REBECCA SIMPSON
Classically trained harpist based in Philadelphia
B i o g r a p h y
Rebecca Simpson is a classically trained harpist living and performing in the Philadelphia area. She earned a Master of Music from the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University and a Bachelor of Music from the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University. She graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt and was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society her junior year, signifying she was in the top 5% of her class.
Internationally, Rebecca has performed in Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Korea, and China. Closer to home, Rebecca has performed with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba, Symphony in C, Wilmington Ballet Company, Bay Atlantic Symphony, Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony, Warminster Symphony Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Orchestra, the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, and other local orchestras.
Rebecca particularly enjoys orchestral playing and collaborative chamber ensembles. Her love of playing for operas and musicals began when she spent a summer in Florence, Italy, studying the art of accompanying opera singers with members of the Metropolitan Opera. During this program, she won two of the three awards open to harpists. Rebecca also spent two seasons as Principal Harp with the Ohio Light Opera in Wooster, OH. In 2010, Rebecca released a self-titled solo album.
Past teachers include Elizabeth Hainen, Principal Harp with the Philadelphia Orchestra; Marian Shaffer, Principal Harp with the Memphis Symphony; Joan Holland, Professor of Harp at the University of Michigan and Interlochen Arts Academy; Susan Jolles, Associate Harp with the Metropolitan Opera; Alice Chalifoux, Saul Davis, Barbara Biggers, and Virginia Flanagan.
Rebecca is available for weddings and other private events. Please see the “Contact” tab to send a message.