Biography (Cette page est également disponible en français)

Caroline Léonardelli concert harpist has an accomplished career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestra musician and teacher.  Caroline’s solo recording El Dorado received a 2010 JUNO nomination in the category of Classical Album of the Year solo or small ensemble.  Caroline is known for her passionate and bold interpretations of French and Canadian repertoire. 

This season Caroline’s orchestral performances included The Passion of Angels double harp concerto with the Gatineau Symphony Orchestra, and Concierto serenata (Rodrigo harp concerto) with the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra.  This season’s festival appearances include Music and Beyond festival, Ottawa International Chamber Festival, Barrie Chamber Series, Kincardine Summer Festival, and the World Harp Congress.

Caroline’s recordings and live performances have been featured on CBC Radio Two, Espace Musique, Classical 96.3 Toronto, Classical King FM Seattle and numerous PBS affiliates.  Caroline is featured in interview and live performance on PBS radio’s Backstage Pass series.

Born in France, Caroline graduated with first prize in harp from the Paris Conservatoire under the guidance of Jacqueline Borot at the age of 18. Caroline went on to advanced study with Judy Loman through the McGill University School of Music. During her youth, Caroline studied in France with Lily Laskine, one of the most celebrated harpists of the 20th century.
 
Caroline is principal harpist with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and the Gatineau Symphony Orchestra. Caroline has also performed as a guest with numerous orchestras including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, London (Ontario) Symphony, Symphony Nova Scotia, and Opera Lyra.
 
Caroline is a member of several chamber ensembles:
-    Four Seasons Harp Quartet
     with Jennifer Swartz, Lori Gemmell and Caroline Lizotte
-    Para Arpa Harp duo with Caroline Lizotte
-    Mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah
-    Organ and harp duo with Rachel Laurin.
Caroline has performed in ensemble and as a soloist at numerous Canadian and international festivals.
 
Choral work is a passion for Caroline. She has performed a wide range of repertoire with numerous choral ensembles. The 2005 Evergreen Wishes CBC produced concert of the Ottawa Children's Choir, featuring Caroline performing John Rutter's Dancing Day
received a Gabriel Award.
 
Caroline’s recording projects have all have received critical acclaim with her latest El Dorado receiving a JUNO nomination.  Her releases include Panache with mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah, Impressionisme by the Para Arpa, A Christmas Story with the Ottawa Bach Choir, and El Dorado featuring the Penderecki String Quartet and bassist Joel Quarrington on the title composition.  El Dorado received exceptional reviews in Gramophone Magazine, The Whole Note, The Classical Music Sentinel and the highest ranking (six starts) from The Music Scene (La Scena Musicale).

Caroline has a private class of students and is affiliated with the Ottawa Youth Orchestra.