Alice Giles AM: On her own terms

Few musicians have expanded the horizons of their instrument quite like harpist Alice Giles. From winning the Israel International Harp Contest at just 21, to acclaimed performances across Europe and America, Alice has become one of the world’s most celebrated harpists — praised for her artistry, imagination and technical brilliance. But her journey has not always been conventional: she’s performed with the great orchestras, championed contemporary repertoire, and even carried her harp to Antarctica.In this conversation, Alice reflects on her formative years and the mentors who shaped her, including the legendary June Loney and Alice Chalifoux. She shares the challenges and triumphs of building an international career, the delicate art of balancing music with family life, and what it means to her now to guide the next generation as both teacher and Chair of the World Harp Congress. With warmth, insight and a touch of adventure, Alice offers a portrait of a musician who has never stopped exploring what the harp can be – in sound, in colour, and in life.Alice Giles performs with the Australian World Orchestra under chief conductor Alexander Briger for Mahler’s 4th and 5th Symphonies, at Hamer Hall in Melbourne on Wednesday September 3, and the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on Thursday September 4.