Renée Qin, named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30” in 2024, is a Canadian harpist and composer whose music embodies a mission of connection, advocacy, and environmental harmony. With a dedication to using her artistry as a platform for meaningful causes, Renée believes in the power of music to inspire empathy, promote ecological awareness, bridge cultural and social boundaries.

Renée’s journey began with piano at age four, later expanding to the harp, an instrument that captivated her for its expressive power. Her studies brought her under the mentorship of Elizabeth Volpé Bligh, former principal harpist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and later briefly with Douglas Rioth of the San Francisco Symphony. Renée refined her technique and artistry at the Curtis Institute of Music’s Summer Harp Colony, working with Elizabeth Hainen and Judy Loman, and later pursued double majors in Music and Economics at Stanford University, where she furthered her training with harpist Dan Levitan and composer Dr. François Rose.

Renée’s compositions span diverse genres and styles, often focusing on themes of environmental stewardship, social awareness, and personal growth. Her acclaimed solo harp piece “The Ternaround” highlights the plight of the endangered California least tern, promoting awareness of fragile ecosystems. “Spring Tide,” written for orchestra, and “Fragment of Life,” an electronic composition, showcase her versatility and commitment to exploring nature through sound. In “Introduce Myself to Mom Today, I’ll Do It Again Tomorrow,” Renée brings audiences into the experience of Alzheimer’s care, inviting reflection on memory, compassion, and caregiving. Her string quartet, “Piper,” is a re-score for film that delves into themes of personal growth and resilience. Another project, “Voice of the Planet,” premiered by the Japanese Ensemble Kujoyama in 2023, combines ensemble and vocal elements to convey Earth’s urgent call for ecological harmony and preservation through an immersive audiovisual experience.

Renée’s talents have been widely recognized with awards such as First Prize at the 2018 Canadian Music Competition and the American Protégé International Romantic Music Competition. She also received the Chappell Lougee Scholarship in 2022 for her composition work. As a soloist, Renée has performed with orchestras including the Stanford Philharmonia, Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, and Harmonia Chamber Music Orchestra. She has performed at venues like Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Memorial Church, Shaughnessy Heights United Church, Carnegie Hall in New York, Field Concert Hall at the Curtis Institute, and the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver.

​An early advocate for the unifying power of music, Renée co-founded The Music Connect Project early in her career, organizing harp workshops and performances to bring music to diverse audiences and foster community engagement. Today, she continues to lead projects that reflect her passion for using music as a bridge and a voice for impactful causes.
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Renée’s recent performances, including her interpretation of Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp at Bing Concert Hall and Handel's Harp Concerto at Stanford Memorial Church, demonstrate her expressive depth and technical mastery. With future projects aimed at deepening her role as both a harpist and composer with a vision, Renée Qin remains committed to shaping a purposeful path in music that resonates with audiences around the world.

Access Renée's music CV here.