Kay Kemper, Principal Harp

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: 2000  [Kay had been subbing with SWFSO since 1989 before winning the Principal position in 2000]

Born: in Georgia.  Grew up in partly in Central FL and New England

Age started learning Harp: 10 yrs old

Degrees: Bachelor of Music (BM) from Cleveland Institute of Music

Kay’s first Harp lesson was at the age of 10!

Symphonic experience Kay brings to SWFSO:  Kay has appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, the Milwaukee Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, and Orquesta Filarmonica de Caracas in Venezuela.  In Florida, Kay performs regularly with the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra, Palm Beach Symphony, the Palm Beach Pops, Florida Grand Opera Orchestra, as well as various private functions in the area.

Music Festivals Kay has been a part of: Interlochen National Music Camp, Tanglewood Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival and the Palm Beach Chamber Music Festival.

Something you may not know about Kay: Spent 17 summers playing in Bar Harbor, ME, and nearly 3 years (over a 5 year span) traveling and playing on several cruise ships, visiting many ports of call.