Suzanne Willison-Kawalec

Since completing her studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Suzanne Willison-Kawalec has been enjoying a varied and exciting career.

In 2005 Suzanne was appointed principal harpist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. With the RPO, as well as many concert appearances in the major London halls, she has recorded for Sony, Hyperion and Decca (heavily featured in recordings with Renee Fleming, Joshua Bell (Ladies in Lavender theme), Janine Jenson, and many others. She has extensively toured China, Far East, Europe, and the U.S. with the orchestra. Other work as principal harpist has been with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Suzanne’s acclaimed recording of Alwyn’s Harp Concerto, 'Lyra Angelica' has sold over 10,000 copies and prompted rave reviews “The Lyra Angelica….gives Suzanne Willison the perfect platform to display her virtuosity in what enchanted critics have termed 'a continuous web of luminous sound”, Gramaphone describes the performance as “immaculate”.
Suzanne has also recorded with Nigel Kennedy on his latest album, which was released earlier this year.

Concerto appearances have included the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto, Danses Sacrès et Profanes (Debussy), and a world premiere by Joe Duddell at the Presteigne Festival. Solo and chamber music recitals have also taken her to France, Germany, Italy and Abu Dhabi.
From 1997 to 2000 she was principal harpist with the European Union Youth Orchestra and was a finalist in The Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition, winning the Outstanding Chamber Music Harpist Award.

Suzanne has played the harp for a great variety of events- weddings, birthday and anniversary celebrations and many other types of functions. They have included venues such as St James’s Palace, Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, Cleveden and many more throughout the country.