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“Masterful”
The Age – Clive O’Connell

“Gutsy, imaginative and captivating”
Andrew Ford - Australian composer, radio presenter and music writer

Jess is the first harpist to be awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious Australian National Academy of Music in 2010. She has a passion for showing the true versatile nature of the harp in both classic and contemporary music, performing in a variety of genres including; orchestral, classical music, world music, improvisation, mixed media and new music.

As well as performing at over 200 weddings, Jess has been invited to perform at a number of esteemed functions some highlights include: promotional material for FOX FM’s Hamish and Andy and the band U2, an Australian tour with international performer Meow Meow, the Perth International Arts Festival, soloist at the 53rd General Assembly of the World Federation of the International Music Competitions at the Melbourne Recital Centre, events at Rod Laver Arena, the opening of the Margaret Pratt foundation, private functions for Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and the esteemed Athenaeum Club.

Jess has also been principal harpist of a number of orchestra’s including: The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Australian National Academy of Music Smphony Orchestra, The Melbourne Conservatorium of Ballet Orchestra, Melbourne University Symphony Orhcetsra, The Melbourne Youth Orchestra.

Jess made her first CD at the age of 12 with seasoned violinist/composer Peter Shurley. She was awarded a scholarship to the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in 2000 and while there won the Pioneer Outstanding Soloist competition in 2006. In 2008 she won the Australian pen age pedal harp competition sponsored by Salvi harps at the 3rd Australian Harp Festival in Canberra. In the same year, Jess was also privileged to be awarded the Keith G Chapman full scholarship to study at the Victorian College of the Arts University where she completed her Bachelor of Music Performance in 2009.