Caroline Leonardelli – Ontario / France
harpist . teacher
Summer. Summer, sun, beach is ME, I hate winter. – Caroline
“Tremendous interpretive ability” – by La Scena Musicale
As a recording artist Caroline’s solo recording El Dorado was nominated for a JUNO award for Classical Solo & Small Ensemble Recording of the Year. Caroline’s numerous other recordings, including solo harp Impressions de France and Serenata have received exceptional critical acclaim from many classical publications including Gramophone magazine and are featured on CBC and USA NPR radio. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Caroline’s harp duo recording Impressionisme with Caroine Lizotte. Caroline’s Impressions de France recording is featured on Apple Music top selections for solo harp.
Caroline performs as a soloist and in chamber ensembles and is also Principal harpist with the l’Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau, and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. In chamber ensemble Caroline is a member of Canada’s premiere harp quartet and harp duo with Caroline Lizotte. Caroline performs with vocalists including CBC Tempo Host Julie Nesrallah.
Caroline’s main passion is developing the next generation of harpists. Caroline has harp studios in both Canada and France. In addition to on line teaching. Caroline has developed a number of Canada’s exceptional young harpists as well as being invited as jury member at major competitions.
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.
Stories: So many stories but the most memorable was a harp quartet concert CBC with Jennifer, Lori and Caro. I was more interested in the score of the FIFA finale France Italy … and Caro was having contractions on stage, baby arrived a week after.
Highlights: Mozetich new works arrangements (Juno Nomination). Best stage, of course Carnegie Hall with Julie Nesrallah( Mezzo Soprano). Training amazing young people such as Antoine Malette Chesnier, Kalen Smith, and many more . Great masters: Lily Laskine, Mademoiselle Borot, Judy Loman , and Kathleen Bride. Teaching in Ottawa, and lately all over the world -Japan, Hong Kong, Tahiti, UK, France, USA.9 albums produced with help of Canada Council, Ontario Arts Council, City of Ottawa.,
Reviews
- World class harpist – by Alison Young, Harp Column
- Close to Magical – by Musical Sentinel
- Plays with an easy and smooth technique and a heavenly tone. – Alison Young, Harp Column
YouTube: @carolineleonardelli6561
Caroline Léonardelli is an international French and Canadian harpist. Born in France Caroline graduated with first prize from the Conservatoire de Paris at age 18. After her arrival in Canada Caroline graduated with an Artist Diploma from the Schulich School of Music. During her youth, Caroline studied in France with Lily Laskine, one of the most celebrated harpists of the 20th century.
Harp, Oh Canada 