From romantic weddings to serene memorials and elegant galas, harp music adds a special touch of grace and beauty. Portland is home to an array of talented harpists who bring classical, Celtic, and contemporary charm to every event. Here are ten exceptional harpists in Portland who are ready to elevate your 2025 event with magical string sounds.
🌸 Classic Harps Northwest
Founded by Majolaine L. Bethell, Classic Harps Northwest became the sole U.S. importer and distributor of the prestigious Aoyama Harps. Bethell’s legacy as a career musician with the Portland Symphony lives on through this institution, which remains a leading name in harp performance and education.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🌸 Leigh Brown Harpist
Leigh Brown is a highly accomplished performer who studied under legendary harpist Susann McDonald at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. With a Performer’s Certificate and appearances from D.C. to Prague, Leigh blends deep classical training with expressive artistry.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🌸 Laura Zaerr, Harpist
Laura Zaerr brings decades of experience, having studied in Paris and at Eastman School of Music. Her collaborations span classical giants like Wynton Marsalis and James Galway, making her a sought-after harpist for refined musical experiences.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🌸 Elizabeth Nicholson
Known for her bold and dynamic style, Elizabeth Nicholson is one of the top interpreters of traditional Celtic harp music in the U.S. She also explores baroque, Latin, and even rock styles—making her a versatile and expressive artist.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🌸 DW Duo – Dawn Grisho
Dawn Grisho began her career as a touring drummer and vocalist before transitioning to the harp. With performance experience across five states, she brings heartfelt charm and flexibility to every DW Duo event.
🔗 Website
🌸 Raelyn Olson
An award-winning performer with over 25 years of experience, Raelyn Olson infuses jazz, pop, and folk into her harp compositions. She’s known for her innovative style and versatile performances across the West Coast.
🔗 Website
🔗 LinkedIn
🌸 Kate Petak
Critically acclaimed since age 13, Kate Petak has performed across the U.S., England, and Japan. Her interests span modern music, opera, and chamber performance. Based in Portland, she shares her music in a wide variety of venues.
🔗 Website
🌸 Matthew Tutsky
Matthew Tutsky is Principal Harpist with the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, and Oregon Ballet Theatre. With elite experience at Carnegie Hall and beyond, he brings unmatched orchestral expertise to private and public performances.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🌸 Celtic Muse
Celtic Muse delivers enchanting performances featuring Celtic ballads, medieval music, and stately Renaissance works. With harp, flute, kantele, and recorder, they craft personalized concerts that transport audiences through time.
🔗 Website
🌸 Whispering Roses
This talented sister quartet—Whispering Roses—blends harp, violin, recorder, vocals, and more into their beloved Celtic and sacred music sets. Since 1999, they’ve shared heartfelt performances throughout the Northwest.
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
Final Thoughts
These Portland-based harpists offer a wonderful range of styles and talents that can elevate any event—whether you’re looking for traditional Celtic ambiance, orchestral elegance, or creative contemporary sounds.
📩 Ready to find the perfect harpist for your next celebration? Reach out at dreamteam@booklive.com—we’re here to help you create an unforgettable event.