MICHELLE SMITH

Michelle Smith takes the 47-string harp beyond a strictly classical setting, using it for jazz, hip hop and original solo work. Her arrangements of Jimi Hendrix’s Red House and Mos Def’s Mathematics helped connect the instrument with hip-hop producers and performers. Michelle has appeared with Karnivool, Mathas, Ed Kuepper and at the World Harp Congress, alongside sold-out concerts around Australia. She began with classical tuition in Western Australia before studying in Boston and attending rhythm classes at Berklee College of Music. While in the United States, she was mentored by jazz harpist and composer Deborah Henson-Conant and performed with her twice.