Looking for the perfect harp performance to add grace, beauty, and a magical touch to your next event in San Francisco, California? From elegant weddings and intimate private parties to concert halls and educational programs, San Francisco is home to a remarkable group of harpists whose artistry elevates every occasion. Whether you want classical sophistication, Celtic charm, or contemporary creativity, these San Francisco-based harpists will bring unforgettable music to your celebration.
Here are nine of the most talented harpists you can book in San Francisco today:
Eleonora Pellegrini
Eleonora’s harp playing was such a delicate yet important addition to making the wedding ceremony special. One guest later commented that she had tears in her eyes right after Eleonora started to play the Pachelbel Cannon in D during the wedding ceremony, even before the bride was visible. Music reaches the heart! Eleonora’s harp playing also made the cocktail hour in the gardens very magical. And her movement between the locations was seamless.
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Kristal Schwartz
Kristal Schwartz is a premier Bay Area harpist, known for her enchanting performances that add a touch of elegance to any occasion. As a native of Santa Clara Valley with over twenty years of experience, Kristal is in high demand for solo performances, recordings, ensemble collaborations, teaching, weddings, private parties, afternoon teas, and a variety of special events.
Janice Ortega
Janice Ortega is an absolutely superb teacher. She is teaching on a level that I have not experienced before, and it is quite clear that she has a wealth of knowledge gleaned from an impressive musical background.” – CSU East Bay student.
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Aysha Gomez‑Kureishi
Aysha Gomez-Kureishi is a luxury San Francisco Bay Area Harpist and member of the American Harp Society. She is available for weddings, events, teaching, and orchestral engagements. Follow her on Instagram for harp music uploads and to see where she’s performing. Aysha will be taking a break from performing to focus on her growing family through Summer 2025 and Summer 2026. For recommendations for harpists, please see Referrals.
Larisa Smirnova
“Born and educated in Russia, she received her Bachelor of Music in Lipezk Igumnov`s College of Music specialized in piano teaching, solo performance, chamber music, and accompaniment.
Her Master’s Degree in Piano and Harp Performance and Piano Pedagogy was earned from the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts where she studied piano with Professor Svetlana Karas and harp with Professor Margarita Maslennikova. Primary among her current mentors in performance and pedagogy is Brian Ganz of the Peabody Conservatory, Maryland, with whom she supports a longstanding professional connection.”
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Erica Messer
Erica Messer, a professional harpist, is known for her elegant, expressive style and impeccable presence. A distinguished Bay Area harpist and luxury musician with over three decades of experience, Erica creates a sophisticated atmosphere for luxury weddings and upscale events across the Bay Area and beyond. From timeless ceremony music to beautifully curated background sets, she offers a seamless, stress-free experience that brings warmth and refinement to every celebration— learn more from this professional harpist’s biography below.
Lara Garner
Lara has a B.A. in music from U.C. Berkeley and a Master’s Degree from San Francisco State University. She lived in both Paris and Rome, where she performed as piano soloist, accompanist to singers, instrumentalists & ballet & opera companies. She has also played many musical theater shows. Lara has played all the major piano repertoire of chamber music (trios, quartets, quintets)and was the founder of Trio Con Spirito, as well as Baroque a Quattro and the original flute/piano duo Bianco Fiore. As a harpist, Lara has recorded on many CDs, such as a CD from 2014 on STNS Studio out of Santa Barbara “Arts & Letters: Original Tunes for Celtic Harp”. Another CD in 2015 with opera singer Monifa Harris.
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Kristin Lloyd
Kristin Lloyd is a harpist who is passionate about both performance and teaching. She has performed in a wide array of orchestral, solo, and chamber music concerts, and is actively engaged in music outreach and education. She has played with the Oakland Symphony, the Merced Symphony, the Stockton Symphony, Symphony Napa Valley, the Modesto Symphony, and West Edge Opera. Kristin is an advocate of new music and has performed with several chamber music ensembles with a contemporary focus, including the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Eco Ensemble, the San Jose Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Mercury Soul and One Found Sound. In addition to live performance, she has recorded for a number of films and albums.
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Krista Strader
Krista currently maintains an active free-lance career in the San Francisco Bay Area and is continually adding to her performance schedule with upcoming concerts and private events. Her premiere recording titled The Journey, a collection of celtic and popular melodies performed on celtic harp, is now available on Apple iTunes.
Final Thoughts
From enchanting wedding specialists to innovative contemporary performers, San Francisco’s harpists bring a magical blend of elegance, tradition, and creativity to private events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or intimate celebration, these nine outstanding harpists will ensure your special occasion resonates with unforgettable music.