Just last Sunday, I played in a concert to remember and celebrate the life of Harpist Deborah Hoffman who was a harp teacher at MSM and also principal harpist of the Metropolitan Opera. The concert was also to dedicate a new Lyon and Healy Style 11 Harp that was generously donated to MSM in memory of Deborah.
The harp studio of MSM came together in a harp sextet to play two fun and uplifting pieces by Scott Joplin and Jean-Philippe Rameau! As much as I grumbled about having to spend time practicing more pieces and sitting in more rehearsals, – I’m very thankful for this opportunity to get to know the other harpists better -what a fun bunch they are! Also, this concert allowed me to hearing what other people had to say about Deborah – about the fine musician and humble person that she was. It inspires me to be the same also, to live humbly and make music with integrity and sensitivity.
Speaking of great musicians, on Thursday I had the great honour of taking a masterclass with principal harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic – Marie-Pierre Langlamet. There are no that can describe the HUGE admiration I have for her – she is really a true musician who thinks not just about the music, but she thinks about the physics behind harp technique, resonance and damping of sound. She answered so many questions I have about harp playing, and the best part is that I didn’t even have to ask. She incorporated them into her teaching and it was just so enlightening for me. And also, she has the BEST SOUND. I die a little bit inside each time she demonstrates because the disparity between her sound and everybody else’s is so great ahhhh. Don’t believe me? Listen for yourself:
Anyway, I have been spending most of my time practicing (what’s new lol). But that’s because I have a recital coming up – 22nd November. To be honest, I’m not even sure who will go lolll I don’t know that many people here. I’m playing a programme that I’m very excited about!
Handel/ Grandjany – Prelude and Toccata
Farkas – Hungarian Dances from the 17th Century
Faure – Impromptu
Ravel – Introduction et Allegro
Hindemith – Sonata fur harfe
Grandjany – Rhapsodie pour harpe
eh, if you know anybody in NYC who would like to come, please jio ya. It’s at 5pm at Miller Hall at MSM. I’ll see if can have live stream haha.
Anyway, photos. Not many ya, since I was mostly in school.
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free form the sins committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:15
Charity Kiew 