An internationally recognized multi-genre artist, Kari strives to promote inclusivity and diversity throughout all facets of her musical career. Her extensive background in classical music has aided in her journey to reach new horizons with the harp, now including the world of electronics and jazz.
Kari recently completed her Masters of Music in harp performance with Distinction at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England under the tutelage of Professor Emerita of Harp, Skaila Kanga and Professor of Jazz Harp, Park Stickney. As a dual major in both classical and jazz, she leads a busy career pursuing both music worlds.
As a previously featured performer for Google and NBC News, she has also appeared as a concerto soloist at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and was a finalist in the American Harp Society’s National Competition. Her jazz ensemble, the Kari Novilla Trio, can be found performing across Europe and the United States, most recently at the prestigious Wigmore Hall and at the Spice of Life Jazz Club in Soho, London. Kari has served as Principal with the Oak Ridge Symphony, Oak Ridge Philharmonia, University of Tennessee Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, and London Lawyer’s Symphony amongst others. Kari graduated in 2021 with her Bachelors in Harp Performance from Indiana University with the highest academic and artistic honors with Harp Department chair, Elzbieta Szmyt. Kari is incredibly excited to start her journey in Chicago as a Civic Fellow and continue her vision to unite communities through the power of music.
