'She taught me so much about her instrument. Still humbled in her presence - as it should be!'
~ Hans Zimmer
'You were magnificent! Every evening, when I went back to the mix room, Kirsty would say how outstanding your contribution to this score was. Thank you for all your help in getting through the music with such flair—no one else can do what you do. You are truly appreciated'
~ Peter Cobbin and Kirsty Whalley, Abbey Road Studios, March 2025.
'Skaila Kanga is a great musician, rare in universal skill among harpists. She is a brilliant harpist, a performer of solo and chamber music, a first-class orchestral soloist, a talented composer and a successful teacher. In each of these areas, she has achieved great success and rightfully enjoys great authority not only among harpists, but also among world-class musicians.
I was lucky enough to meet her almost 30 years ago during the Lily Laskine Competition in Deauville, France. From the first minutes of communication, a clear understanding came that this was practically my harp twin sister! The same high standards in music, professionalism, a clear understanding of the situation, the same sense of self-irony and humour, goodwill and creativity. Together we realised the idea of creating the HarpMasters Academy and collaborated for many years.
Skaila has repeatedly attended Moscow International Harp Festivals, where she performed as a soloist and gave brilliant master classes. I can say without exaggeration that today Skaila Kanga is the most popular composer-harpist in Russia, her music and transcriptions are performed at almost every concert and competition.
The high professional level of Professor Kanga as a teacher was repeatedly confirmed by the success of her students at competitions. Also consistently high is the rating of the RAM Harp Class in London, where Skaila was the Head of the Harp Department for many years.
I am proud of the friendship and infinitely admire the diverse talents of this Personality!'
~ Milda Agazarian
Professor of Harp at the Russian Gnessin's Academy of Music and the Gnessin's Specialist Music School in Moscow
President of the Association of Russian Harp Teachers International | Artistic Director of Moscow International Harp Festival
WATCH: Stephen Barton, composer of the Grammy nominated soundtrack to STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor, interviews Skaila Kanga
Stephen says: 'As part of our FYC content for the GRAMMY nomination for Star Wars Jedi Survivor, for best game soundtrack, Gordy Haab and I wanted to focus on something that's less usually covered - the incredible musicians who make the score what it is and without whom we would not be able to make these soundtracks. Today we are honored to chat with Skaila Kanga, arguably one of the world's best known harpists, an extraordinary musician, veteran of more than one thousand film soundtracks, a first choice harpist of Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams, and even Bernard Herrmann. Professor Emerita of the Royal Academy of Music, one of the greatest teachers of harp and composition out there, we are honored to talk to her about her career, sessions, and about what composers should know for writing for the harp.'
'Skaila is THE master of her craft. She is the most experienced and sought after harpist in London and the safest pair of hands in the business'
~ Andrew Sunnucks
Founder and Chairman
Audio Network
As one of the world's most celebrated harpists, Skaila Kanga enjoys a diverse career on the concert platform, in the recording studio and as a visiting teacher at many leading music conservatoires.
'Skaila is the most inspirational teacher, mentor and friend. I was lucky enough to have over 6 years of teaching with her; years that will always remain integral to my career and musical journey'
~ Catrin Finch
Skaila is in demand as a teacher and educator at conservatoires around the world and is Professor Emerita of of Harp at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
'Skaila is a world-class harpist and I feel honoured to have had the privilege of working with her, and to have had her stunning performances grace so many of my scores'
~ Debbie Wiseman OBE
Composer and Conductor
In a recording career spanning nearly 5 decades, Skaila has collaborated with some of the world's best known singers and composers, from Elton John to Hans Zimmer.
