Principal Harp
Suzy Willison-Kawalec was appointed Principal Harp with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2006. As guest principal, Suzy plays with the London Symphony, BBC Symphony, Philharmonia, London Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic and London Chamber orchestras.
In 2018, Suzy was invited to join the Royal Academy of Music as Professor of Harp, which she greatly enjoys, and she has also been made an Associate of the Academy. Suzy graduated from the Royal Academy of Music under Professor Skaila Kanga with First Class Honours. She was Principal Harpist with the European Union Youth Orchestra for three years and was a finalist in the Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition, winning the Outstanding Chamber Music Harpist Award.
Suzy’s recording of William Alwyn’s Harp Concerto, 'Lyra Angelica' for Naxos prompted rave reviews; Gramophone described the performance as 'immaculate'. Concerto appearances and solo and chamber music recitals have taken her to France, Germany, Italy and the Middle East. Her recent performances include Glière's Harp Concerto, Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto and Debussy's Danse sacrée et danse profane. During lockdown, she recorded the flute and harp concerto Mnemonic by Joe Duddell with Katherine Baker.
Suzy gratefully acknowledges the support of her Chair Partner, Lionside Ltd.