What could possibly be better than an insanely talented harp player? Two insanely talented harp players, of course! Especially if the duo in question happens to be Camille and Kennerly Kitt, the Harp Twins from Northern Illinois. These twin sisters are not just any harpists; they are a musical phenomenon, blending classical training with a passion for rock, metal, and Nordic Celtic tunes that pay homage to their Norwegian roots.
Armed with their Bachelor of Music degrees in Harp Performance, Camille and Kennerly ventured beyond classical boundaries to explore genres that are anything but traditional for harpists. Their repertoire includes everything from original compositions to adventurous covers of songs by bands like Metallica.
Their version of Metallica’s “One,” a song that holds a special place in the annals of heavy metal history, showcases their ability to seamlessly transform rock anthems into harp masterpieces. Filmed in an eerie, dilapidated building, their performance has captivated over 15 million viewers on YouTube with its haunting beauty. Though the title, “Two Girls One Harp,” might make fans think of something else at first…
The twins’ YouTube channel, Harp Twins is a treasure trove of musical gems, boasting over 140 million views in total and turning them into the world’s most recognized harp duo. Admirers from around the globe have been quick to praise their work, eagerly awaiting new releases and diving into binge-watching sessions of their performances.
Among their other notable covers are Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and the timeless hymn “Amazing Grace,” penned by John Newton in 1772. You can watch the former here:
The Kitt sisters, embarked on their musical journey from a young age, starting with piano lessons before transitioning to the harp during their junior school years. Their dedication to their craft was evident early on, as they saved up money from babysitting and dog walking to purchase their first second-hand harp. This initial investment sparked a love affair with the instrument that propelled them through their education at the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.
Their passion and unique approach to music have led them to perform across the globe, captivating audiences at concerts, festivals, and conventions, including a memorable performance at the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration. The 1998-born sisters also represented the United States at the World Harp Festival in Asunción, Paraguay, in both 2014 and 2016, where they performed, led workshops, and gave masterclasses, sharing their expertise with fellow harpists and enthusiasts.
The Kitt sisters’ influence extends beyond live performances, with celebrities like Billy Idol, Bear McCreary (known for composing the music for “The Walking Dead”), and the German symphonic folk metal band Equilibrium, showcasing their support by sharing the twins’ music on social media.
Camille and Kennerly’s unique renditions of iconic songs and their original compositions have redefined the harp’s place in contemporary music. Their innovative use of this classical instrument to cover a wide range of musical genres has not only garnered them worldwide fame, but also anticipation for their future projects, as everyone is excited to see what the Kitt sisters have in store next.
To follow the twins’ remarkable journey with the harp, check out their YouTube channel and Facebook page.