Victor Salvi’s name is inextricably linked to the harp, the instrument that he has devoted much of his life to — first as a professional harpist, for the past fifty years as the founder of Salvi Harps and since 2000 supporting harpists and harp-related programs and activities worldwide through the Victor Salvi Foundation.
Born in Chicago but raised in Italy, Victor performed as both a soloist and orchestra member in some of the world’s leading orchestras including the New York Philharmonic and NBC Symphony Orchestra. He played under such great conductors as Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Dimitri Mitropoulous and Victor de Sabata. From these experiences, he learned first-hand how important it is to have an instrument able to meet the highest performance standards. Not satisfied with the harps he had previously played, he was determined to create an instrument that would set new standards of excellence in the harp world. In 1956, he founded Salvi Harps, eventually relocating the factory to its present site, Piasco, Italy — a region known for its fine wood craftsmen. The Industrial Union of Cuneo recognized Victor in 2006 for the 51 years of entrepreneurial activity that Salvi Harps has contributed to the growth of the region.
The recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his professional accomplishments, Victor was made an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Music in 2004 at a reception attended by HRH the Prince of Wales. He also received the Distinguished Award for Service to the International Harp Community presented by the World Harp Congress in 1996. In 2006, he was presented with the key to the city by the Mayor of Cartagena in recognition of the foundation’s activities there. Also in 2006, Viggiano, Italy, Victor’s childhood home, honored him with a festive celebration. Emmanuel Ceysson, the winner of the 2004 USA International Harp Competition, performed for the occasion.
