Kathryn Rees

Following her undergraduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and her Masters in Harp Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, supported by a Rotarian Ambassadorial scholarship, Kathryn’s early career included a season as Principal Harp at the Heidelberg Opera Festival and a tenure as Senior Harp tutor at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan.   

Kathryn is a visionary musician who bridges the gap between the harp’s classical heritage and its contemporary future.  A distinguished pedagogue and international performer, she has dedicated her career to refining the technical mastery of the instrument. As a tutor at the College for over fifteen years, Kathryn began her tenure as a specialist tutor in harp technique before becoming Head of Department. Her students have won competitions and awards at national and international level. 

As a soloist and orchestral musician, Kathryn has performed recitals throughout the UK, Canada, USA, UAE and Qatar. In Wales she is a frequent freelance collaborator with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.  

Kathryn is Director of Academi Telyn Cymru (Wales Harp Academy), where she teaches masterclasses and adjudicates competitions. She also leads a summer harp programme at St Donat's Castle in Wales. 

Kathryn recently published her first book, ‘Mastering Harp Technique’, and continues to work as a composer, drawing inspiration from the landscape of Wales.

She is also the current Chair of the United Kingdom Harp Association.