In 1993 she won the Evening Post Aria, Nelson Evening Mail Aria, Otago Daily Times Aria, the National Vocal Award and was a semi-finalist in the Mobil Song Quest (and again in 1998). She has performed solo concerts for the Taranaki, Taupo and Bay of Islands Art Festivals and as a soprano soloist with the Festival Singers, the Christchurch Jubilate and the National Youth Choir.
Her opera productions include roles in Don Giovanni, Tosca, Il Trovatore, and the Magic Flute with the National Opera Company, and she was selected by Dame Malvina Major to accompany her on a recital tour of 10 centres throughout New Zealand, and an outdoor concert with the Auckland Philharmonia.
Her orchestral harp experience includes opera and concert productions with the Wellington Sinfonia, Hawkes Bay Opera and the Victoria University School of Music Orchestra. Karen has 9 years experience in providing background harp music for functions and events, and has played on a regular basis for the Park Royal Hotel, West Plaza Hotel, Icon Restaurant, Plaza International (now Duxton) Hotel, and Government House.
In addition to her musical endeavours Karen has 6 years experience in the Head Office of a major corporate entity, developing skills and expertise in the area of Project Management and support, and has been selected to appear in several magazine and television commercials.