Marie Leenhardt

Visiting Professor of Harp (Orchestral Studies)

French born harpist Marie Leenhardt was a member of the French and European Youth orchestras (With Bernard Haitink) before taking the position of principal harp in the Hallé orchestra in 1994.

She performed many of the concertos from the harp repertoire with the Hallé (Mozart, Debussy, and Ginastera with Sir Mark Elder conducting) as well as Haendel, Reinecke and Caplet with Manchester Camerata and others.

When the Hallé schedule allows, she enjoys performing solo recitals and chamber music; has been part of several ensembles (ensemble 360, trio Fauve…)and freelanced extensively in France, Switzerland, Germany and the UK (Saarbrücken Rundfunk, Royal Opera house, Opéra de Lyon, Liverpool Philharmonic, English Chamber orchestra, Scottish chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Forum)

In addition to her performing role, she devotes herself to teaching the harp at Chetham’s school of music.

In 2011 she qualified as an Alexander Technique teacher, and practices regularly.

You might also have seen her in tango balls, on the dance floor or playing the bandoneón on stage with the Frambuesas tango quintet.