Kari Gardner, harpist

Kari Gardner is a professional harpist providing quality music entertainment services for weddings, parties, receptions, showers, dinners, and more in the Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI area. Her amazingly extensive repertoire includes classical music, pop, R&B, Broadway, Celtic, Chinese, Christain, Jewish, etc. - from Bach to Debussy, Sinatra to Metallica, Luther Vandross to Jennifer Hudson...

Kari Gardner, harpist,  has been playing for special events for about 18 years.  Some examples include wedding ceremonies and receptions; birthday, anniversary, and retirement parties; open houses, grand openings, and benefits. Previous steady engagements include playing for the Hyatt Deerfield's Sunday brunch every week for six years. Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

In addition to her freelance work for special events Kari has regularly appeared in concerts with various ensembles and orchestras throughout the greater Chicago area. She is the current Principal Harpist with the Waukesha Symphony, and past Principal Harpist to the Peoria Symphony and the Elmhurst Symphony, among others. Other appearances include playing for the National Touring Company's production of the Phantom of the Opera and being part of the Moody Blues' back-up orchestra.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Kari began studying music at the age of 2 1/2, starting with violin. By the age of 11 she was also taking harp and piano lessons. She has since completed both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in harp performance from Northwestern University, where she studied under Elizabeth Cifani, Lyric Opera principal harpist. Other teachers include Minnesota Orchestra Principal Harpists Joan Mainzer (retired) and Kathy Kienzle (current).

Kari’s talent and classical training allow her to excel, performing a wide variety of music.  Types of music include classical music, pop, R&B, rock, music from movies and Broadway shows (even Bollywood), Celtic, Chinese, Japanese, Christain, Jewish, etc. - from Bach to Debussy, Sinatra to Metallica, Luther Vandross to Jennifer Hudson, traditional Irish to Enya.