On Thursday, March 19th at 1:30pm, Carnacki welcomes classical guitarist, Laurel Harned, to the KALX studios for a talk (and perhaps a short performance) ahead of her two live shows in the Bay Area at Trinity + St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in SF on 3/19 and First Church of Christ Scientist in Berkeley on 3/20. Grab tickets for both events here.
At just 20 years old, Laurel Harned is quickly establishing herself as one of the foremost emerging classical guitarists in America. What began as a feature on NPR’s From the Top in the episode “Musicians from Rural America” has evolved into a rapidly rising career—mesmerizing “standing room only” audiences from the Redlands Forum to the Oklahoma Chamber Orchestra.
She currently trains under the legendary Manuel Barrueco at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University—a rare opportunity reserved for top-tier talent. Her artistry has been recognized with the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Scholarship and first prizes at the Denver International Youth and ASTA competitions.
Laurel has recorded for Guitar Salon International and Siccas Guitars—where her videos have amassed millions of views—and was recently awarded a full scholarship to the renowned Volterra Project in Italy. She performs on a 2005 Andrea Tacchi guitar as an artist ambassador for Augustine Strings.
Critics describe her playing as combining “technical mastery with heartfelt expression”— nuanced interpretations and an engaging presence that highlight why she is gaining national recognition.
