The Community Arts Program (CAP) at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ will present a rare treat: an evening with internationally acclaimed harpist Bridget Kibbey, as part of its celebrated Summer Concert Series on Thursday, June 26. Across from the Biltmore Hotel and beneath the vaulted ceilings of this historic church, audiences will experience an artist whose virtuosity redefines what the harp can do—and what it can say.
Hailed as “…the Yo-Yo Ma of the harp,” Kibbey is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic harpists in the world. With performances spanning Carnegie Hall, the Lucerne Festival, and the Met Opera Main Stage, her musical reach transcends genre and geography. Yet for one night, she brings her bold, genre-crossing style to Coral Gables in a performance that promises elegance, surprise, and emotional power.
A harpist who breaks the mold
Kibbey is not merely a harpist—she’s a force of artistic will. Known for interpreting the classical masters like Bach and Debussy with freshness and soul, she also champions newly commissioned works and global musical idioms. From Latin American rhythms to Iranian ballads, her repertoire bends borders while honoring tradition.
As The New York Times once noted, Kibbey “makes it seem as though her instrument had been waiting all its life to explode with the gorgeous colors and energetic figures she was getting from it.” That kind of praise is rare. And well-earned.
At CAP, she will offer a curated journey through her world of musical storytelling. While the exact program for the evening has yet to be announced, her past performances have featured imaginative transcriptions, original commissions, and stirring duets—with recent collaborators including soprano Dawn Upshaw, mandolinist Avi Avital, and Latin Grammy–winning percussionist Samuel Torres.
Master of the Stage—and the Studio
This concert is more than just a live performance. It is part of a broader moment in Kibbey’s evolving career. Her recordings with Deutsche Grammophon and Pentatone have earned critical acclaim, and her 2023 solo album, Crossing the Ocean, further pushed the envelope of what a harp recital can sound like—blazing with technique and bursting with emotion.
That same spirit defines her live shows. Kibbey’s concerts are marked not only by musical excellence but by deep engagement with the audience. She introduces pieces with warmth and insight, tracks the cultural and historical threads running through her programs, and transforms solo performance into shared exploration. It’s music for the curious, the passionate, and those seeking beauty in complexity.
Chance to witness a career on the rise
Kibbey’s visit comes during a milestone year. She is in the midst of concerto debuts with the Baltimore Symphony and National Philharmonic, while continuing to lead major commissioning consortiums that will reshape the harp’s place in 21st-century music. She has premiered works by composers ranging from Elliott Carter to Kinan Azmeh, and in upcoming seasons she will launch concerti by Kati Agócs and jazz giant Miguel Zenón.
But this moment in Coral Gables also allows audiences to engage with her more intimately. The Coral Gables performance, held in a space known for its exceptional acoustics and ambiance, will offer close access to an artist at the height of her interpretive powers.
More than a performance: Weekend of music and learning
The June 26 concert is not the only opportunity to encounter Kibbey’s artistry. On Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m., she will lead a free master class open to all, hosted at the same venue. This session is part of CAP’s educational mission and reflects Kibbey’s deep commitment to mentorship and community engagement.
Aspiring harpists, students, music educators, and fans alike are invited to observe or participate, gaining a window into her techniques, musical thought process, and approach to performance.
Home for the arts
Coral Gables has long been a city that cherishes the arts. But events like this concert do more than enrich the calendar—they reaffirm the city’s identity as a cultural hub. The CAP Summer Concert Series, now decades strong, consistently brings internationally recognized artists to a community that shows up to listen. And Kibbey’s presence is proof that this formula still works: bring the best to an intimate stage, and magic happens.
Whether you are a lifelong harp lover or simply curious to witness something extraordinary, June 26 offers a rare invitation. Come not just to hear the harp—but to experience it reimagined.
Tickets and details
- What: Bridget Kibbey in Concert – CAP Summer Concert Series
- When: Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134 - Tickets: Available via Community Arts Program website
- Bonus Event: Free master class with Bridget Kibbey, Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m., same location.
