Karen Abrahamson Thomas

Harp

Karen Abrahamson Thomas has served as Adjunct Lecturer in Harp at Baylor University and Principal Harpist of the Waco Symphony since 2013. Recent concert appearances include soloing with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra in Ginastera’s Concerto for Harp, and collaborating with the Left Bank Quartet at the Library of Congress. Dr. Thomas has performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and served as Guest Principal Harp with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the Allentown Symphony, and the Wheeling Philharmonic.
Praised by Theatre Jones as “Technically Amazing,” Dr. Thomas enjoys working in a wide variety of ensembles and genres. A founding member of the Dallas Harp Quartet, the quartet aims to showcase the versatility of the harp, while expanding its wide array of repertoire and reaching new audiences in their community and beyond.  In addition, she was a featured performer on a nationally televised Christmas Special on NBC alongside Peter Cetera of the band ‘Chicago.’ She can be heard on the documentary Horse and Rider, an exposé of human trafficking in India by director Ben Stamper. She recently completed recording sessions for a solo album by Norwegian alternative rock artist Emil Nikolaisen, lead singer of the band Serena-Maneesh, and has frequently recorded for The Sounds Familyre recording label. Dr. Thomas holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland, a Master’s Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Bachelor’s Degree from Baylor University. Her teachers include Yolanda Kondonassis, Alice Chalifoux, Jeanne Chalifoux, and Sarah Fuller.