Jaina Carpenter

Jaina was first involved with the festival as a participant. In 2011, she won First Prize in the Advanced II Solo Competition. She loved the experience so much she decided to return as Assistant Director for the next 7 years! In 2018, after Lorelei Kaiser Barton’s resignation, Jaina took over as Executive Director and moved the festival to the Chicagoland area. As a harpist, Jaina has performed with Chicago Sinfonietta, Tulsa Signature Symphony, and Union Avenue Opera of St. Louis to name a few. As a pianist, Jaina is currently the choir accompanist for a high school. She maintains a studio of over 30 harp and piano students. Jaina has a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis and holds a Master of Music and Performer’s Certificate in Harp Performance from Northern Illinois University.

Learn more at: www.harpjai.com