Get to know our new Principal Harp, Jessica Fotinos

How did you feel when you were offered a position with the ASO?

I felt such a mix of both absolute joy and a sense of relief. I had made the big move home to Australia at the beginning of 2024, after living and working abroad for almost eleven years. I was very lucky to be welcomed back by the Australian orchestras where I used to freelance before moving, as well as the incredible timing of the harp audition here in Adelaide.

As there is only one permanent harp position in each orchestra, there are only approximately seven positions in Australia and as such auditions for them are extremely rare. So I felt and still feel incredibly fortunate to have been offered this position with the wonderful ASO alongside my most excellent colleagues who have been so incredibly supportive and welcoming.

What have been your highlights of your time at the ASO so far? 

The ASO presents such a varied program that there have been so many concerts I’ve loved in my short time here.

One of the first performances I was lucky to be a part of was an incredible production of Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Fables as part of the 2024 Adelaide Festival. I love Stravinsky’s music and this production told the story not only through incredible singing, but also both shadow puppetry and Vietnamese water puppetry which is little known but staggeringly beautiful. The orchestral pit was transformed into a stunning shimmering lake where most of the action took place. It was absolutely exquisite! I love interdisciplinary work and this felt a very special production to be a part of.

You’ve played all over the world, from Hamburg to Suzhou. What makes Adelaide special?

I had never been to Adelaide before picking up some casual work in 2024. Coming from Melbourne, I had of course grown up hearing a lot of affectionate ribbing towards Adelaide… so wasn’t quite sure what to expect! I have really enjoyed discovering this city’s love of festivals, culture and creativity. It seems to be if you can think of it, there’s a festival for it here!

Having lived abroad in both Asia and Europe, I’m also a bit of a foodie and am absolutely loving the delicious food scene that Adelaide offers. I also love being so close to a lively CBD as well as beautiful winery and coastal regions. Many things make living here so very special! It’s certainly a city that continues to unfold and reveal itself slowly to people open to its charms.

The harp is often thought of as a magical, ethereal instrument. Is it capable of making moodier and darker music? If so, what pieces are good examples?

Absolutely — the harp can be eerie, ominous, and even aggressive when it needs to be. I’m very passionate about sharing all of the harp’s capabilities and enjoy pushing the boundaries of people’s expectations of the instrument.

Some favourite harp pieces I would recommend listening to that explore a less ethereal or angelic harp quality include: Scintillation by Carlos Salzedo, Chamber of Horrors by Elena Kats-Chernin, Sonata for Harp by Paul Hindemith and a newer work by the fabulous Australian harpist, singer and composer Mary Doumany, Harp body Her body. These are all available on Spotify or YouTube.

People are often surprised that the harp can also be part of non-classical or folk genres such as jazz. A favourite jazz harpist of mine is Brandee Younger – she also works with R&B and hip hop artists. I personally was also incredibly lucky to work with Aussie legend Paul Kelly during my time studying at ANAM. He created a beautiful project with Australian composer James Ledger and ANAM musicians which concluded in a beautiful cross-genre CD called Conversations with Ghosts. The harp writing on this project definitely explored a more darker and moodier sonority.

I do love working personally with composers to create new works and encourage new ways of approaching the instrument. I also own an electric lever harp, and whilst still something of a lever harp novice, I do enjoy working with DJs and electronic artists in all sorts of settings away from the concert hall.

Where can we find you when you’re not practising or performing?

I do love staying active with hiking and yoga. I love a good op-shop rummage and exploring new restaurants. I also love any excuse to bake and experiment with new recipes for friends’ birthdays and any event really! I’m always open to new experiences including gaming nights and a good pub quiz. It’s been a lot of fun discovering my new city of Adelaide through such activities.

Jessica’s chair can be supported through our Musical Chairs program. If you would like to get to know her better, and get closer to the music, please contact Head of Development Lucy Eckermann on (08) 8233 6263 or EckermannL@aso.com.au