Kirsi Kiviharju Homepage

... Kirsi Kiviharju's playing, atmospheric and brilliant in turn, captivates the listener. Excellent harp playing!

Helsingin Sanomat, October 1,1999

... The sound of the harp bloomed. It filled the church to its farthest corner and left the audience fascinated and impressed. There were no problems with the sound, which can in some concerts test the patience of the audience. Kiviharju blew away the latest skeptics with the Rhapsodie by Marcel Grandjany.

Aalener Nachrichten, Germany, June 22, 2004

... The virtuoso playing of Kirsi Kiviharju was consistently rich in expression, an amazing technique and sensitivity of sound as the fundamental bases.

Bote vom Untermain, Germany, July 23, 2002

... Kirsi Kiviharju is one of the most magnificent harpists in our country.

Turun Sanomat, November 30, 2000

Photo: Heikki Tuuli

Kirsi Kiviharju (Finland) is considered an adventurous harpist always pushing the limits of standard expectations. Her performances are characterized by a sensitive interpretation and a rich and powerful sound. She is especially prized for her stunning performances of French music.

Ms. Kiviharju completed her studies in harp and a Master of Music degree at the Sibelius Academy in 1995, having previously certified as a piano teacher. She continued harp studies with Susann McDonald (USA) and Willy Postma (Norway).

Today Kirsi Kiviharju is a freelance chamber musician and soloist and also teaches harp at the Sibelius Academy and the Espoo Music Institute. She played principal harp with the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera and with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra. She also regularly records harp music for the Finnish Broadcasting Company. Kiviharju has performed in several countries in Europe including Finland, Germany, Italy and Denmark. She has performed e.g. in Fugato-Festival in Bad-Homburg, the concert series of the Neresheim Abbey and in the World Harp Congress in Prague.

For the last thirteen years Ms. Kiviharju has collaborated with organist Kalevi Kiviniemi, regularly enchanting audiences with their unique ensemble. They have released three collaborative recordings of French music, for which they share a particular fondness: Harp and Organ, Aria and Majestic.

Ms. Kiviharju also enjoys a long standing collaborative relationship with soprano Pia Freund with whom she has performed a wide range of repertoire from the 17th century to the present. Together they have performed in children's concerts, made radio recordings and released a Christmas disc entitled Hosanna in Excelsis.

Kirsi Kiviharju is a member of the Finnish Harpist Association, the World Harp Congress and the Finnish Soloists' Association. She plays a Venus Diplomat Grand Concert harp made in the USA.

Download CV (pdf)