Maria-Christina Harper

'Offers a glimpse of how distinctively Jazz-inflicted exploration of the electric harp might stretch across southern European song forms'
The Guardian

'There’s a refreshing looseness on this Hastings trio’s deep contemplative debut…gentle,
introspective chemistry on a yielding suite with lasting spiritual heft'
Mojo magazine

Greek born with Egyptian roots, electric jazz harpist and composer Maria-Christina Harper is reinventing the sound of the harp in the jazz world. With her anarchic spirit and an interest in exploring what the harp can do, rather than exploring its traditional sounds, she presents her instrument in new and exciting ways. Combining her traditional music roots with free jazz she creates an irresistible, compelling sound cosmos. It’s where East meets West.

Based in the UK, Maria-Christina collaborates with two outstanding, highly acclaimed players to form the Harper Trio featuring drummer’s-drummer Evan Jenkins and the dynamic saxophonist Josephine Davies.

Together they present Passing By, their powerful debut album released in October 2023.The album features 7 original tracks written specifically for the trio by Harper. Featuring graceful, meditative soundscapes, enticing melodies, electric harp-created bass loops, shimmering drums, discreet at times, wild at others and a warm, soulful yet probing saxophone. It’s a powerful listen.

MC has an MA in Music Therapy and teaches at Roehampton Univeristy and has been working as a MT in health care settings and prisons.

MC is a PhD candidate in music at Surrey Univeristy, UK.

Contemporary Jazz, Avant-Garde Harpist, Composer