Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Maria Korchinska was a renowned harpist and one of the most prominent classical music artists of the 20th century. Born on May 15, 1895, in Kiev, Ukraine, Korchinska was the daughter of a prominent musician and composer, Mykola Korchinsky. Her father was a professor of music at the Kiev Conservatory, and he played a significant role in shaping her musical career. Korchinska began playing the harp at the age of six, and by the time she was ten, she had already given her first public performance. She continued her studies at the Kiev Conservatory, where she was trained by some of the most renowned harpists of the time, including Henriette Renié and Marcel Tournier. In 1914, Korchinska moved to London, where she continued her studies at the Royal Academy of Music. She quickly established herself as one of the most talented harpists in the city, and her performances were highly acclaimed by both audiences and critics. Korchinska's career took off in the 1920s, and she became one of the most sought-after harpists in Europe. She performed with some of the most prominent orchestras of the time, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She also collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors, such as Sir Thomas Beecham, Sir Adrian Boult, and Arturo Toscanini. One of the highlights of Korchinska's career was her performance at the coronation of King George VI in 1937. She played the harp solo in the anthem "I was Glad" by Sir Hubert Parry, which was broadcast to millions of people around the world. Korchinska was also a prolific recording artist, and she made numerous recordings throughout her career. Her recordings of the harp concertos by Handel, Mozart, and Debussy are considered some of the best ever made. In addition to her performances and recordings, Korchinska was also a dedicated teacher. She taught at the Royal Academy of Music for over 30 years, and many of her students went on to become successful harpists in their own right. Korchinska received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1953, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her services to music. She was also made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in 1962. Korchinska continued to perform and teach well into her 80s, and she remained an active and influential figure in the world of classical music until her death in 1979. In conclusion, Maria Korchinska was a highly talented and influential harpist who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances and recordings continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world, and her legacy as a teacher and mentor lives on through the many harpists she trained and influenced throughout her career.

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