Kristen Bruce – Harp

Harpist Kristen Bruce is passionate about reaching audiences worldwide through
teaching and performing. In New York City, Kristen made her orchestral debut at Alice
Tully Hall of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and was honored to join the
Mannes Orchestra accompanying the Martha Graham Dance Company at City Center
Stage. As a soloist and collaborator, Kristen has been featured in performances with the
UNCSA Nutcracker Ballet Orchestra, The Chelsea Symphony, Orchestra of St. Luke’s,
Riverside Orchestra, Brooklyn Metro Chamber Orchestra, UNCG Opera Theatre, High
Point University, Elon University, and world tours with the American Youth Harp
Ensemble throughout the United States, Austria, and for the 12th World Harp Congress
in Sydney, Australia. An active collaborator for contemporary music, Kristen has
performed the world premier of Hrið-Móðr-Ljómi by Jeffrey Holmes with the nu
Ensemble and performed as a member of the Mannes American Composers Ensemble.
Kristen holds a Master of Music degree in Harp Performance from Mannes School of
Music in New York City, studying with Barbara Allen, Principal Harpist of the American
Ballet Theatre. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Harp Performance from
the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she also received training in
piano pedagogy, German, and dance, while studying harp with Jacquelyn Bartlett.
Kristen’s pedagogical approach focuses on musicality and proper technique, and values
each student’s individual learning style and goals. She enjoys working with a variety of
ages and believes the harp is a beautiful instrument that anyone can enjoy!