Clair De Lune - Harp - by Claude Debussy. London Harpist - Valeria Clarke
Valeria Clarke is a multi-award-winning London based harpist – specialising in both solo harp performances and orchestral harp. She regularly plays for the likes of London Philharmonic Orchestra and the London Contemporary Orchestra and is also principal harpist in the London Electronic Orchestra.
Regularly performing at high profile events, Valeria has played for audiences ranging from HRH King Charles III to the Rolling Stones. Valeria’s radio and TV appearances include performances for Netflix, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, Classic FM, WNYC Radio and Kultura TV. She is available to play harp for your event, please get in touch with Valeria at valeri or ring +447805103216
Valeria had her solo debut at the age of nine. Since then she has performed as a soloist and in ensemble groups in numerous concerts, in a vast range of concert halls including: Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, The Barbican, V&A Museum, The Forge, The Roundhouse, The National Gallery, The Houses of Parliament, Cadogan Hall, Kensington Palace and Westroad Hall.
As a soloist, Valeria has won prizes at a number of different International harp and music competitions such as: scholarships from New Names Foundation, and Spivakov International Foundation, harp prize at the International Harp Competition and Young Talent Award.
London harpist Valeria began her musical career at the age of 8 when she won a scholarship to study the harp at the Gnessin State Musical School and later at the Academic Music College of the Moscow Conservatory in Russia. She then won a full ABRSM scholarship to come and study at London’s Royal College of Music with professor Ieuan Jones. She graduated with a distinction in 2015. Whilst at the RCM she won the Harp Competition twice and was selected as a Rising Star and chosen to perform solo at Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall and for a number of other events for the Royal Family.
Valeria is Principal Harpist of the London Electronic Orchestra founded by Kate Simko. The project has had success since the very first show. They have performed at the iTunes Festival, Jazz Café, Boiler Room in Ibiza, Bestival, The Forge, The Barbican, The National Gallery, LEA festival, Royal Albert Hall, as well as touring in the US, Asia and Europe.
As an active chamber musician Valeria have duos with Daniel Ephgrave (flute) and Davina Clarke (violin). Their varied repertoire include arrangements of works for full orchestra such as Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l'après-midi d'un Faune. they regularly travel across the UK together and abroad showcasing music that spans the world of Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, Folk, World and Contemporary styles in some of the country’s finest venues and concert clubs. Valeria and Daniel are releasing an album of original compositions for flute and harp in 2023.
Valeria is also a session harpist for classical and contemporary / pop musicians including her work with London Contemporary Orchestra, Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead), rapper Chester P, Katy B, The Last Skeptic, Joe Goddard (Hot Chip), Jamie Jones (Hot Natured), Boris Grebenshikov and for other prominent musicians too.
Valeria was a finalist of the Croydon Concerto Competition where she performed Mozart flute and harp concerto with the Croydon Symphony Orchestra followed by a “Young Soloist” Award and the Jellinek Prize.
Valeria regularly freelances with orchestras in England. During 2017-2018 she was selected by the London Philharmonic Orchestra to join their highly competitive Foyle Future Firsts development programme.
Passionate about teaching and outreach work Valeria has obtained an ABRSM Teaching diploma and has been giving harp lessons in London privately since 2011 as well as doing workshops in schools and playing recitals in hospitals. Valeria is hub ambassador for harp at the London Philharmonic Orchestra and works with Royal Greenwich, Southwark and Lambeth Councils in London. Valeria has also taught harp at the London Russian Music School and the Mountview Academy.
Valeria comes with a 5 star google rating, you can also see testimonials from her clients.
BOOK HARPIST | VALERIA CLARKE
If you would like to make a booking for an event or concert of if you wish to contact Valeria, please ring +447805103216
or email: valeria@valeriaclarke.com
