Kathryn Harsha holds a Master of Music in Conducting from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Bluffton University. While studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, she served as Assistant Conductor of the Chorale des Étudiants Etrangères and studied conducting at the Messiaen Conservatoire in Saint-Maurice, France.  

 

While living in Cleveland, Ms. Harsha served as Music Director and Conductor of the Lakeland Civic Orchestra and as the Music Director of Opera per Tutti, now the Cleveland Opera Theater. Kathryn has been the Music Director of the Sing Out! for Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Benefit since 2002, where the Visionary Voice award was named in her honor in 2018. These concerts have raised millions of dollars for the center, transforming its work and scope.  

 

For the last four seasons, Kathryn served the Peabody Children’s Chorus in various capacities, beginning as Assistant Director and Accompanist, and later adding on the role of Chorus Manager. Prior to her work at Peabody, she was on the faculty at the Opus Community Music School, and served as Executive Director for five years, overseeing a significant transformation of the organization and expansion of musical opportunities for all ages.  

 

She has conducted choruses and orchestras across the United States and performed in France, Italy, Austria, and Germany, recently conducting in Severance Hall and at the Kennedy Center.  She currently conducts ensembles for Encore Creativity in Silver Spring, Rockville, and Annapolis.  

Kathryn is honored to serve as the Artistic Director of the Alexandria Choral Society for its 54th season.