Ofra Harnoy

Ofra Harnoy, cellist (b at Hadera, Israel 31 Jan 1965). Prodigious technique, profound musicality and deeply emotional expressiveness combine with personal charm to make Ofra Harnoy one of the most exciting artists in the musical world. Early cello studies begun with her father before immigrating to Canada in 1972 were continued principally with William Pleeth in London and Vladimir Orloff in Toronto. Since her professional debut as soloist with the Boyd Neel Orchestra at age 10, she has appeared throughout the world in recitals and orchestral engagements as well as in radio and television performances. In 1982 she was the youngest recipient of the International Concert Artists Guild Award in 42 years for a New York debut. Dedicated to helping dissolve the barrier between classical and pop music, Harnoy has recorded arrangements of Beatles songs and those of other music composers. Initially becoming widely known through her recordings of the Cello Concertos by Jacques Offenbach, Arthur Bliss and then Vivaldi, she has more than 40 solo recordings on RCA Victor London, EMI, Koch International and Pro Arte. Her solo recordings and her sensitive performances of chamber music round out the picture of an accomplished artist of exceptional maturity, versatility and brilliance. Harnoy has won Juno Awards in 1987-89 and 1991-93 as best classical artist. She won France's Grand Prix du Disque in 1988 and was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1995.