Lucy Wakeford

Appointed principal of the Philharmonia Orchestra in 2002, Lucy Wakeford is one of the most outstanding harpists of her generation.

Much in demand as a soloist, recitalist and ensemble player she has performed at major venues and festivals throughout Europe, appearing as guest artist with musicians including Roger Vignoles, John Mark Ainsley, Michael Chance, James Galway and the Belcea Quartet. She is principal harp of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Britten Sinfonia and harpist of the Nash Ensemble.

Lucy’s engagements have included visits to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Wigmore Hall, both as soloist and in performances of works by Britten with Roger Vignoles and John Mark Ainsley. She has appeared at the City of London and Cheltenham International Festivals and gave several performances of Mozart’s Flute & Harp Concerto with the London Chamber Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren- Green. Lucy also undertook an Arts Council England ‘Around the Country’ tour with the Wakeford Ensemble and gave recitals in Tunisia.

As a concerto soloist Lucy has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra,
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Bournemouth Symphony
Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Guildhall String Ensemble, Ulster Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, London Festival Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestra, among many others.

She has recorded the Mozart Concerto for Flute & Harp with the Britten Sinfonia and Dohnanyi’s Concertino with the English Sinfonia on the BMG and ASV labels respectively.
Lucy studied with Daphne Boden and Marisa Robles at the Royal College of Music and with Gerard Devos in Paris and Skaila Kanga in London and was selected for representation by Young Concert Artists Trust in 1998. During her studies she won top prizes at numerous national and international competitions including 1st Prize at the 1996 Charpentier Competition held in Paris, 1st Prize at the 1991 World Harp Festival Competition held in Cardiff and 2nd Prize at the 1988 Tenth International Harp Competition in Israel.