Born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Bertina Mitchell was introduced to the world of music by her father and began studying the harp at age twelve. She graduated with honors from the Bulgarian Conservatory of Music in Sofia, performed with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded with the Bulgarian National Radio Orchestra.

In 1993 she moved to San Francisco and now she resides in Marin County. Mrs. Mitchell received her Master's degree in 1997 from Indiana University where she studied with Susann McDonald.

At present she performes with the Napa Valley Symphony, the Marin Symphony and the San Jose Symphony. She is principal harpist at the Mendocino Music Festival. In addition to teaching harp privately and giving solo recitals, Mrs. Mitchell performs often at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco.