Amy Kortuem

Amy Kortuem grew up in rural Mankato, Minnesota, and began classical piano training when she was 11 years old. In 1988, Amy received a Celtic harp as a gift from a family friend, an Irishman named Jack McGowan.

It's a gift that has changed her life. The harp has become her passion and purpose - to bring its beautiful music to as many people as possible.

That gift has also become a thriving business. With three recordings and a rich performance history and schedule to her credit, Amy's playing is in high demand.

The events Amy has been asked to perform at cover a truly broad range. Her audiences have included everyone from preschool children and outdoor festival-goers to dignitaries like Mikhail Gorbachev.

She has performed at such highly attended events as the Minnesota Irish Fair in St.Paul, Minnesota and the Rock Bend Folk Festival in St.Peter, Minnesota. She also owns a Lyon & Healy concert harp and has played for several of Gustavus Adolphus College Christmas in Christ Chapel performances, as well as having performed in concerts with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra and the vocal chamber ensemble Musicorum.

Amy also produces and performs concerts of her own. The CD release concert for her album "The Harp Her Soul Required" drew 800 people, and her annual holiday benefit concerts and St. Patrick's Day shows are highly attended, with audiences of 250 to 400 people from throughout the region. Her concerts have received rave reviews and have raised funds to benefit local charities. Amy also keeps a busy schedule giving presentations and playing for weddings and special events.

Her first recording, "The Light and the Lady," was recorded with her concert and Celtic harps at the beautiful Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel in Mankato. Her second, "The Harp Her Soul Required," is a recording of traditional Irish music on her Celtic harp and is dedicated to Jack McGowan. Her latest release, "All Hayle to the Days," features carols and songs to drive the cold winter away.

Amy formed her Celtic band in 2003 after inviting some very talented musician friends to play Celtic music with her at a performance - and the audience raved. The group's chemistry, unique style and performances of Amy's arrangements of traditional Irish and Celtic music have continued to enthrall. The band includes Amy on harp and vocals, Martha Lindberg on recorders, Sam Lawrence on bodhran and Marti Ryan on violin. Much to the delight of audiences, the group is often joined by award-winning Irish step dancer Megan Maloney.

Feel free to contact Amy at harpist@amykortuem.com for more information about playing at your special event, for concert information or to purchase recordings.