Eleanor Kirk

Principal Harp

Praised for her “especially fine contributions” and “standout solo work,” Eleanor Kirk was appointed Principal Harpist of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in 2025. Prior to joining the SFOO, she held principal positions in the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Illinois Philharmonic, and was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Ellie has appeared as a guest with leading ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She is a member of the Chicago Harp Quartet, a leading group in the world of small harp ensemble, and enjoys foraging, fermenting, and spending time with her spouse, Kevin, and cats, Figaro and Oleanna. Ellie comes from a family of opera musicians, her parents and uncle all performing with the Lyric Opera in Chicago and Santa Fe Opera in the summer. She is delighted to be a new San Franciscan, and carrying on the Kirk pit musician tradition.