Frances Kelly

Frances Kelly is a Professor of Early Harp at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) and holds a similar position at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She specializes in early harp performance, continuo playing, and historical repertoire spanning medieval to modern eras. Her career combines solo, chamber, and orchestral work with major ensembles like the Sixteen, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Glyndebourne.

Education: Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music; Music degree at Cambridge University (dissertation on single-action harps). Professional training included studies with Phia Berghout in Maastricht.

Research interests focus on early harp techniques, improvisation in continuo, and the revival of period instruments. Notable performances include Britten's A Ceremony of Carols and period instrument renditions of Mozart and Handel concertos.

Teaching spans institutions including RAM, Trinity Laban, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Junior Trinity. She emphasizes pedagogy for both early and pedal harps, hosting masterclasses globally.