Ofra Harnoy has established herself as one of the greatest cellists on today’s concert stage. She is one of Canada’s most celebrated personalities and was recently appointed to the Order of Canada by Canada ‘s Governor General. By joining the international artists roster of RCA Victor Red Seal in 1987, Ms. Harnoy became the first Canadian since Glenn Gould to gain an exclusive worldwide contract with a major record label.

Ofra Harnoy was born is Israel and immigrated to Canada at age 6. She studied with William Pleeth in London, Vladimir Orloff in Toronto, and participated in master classes with Mstislav Rostropovich, Pierre Fournier and Jacqueline du Pre.

Ms. Harnoy has won numerous music competitions and in 1982 was the youngest first prize winner of the Concert Artists Guild Award which led to her Carnegie Hall debut.

Ofra Harnoy is a gifted interpreter who wins critical raves for her performances all over the world. She tours extensively in Europe, the Far East and the Americas and performs with many of the top orchestras and most noteworthy conductors of our time. Her recording catalog spans many musical styles and genres and she has won many awards and distinctions for her recordings.

Ms. Harnoy has recorded more than 40 solo albums and performs a vast repertoire. She has also premiered many important works including the world premiere of the Offenbach cello Concerto in G, the world premiere of the Viotti cello Concerto in C, many world premiere Vivaldi cello concertos and the North American premiere of the Bliss Cello Concerto.

Ofra has performed for The Emperor of Japan, the Crown Prince of Japan, HRH Prince Charles, Canadian Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien, Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, Rt. Hon. Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and President William Clinton.