Bridget Kibbey is a renowned classical harpist who has captivated audiences around the world with her virtuosic performances and innovative approach to the instrument. Born in Washington D.C. in 1981, Kibbey began playing the harp at the age of 8 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in harp performance. Throughout her career, Kibbey has been recognized for her exceptional musicianship and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2007, she was named a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is awarded to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise for a career in classical music. She has also been a winner of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition and the Juilliard School's Concerto Competition. Kibbey has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. She has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, from jazz pianist Fred Hersch to the Grammy-winning vocal group Roomful of Teeth. One of Kibbey's most notable performances was her debut at Carnegie Hall in 2011, where she performed a program of works by Bach, Scarlatti, and contemporary composers. The New York Times praised her performance, calling her "a major artist who commands the harp with effortless virtuosity and deep musicality." In addition to her work as a performer, Kibbey is also a passionate advocate for new music and has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers. She has worked closely with composers such as Nico Muhly, Paola Prestini, and Gabriel Kahane to create new works that showcase the versatility and expressive potential of the harp. Kibbey has also been active in promoting music education and outreach programs, particularly in underserved communities. She has worked with organizations such as the Sphinx Organization and the Harlem School of the Arts to provide music education and performance opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds. Throughout her career, Kibbey has demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding the repertoire and possibilities of the harp, and her innovative approach to the instrument has earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic performers in classical music today.

More....