Harpist Noelia Cotuna on performing in world-class orchestras
In June 2024, Noelia Cotuna won the audition for Solo Harp at the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana at the Palau de les Arts in Valencia. She now performs internationally with the orchestra, having recently completed a USA recital tour. Beginning her musical journey at the Professional Conservatoire of Music of Valencia, she proceeded to complete her BA in Music Performance at Trinity Laban. During this time, she was awarded the John Marson Prize for Outstanding Musicianship and the 2020 Musicians’ Company Silver Medal. Continuing her master’s studies at the Universität der Künste, she became a member of the Karajan Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker and spent two seasons as an academist at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.
An experienced orchestral player, Noelia has performed and toured extensively under the baton of renowned conductors such as Kirill Petrenko, Sir Simon Rattle, Zubin Mehta, Daniel Barenboim, Gustavo Dudamel and Donald Runnicles, amongst others. She collaborates with various orchestras, including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester (DSO), Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester (RSB) and Konzerthausorchester in Berlin, Orquesta Nacional de España, BBC Symphony Orchestra. She remains in high demand as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe, having previously won the USA International Harp Competition and Trinity Laban Soloists’ Competition. We spoke to Noelia about her career as a soloist and how her experience at Trinity Laban helped her pave the way to her profession.
Tell us about the first steps you took after graduating from Trinity Laban.
After graduating from my BMus (Hons) in Classical Performance at Trinity Laban in 2020, I dived fully into the orchestral world and had the chance to spend five wonderful years in Germany. I was an academist of both the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Deutsche Oper Berlin, where I learnt first-hand from incredible mentors, colleagues, and world-class conductors how to best approach my work as an orchestral player.
What does your career as a professional harpist look like now?
During my time as an academist, I continued to expand my solo harp repertoire, and was a prize-winner of the ARD Music Competition and USA International Harp Competition. After a few years of auditioning for different orchestras across Europe, I became Principal Harpist of the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana in my home country of Spain. I also perform regularly with different chamber ensembles and have started giving masterclasses at various music schools and conservatoires.
It’s a privilege to be making a living out of my biggest passion, music, and to call myself a professional harpist today. This was all a dream when I first applied to conservatoire a decade ago!
What did you enjoy most during your time at Trinity Laban?
The variety of classes and projects we could take part in. There was always something to do or a new concept to learn! We had numerous performance opportunities and the freedom to create ensembles, collaborate with composers, play in masterclasses and in departmental classes.
How did your course help you to progress in the industry?
The staff at Trinity Laban were always encouraging us to explore all facets of the music industry: performance, teaching, management, collaborations with other art forms… I am very grateful to my teachers at Trinity Laban, especially Harp professors Gabriella Dall’Olio and Frances Kelly, for all their guidance and invaluable advice during lessons and classes. They didn’t just teach me how to play the harp better, but also how to listen to others around me and add something beautiful to every note I share from my instrument.
What advice would you give prospective students?
If you’re thinking of applying to Trinity Laban, go for it! If you’re not sure yet, visit the campus for an Open Day, meet the teachers in your department, and book a consultation lesson. Ask all the questions you have about becoming a musician, not just to the staff but to current students as well. Trinity Laban is such a supportive environment and people will be happy to share their experience with you. Make the most of your years as a student and soak up all there is to learn from everyone around you.