Chiara Capobianco inside Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (Courtesy photo)

Harpist Chiara Capobianco is the Pluck of the Town

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

She speaks five languages. Her name has appeared in venues all over the globe. And she usually carries a stash of musical strings in her handbag.

Meet harpist extraordinaire Chiara Capobianco, a Milan transplant and Mission Hills resident who you can find strumming a statuesque harp during afternoon tea at the Westgate Hotel and in Terminal 1 at the San Diego International Airport.

You might also run into her at a corporate event, a friend’s wedding, or at recitals and special occasions that take her to places all over San Diego County—funerals not excluded.

Capobianco possesses an extraordinary repertoire of more than 1,000 songs from a vast range of musical genres. Some are unexpected coming from a harp, such as pop-modern tunes, movie scores and Indian folk ballads. 

Adding to her captivating performances are a charming Italian accent and a good sense of humor, both of which contribute to keeping her gainfully employed.

Downtown Condo Guys: Is being a musician your primary career?

Capobianco: Yes. It has been my whole life.

Downtown Condo Guys: Why the harp?

Capobianco: It captured my heart as soon as I started, when I added it to my music program at the Conservatorio di Musica di Milano. I began with the classical flute at age 7. My sister played it and I wanted to copy her. Then I went on to the piano.

Downtown Condo Guys: So you stuck with the harp after graduating from the Conservatorio?

Capobianco: Yes. And I went on to perform across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America, partly during my six years as a resident harpist on luxury Cunard ships (the Queen Mary II, the Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Victoria). I had residencies at renowned venues in London, such as the Dorchester Hotel, Claridge’s Hotel and London City Hall. I also toured all over India while based in Mumbai.

More recently I lived in Thailand for five years, where I was a resident harpist at a beach resort. It was a full-time job.

Downtown Condo Guys: Have you played in world orchestras as well?

Capobianco: Yes. I started at age 15 playing with orchestras in Europe. But I didn’t like it because conductors are mean and they shout at everyone. It’s very bad. Anyone who has played in an orchestra knows what I mean. It’s not as glamorous as what it looks like when you’re watching a beautiful concert.

Downtown Condo Guys: How did you end up in San Diego?

Capobianco: After Thailand, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to play as a harpist at a hotel. I was also doing weddings and other events on the side, which is what I do wherever I am while doing residencies.

Then a friend of mine who I visited here said, ‘Come to San Diego, you might like it to stay.’ So in 2019 I made the move. My first week after arriving, I was asked to play at the Opera Cafe downtown every Saturday night, and also at Piazza 1909 in La Jolla for their Sunday brunch service. Work started for me immediately. In musical-conductor terms, I call it ‘allegro con brio,’ which means ‘joyfully fast.’ 

I also soon began doing weddings, parties and corporate events. I even play at funerals, which are the best because they’re quiet.

Downtown Condo Guys: Tell us about your latest public gigs. Where can we find you?

Capobianco: Around five years ago I started playing for the Westgate Hotel’s afternoon tea. I am there from noon to 3:00p Thursdays and Saturdays. I play all types of music, from classical to modern, and I fulfill some requests from the customers.

I also play weekly inside the San Diego Airport’s Terminal 1, in the area called Heritage Stage. It’s past security near the restaurants. My schedule rotates with other instrumentalists. We’re well paid by the airport and I receive a lot of tips. Many people take my business card, and I make sure I engage with anyone and take their song requests. It’s a really good gig.

I also play every March for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Balboa Park, as well as for library concerts and recitals at retirement homes.

Downtown Condo Guys: How many strings are on a harp?

Capobianco: Forty-seven. And they need to be tuned all the time.

Downtown Condo Guys: Have you ever popped a string during a performance?

Capobianco: Yes, it happens more than I wish it would. Harpists have refined the art of changing their strings very fast. Every harpist always carries a bag of them. We’re like magicians—now you don’t see a string, and now you do.

Downtown Condo Guys: How many harps do you own? And where would someone buy a harp?

Capobianco: Don’t ask how many. [Chuckle] It’s like asking a photographer how many lenses he uses.

There are no harp shops in San Diego, but you can buy from some local resellers. The main factory for harps is in Chicago, called Lyon & Healy. You have to order through them. They deliver.

Downtown Condo Guys: How heavy is a standard harp?

Capobianco: Between 70 and 90 pounds. I have a harp dolly that is specific for the instrument. It fits in the car with the car seats down.

Downtown Condo Guys: Do you offer harp lessons?

Capobianco: Yes, I give private one-on-one lessons at La Jolla Music studio. I also teach a little bit of piano.

Downtown Condo Guys: Are harpists hard to find?

Capobianco: Yes. I’m one of a few in San Diego.

Downtown Condo Guys: What is the one question people ask you the most about playing the harp?

Capobianco: People will ask jokingly when they see me moving the harp around: ‘Don’t you wish you played the flute instead? I tell them, ‘Yes I do, but I wanted something more expensive and difficult because I like a good challenge. Also, ‘Is that a cello?’ is another common question.

Downtown Condo Guys: Do you have a husband and/or kids who enjoy your harp music at home?

Capobianco: No. So if anyone wants to court me, I am accepting serenades from gentlemen.