Ofra Harnoy

In 2019, Harnoy released her latest album, "Back to Bach" on the Canadian Classical label, Analekta. She is married to the trumpeter, producer, and composer Mike Herriott.

Harnoy performed and recorded the world premiere of the Offenbach Cello Concerto in 1983 and the North American premiere of the Bliss Cello Concerto in 1984. She also made the world premiere recordings of several Vivaldi concertos. In 1987 Harnoy joined the roster of RCA Victor Red Seal, and recorded several best selling albums.

Harnoy made her professional debut as a soloist with an orchestra at age ten. Her solo-orchestral and recital debuts at Carnegie Hall in 1982 brought her public and critical acclaim.

Harnoy was born in Hadera, Israel. She moved with her family to Toronto in 1971. When she was six, she began cello lessons with her father, Jacob Harnoy. Her teachers included Vladimir Orloff, William Pleeth, Pierre Fournier, Jacqueline du Pré, and Mstislav Rostropovich.

Ofra Harnoy CM (Hebrew: עופרה הרנוי ‎; born January 31, 1965) is an Israeli-Canadian cellist. Ms.Harnoy has established herself as one of the great cellists on the world’s concert stage. She is one of Canada’s most celebrated personalities and is a Member of the Order of Canada. By joining the international artists roster of RCA Victor Red Seal, Ms. Harnoy became the first Canadian classical instrumental soloist since Glenn Gould to gain an exclusive worldwide contract with a major record label. Five-time Juno Award Winner, Ofra Harnoy was once named by Maclean’s (Canada’s national weekly magazine) as one of the 12 Canadians in all fields who bring most credit to their country.