A Morning Spent with Harpist Lara Somogyi
A Morning Spent with Harpist Lara Somogyi
In the stillness of Joshua Tree, Lara Somogyi reflects on redefining the harp, collaborating with artists like Bonobo and Bat for Lashes, and the joy of making music that surprises and connects.
I spent a morning with Lara Somogyi in Joshua Tree, California, and the day began with a quiet ease. The desert was still waking up, the occasional birdcall breaking the silence, while a hare darted between rocks, stirring the dry leaves. As we shook off the last remnants of sleep, Lara eased into conversation with a natural warmth that made everything feel unhurried. She asked thoughtful questions about the day ahead, about life’s smaller details - and her curiosity felt genuine, never forced. It was the kind of exchange that set the tone for a morning that was as much about connection as it was about the surroundings.
Romantising moments like this is tempting, especially when they involve someone like Lara. After all, she’s a harpist, an instrument so often associated with ethereal clichés. But Lara’s approach is anything but conventional. Signed to Mercury KX, she is one of a few harpists who has redefined what the instrument can be. Her debut album ! (pronounced “Exclamation”) explored the possibilities of the instrument through electronics and experimental techniques, whilst her latest collaboration with Jean-Michel Blais on Désert pairs her harp with piano in a way that feels expansive yet intimate. But it’s not just her music that sets her apart - it’s how she carries herself. Spending time with Lara is effortless; she has a way of making you feel seen and heard, her questions cutting through small talk to something deeper.
Lara’s collaborators speak volumes about her artistry. She’s worked with Bonobo on his Grammy-nominated Fragments, contributed to Hans Zimmer’s Blue Planet II score alongside Radiohead, and recorded for major productions like The Lion King, Bridgerton, and Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods. But it’s her work with other artists that highlights her versatility and openness. She recently collaborated with Bat for Lashes on an EP reimagining tracks from The Dream of Delphi and whilst working alongside Lara, Natasha Khan described Lara’s contributions as “so pure and vulnerable”. This ability to adapt and elevate others’ work is what makes Lara such a sought-after collaborator.
Photographs // The Blank Mag
Her live performances are equally impressive. She’s shared stages with Anderson .Paak, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., and Rufus Wainwright. Seamlessly adjusting to each artist's world while bringing something uniquely her own. Whether she’s adding texture to Bonobo’s electronic landscapes or performing alongside Camila Cabello at a sold-out show, Lara’s presence feels both essential and transformative.
As we sat in her studio in the desert, she spoke humbly about her craft. “The harp has always felt limitless to me,” she said, whilst tapping the strings of the instrument. “It’s about shifting perspectives - showing people what they didn’t expect.'“ It’s a philosophy that defines her career.
Growing up between Kauai, Hawaii and New York, Lara was drawn to the harp long before she understood its complexities. At the Royal Academy of Music in London, she honed her classical technique while experimenting with unconventional tools like Blu-tack and milk frothers to expand its sonic vocabulary.
This willingness to push her music has earned her recognition not just as a performer but as an innovator. Her collaborations span genres and mediums, from working as a session musician on film scores to working on interdisciplinary projects. But at the heart of it all is an artist who listens deeply, both to her instrument and to those around her.
By the time we parted ways, I realised I hadn’t just spent a morning with Lara Somogyi; I’d been given a glimpse into what makes her so extraordinary. She isn’t just redefining what the harp can do; she’s redefining how we experience music itself. And beyond all of that, she’s someone who makes you feel lucky just to be in her orbit. If you ever get the chance to spend time with Lara, whether through her music or in person, take it.
Follow Lara here.
