Harpist

Sep 15, 2026

Louise Johnson

Harpist

Louise is a world-class harpist whose extraordinary career spans more than 50 years. For over three decades—from 1985 until 2019—she served as the Principal Harpist for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Her immense talent has taken her across the globe, from performing with the London Symphony Orchestra to recording film soundtracks at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, and even sharing the stage with legendary artists ranging from classical masters like Anne Sophie Mutter or Rudolf Nureyev to Sammy Davis Junior, or Cher or the Bee Gees.

Beyond her many performance credentials, Louise is also a deeply passionate educator and community leader. She has mentored generations of musicians at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, serves as the Patron of the Harp Society of New South Wales, and founded the Sydney Harp School to share the joy of this magnificent instrument with the wider community.