Harpist Lily Primus is a passionate performer and educator based in Houston, Texas. She is the Absolute First Prizewinner of the Third Edition of the Fanny Mendelssohn Competition, Winner of the Mildred Milligan Harp Scholarship Competition, and a three-time Prizewinner of the American Harp Society National Competition. Most recently, she was a finalist in the Korea International Harp Competition and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell – Ima Hogg Concerto Competition at the Texas Music Festival.
As an orchestral harpist, Lily has served as Guest Principal Harp for the Colorado Ballet, Annapolis Symphony, Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. She serves as Substitute Harp for the Houston Symphony and the New World Symphony. A passionate chamber musician, Lily is a member of the Colorado Chamber Players and has worked with the Monarch Chamber Players.
Lily was recently a member of Festival Napa Valley, performing with esteemed artists Joyce DiDonato and Tessa Lark. She has also been a member of the Spoleto Festival USA, Aspen Music Festival, Texas Music Festival, and Round Top Festival Institute. She was also the inaugural recipient of the full tuition Siochi Scholarship to attend the Young Artists Harp Seminar.
As an educator, Lily works with students all over the Houston area. She is a trained Suzuki Harp teacher, and teaches primarily out of the Suzuki method.
Lily earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Harp Performance with a Minor in Jewish Studies at Rice University in 2024. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music Degree also at Rice University, studying with Paula Page from 2020-2025 and Allegra Lilly, starting in fall 2025. She was a student of Mary Kay Waddington, founder of the Suzuki Harp School, for thirteen years.
Lily Primus, Harpist 