CIM alumna Grace Roepke appointed principal harp of The Louisville Orchestra

If it were possible for a school to collectively jump for joy, CIM would be doing exactly that today.  

On Wednesday, CIM learned that current artist diploma student and Robinson Orchestral Career Fellow Grace Roepke (BM ’19, MM ’21, Kondonassis) has leapt to professional success, having won the audition for principal harp at one of the nation’s leading ensembles, The Louisville Orchestra. She begins July 1.  

“Being the harpist of a major orchestra has always been my goal,” said Roepke, a native of Chanhassen, Minnesota, after sharing the news.  

“I feel so grateful that the committee enjoyed my interpretation of the repertoire, and I’m so excited to be joining an organization that believes in the same things I do: community engagement and performing new music.”  

Roepke’s victory in Louisville, with music director Teddy Abrams, is far from her first major achievement in music or appointment to an orchestra. Nor is she the only CIM alum headed to Louisville. Jessica Chancey (BM '21, Fink) recently won the orchestra's audition for the third flute/piccolo. 

In recent years, Roepke has served as substitute harpist with The Cleveland Orchestra and Grant Park Music Festival, led by CIM’s own Carlos Kalmar. In Northeast Ohio, Roepke has played with the BlueWater Chamber Orchestra and the CIM New Music Ensemble, and been acting principal harp of the Akron Symphony Orchestra for the 2022-23 season. Roepke also maintains a private studio as a certified Suzuki teacher. 

Though still a student, studying with CIM harp department chair Yolanda Kondonassis, Roepke also has claimed prizes in several events including the American Harp Society National Competition, the Dutch Harp Festival World Harp Competition, the Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra Competition, and CIM’s own Concerto Competition.  

Roepke attributed her success in Louisville to her years of study and preparation with Kondonassis and other members of the CIM faculty.  

“I can’t say enough good things about my private teacher or about the many faculty members who graciously coached me and provided invaluable feedback,” Roepke said. 

“It has been an amazing experience to be a part of such a supportive, close-knit studio, and I will miss it dearly as I start this next chapter.” 

The Louisville Orchestra

Founded in 1937 by conductor Robert Whitney and prominent civic leaders, the Louisville Orchestra has been called the cornerstone of the Louisville Arts Scene. The Orchestra is a full-time ensemble offering a wide variety of concert series to the community, including classical programs featuring world-renowned guest artists, lighter classical and pops performances, and educational, film and family offerings. As the first American symphony orchestra to launch its own record label, the Louisville Orchestra has earned nineteen ASCAP awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music. The Orchestra is also the resident performing group for the Louisville Ballet and the Kentucky Opera. Visit louisvilleorchestra.org to learn more.