Kanga, Skaila

Skaila Kanga (born January 8, 1946) is a freelance harpist and Head of Harp Studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England.

Born in India, Skaila Kanga started to play the piano at the early age of five. At age seventeen, she chose to continue her music studies by switching to harp and studying under the direction of Tina Bonifacio, harpist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kanga started off her professional career with the BBC Concert Orchestra, but soon furthered her work by freelancing with various London orchestras. In 1977, Kanga teamed up with the harmonica player, Tommy Reilly; the duo continued to perform for twenty-two years, giving concerts and making recordings. Also at that time Kanga joined the Nash Ensemble of which she dedicated twenty-five years of performances, premiering 32 new works and taking part in countless series at Wigmore Hall of London, England.

In addition to numerous performances both solo and ensemble, Kanga has recorded solo albums and has been credited on many film soundtracks. She is currently the principal harpist of St. Martins Orchestra, the Sinfonia of London, the London Mozart Players, and the LMP Chamber Ensemble.

The Nash Ensemble (established 1964) is an English chamber ensemble.

From the guide to the Skaila Kanga papers, approximately 1971-2005, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)