Caroline Bembia
Caroline Bembia has been reviewed by the New York Times for her "fine work" as an orchestral harpist. She frequently performs with professional ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Symphony, and Charleston Symphony. She has performed as concerto soloist and recitalist in countries such as Japan, France, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. An avid arranger, Ms. Bembia has transcribed orchestral and operatic repertoire for solo harp, and these original arrangements are published and available for purchase. As an educator, Ms. Bembia has taught and given chamber music coachings at Bard College and the Manhattan School of Music. She currently serves as harp faculty of the music department of Vassar College.
Harpist Caroline Bembia has been reviewed by the New York Times for her “fine work” as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral harpist. She previously held the position of Principal Harp of the New York City Ballet Orchestra from 2024—2025, and Principal Harp of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico from 2017—2024. In November 2012 she had her Alice Tully Hall solo debut performing the U.S. premier of Mexican composer Hilda Paredes’ Demente Cuerda for solo harp and orchestra. Ms. Bembia was a finalist in the 2015 Concert Artists Guild Competition, and she was awarded third prize in the 2017 Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra Competition.
Ms. Bembia continues to perform on a regular basis with professional orchestras such as the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, and Charleston Symphony. In addition, Caroline has performed at music festivals such as the St. Barths Music Festival, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Artosphere Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Spoleto Music Festival USA, Pacific Music Festival, and Aspen Music Festival.
Caroline is an alumna of the Juilliard Pre-College program; after studying there for 6 years with Bridget Kibbey, she continued her harp studies with Judy Loman at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Caroline received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School studying with Nancy Allen, and she completed her Professional Studies certificate from the Manhattan School of Music with Mariko Anraku.
Departments and Programs
Courses
MUSI 069, 169, 269, 369, 380
Grants, Fellowships, Honors, Awards
- Thea Gerstle Scholarship 2016
- Elizabeth Herbert Hobin Harp Scholarship 2015
- Alice Davis Award 2014
- George H. Gangwere Award 2014
- Long Island Cultural Arts Award 2006
Photos
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