Molly O'Roark, DMA

Molly O’Roark, a native of Memphis, TN, is a dynamic performer and composer known for crafting exciting and energetic programs that showcase her love of music and the harp. In her performing career she has won various awards and competitions including: 2014 National Anne Adams Award, 2014 Artist Presentation Society Auditions, and the Wayne Barlow Award for excellence in Harp Performance. Since moving to Atlanta in 2017, Molly has maintained an active freelance career around the Southeastern United States and has performed with Sarah Brightman, Evanescence, Josh Groban, Lindsey Sterling, and with numerous regional orchestras.

As a teacher and passionate pedagogue, Molly maintains an active private harp studio in the Atlanta area, and also serves as a full-time harp instructor with the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, an in-school harp program at Drew Charter School that serves over 90 students in the Greater Atlanta area. Molly also serves on the faculty of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and has been a guest lecturer/teacher/performer at the Illinois Summer Harp Class, Connecticut Valley Harp Intensive, Michigan Harp Day, Nazareth College, and the American Harp Society National Conference.

As an avid composer for the harp, O’Roark likes to weave melodic and sometimes theatrical narratives into her works for harps or mixed ensembles. She has been commissioned by many different ensembles across the country including the Connecticut Valley Harp Intensive 10th Anniversary, harp duo Lilac 94, and annually for the Michigan Harp Day harp jam ensemble at Michigan State University. 

As a chamber musician, Molly performs with MEMO, a flute and harp duo, with award-winning flutist, Dr. Elisa Moles, specializing in engaging performances of twentieth- century works. MEMO premiered their new interdisciplinary show called “Origins: After the Dark,” to a sold-out audience in San Jose, CA in January 2020. This innovative show features an original play written by Vijay Rajan incorporated into a full recital program with duo MEMO serving as characters within the show. Currently, a graphic novel based on the show is being created to act as a companion with a CD recording of the music.

Molly resides in Decatur, GA with her husband. In her spare time, Molly loves to cook and jam out on her electric lever harp with a local rock band.