Julie Smith Phillips, appointed Principal Harpist of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in 2007, is one of the most prominent American harpists today, performing as both an orchestral musician and concert artist. Internationally recognized for her performing style and diverse repertoire, Ms. Phillips’ playing has been described as “precise” and “luminous” (American Record Guide), “musically polished” (Hartford Courant) with “spectacular results” (San Diego Story). Equally experienced as a chamber and orchestral musician, Ms. Phillips collaborates with renowned musicians across the country. Prior to her post in San Diego, she served as Acting Principal Harpist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (2006-07) and Principal Harpist for the New World Symphony Orchestra (2004-06).

Ms. Phillips performs with pipa virtuoso Wu Man in the China Now Music Festival program ‘Beethoven Made in China’ on Dec 13, in a piece originally written for mandolin and harpsichord and adapted for the festival to be played on pipa and harp.