or dinner), parties (birthday, anniversary, Christmas / holiday, retirement, corporate), services (church, christening, funeral), concerts (solo, orchestral), and many other (open house, wine tasting, gallery show, grand opening). From classical to romantic rock, new age to showtunes, Christian to Jewish, Celtic and Irish to Chinese and Latin, my harp repertoire has something for everyone.

Contact Information

Photo by Nikolay Kitsul

Harp Audio Samples
Sound samples in various formats for you to listen to or download.

Repertoire List
A sample song list showing the size and variety of the music I play.

Choosing Music for Your Wedding
The most common musical parts of the wedding ceremony, with ideas and suggestions.

Testimonials
Read what my clients have to say about me.

Location and Travel Radius
Where I am located and in which communities I most often perform.

FAQ & Harp Information
Frequently asked questions about harps and hiring a harpist.

A Little About Myself:
Musical Background and Training

I began studying music at the age of 2 1/2, starting with violin. By the age of 11 I was also taking harp and piano lessons. I have since completed both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in harp performance from Northwestern University, where I studied under Elizabeth Cifani, Lyric Opera principal harpist. Other teachers include Minnesota Orchestra Principal Harpists Joan Mainzer (retired) and Kathy Kienzle (current).

I play a full-sized classical pedal harp--a Lyon & Healy ebony and bronze style 23. My repertoire for the pedal harp includes a broad range of styles--classical (from Medieval and Renaissance to French Romantic and Contemporary), Celtic, Jewish, east Asian, religious, and popular (from the Phantom of the Opera to Enya). I also have smaller repertoires for the folk harp, double-strung folk harp, and the wire-strung Irish harp.

I've been playing for special events for about fifteen years. Some examples include wedding ceremonies and receptions; birthday, anniversary, and retirement parties; open houses, grand openings, and benefits. Previous steady engagements include playing for the Hyatt Deerfield's Sunday brunch every week for six years.

In addition to my freelance work for special events I regularly appear in concerts with various ensembles and orchestras throughout the greater Chicago area. I am Principal Harpist with the Waukesha Symphony, the Peoria Symphony, and the Elmhurst Symphony. Other appearances include playing for the National Touring Company's production of the Phantom of the Opera at the Civic Opera House in Chicago and being part of the Moody Blues' back-up orchestra at the Star Plaza Theater in Indiana.

Pronouncing My Name
The "a" in my name is pronounced like "are" or "car", not like "air" or "carry". It's an old Norwegian name related to the name "Karin". It's not related to the name "Carrie", a derivative of the name Caroline or Karen.

Information on Harps and Hiring a Harpist:
Harp Information & FAQ
Get the answers to frequently asked questions about harps and hiring a harpist. Includes questions like "What's the proper term for someone who plays the harp? Harpist, harpsist, harpest, harp player, or harper?", "What are the different types of harps?", "Does a harp require amplification?", "What goes into the cost of hiring a harpist?", "How much does a harp weigh", and much more.

Wedding and Event Planning Links
Links Index Page
Visit the Links Index page for a full list of Chicagoland Wedding and Event Vendor Links, but here are two to get you started::

Rev. Daniel L. Harris - Chicago area wedding officiant who specializes in personal and custom ceremonies also performs traditional, non-denominational, inter-faith, and civil ceremonies.

The TVK Orchestra - The top dance band in Chicago with professional, experienced musicians; friendly, attentive customer service; and dance songs that energize your party.

Photo by Nikolay Kitsul