Q and A with Kan Yuet

Harp Column Staff

April 24, 2017

Leading up to the 13th World Harp Congress this July in Hong Kong, we’re talking with performers for the ever-popular WHC Focus on Youth showcase concerts. Check in each week as we present insights from these talented young artists.

Give us some background: when did you start playing, what’s your current age, and who do you study with?

“Enjoy every moment with your harp, no matter [if] it’s practice time, performance, or competition,” is 11-year-old Kan Yuet’s advice to new harpists.

I am 11 years old now. I started playing my harp when I was 4. I played Harpsicle at that time because I [was] too small even for a lever harp. My teacher is Miss Lauyee Yeung, she is enthusiastic about harp and music in different styles. She is one of my role models in my harp journey.

Tell us about your WHC program. How did you choose your repertoire and what do you like about the music?

Program includes: 1. Pavane et Bransles by Antoine Francisque; 2. “Viejo Zortzico” by Guridi; 3. “Tarantula” from Spiders by Paul Patterson. We tried to prepare music of different period to make a balanced program. I like Spiders most because it’s a very technical and challenging piece and it’s my first contemporary piece in my life. Spiders is different from other pieces I played before and I really enjoy it!

Have you ever attended a World Harp Congress?

It’s the first time I [will] attend WHC.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get to Hong Kong?

I live in Hong Kong. I love Hong Kong and I hope everyone will enjoy the food and scenery of Hong Kong.

Which harpist do you most admire?

I admire both Naoko Yoshino and Maria Luisa Rayan. I love their playing very much—very professional, very musical. They have special attractions to make people [not] stop listening to them. Moreover, they are very nice people too.

Which harpist are you most looking forward to meeting in person at the WHC?

I would like to meet Maria Luisa Rayan. I remember I first met her when I was 8, I had had the privilege to perform at the most prestigious Korea Seoul Arts Centre Concert Hall alongside Miss Maria Luisa Rayan and Miss Jung Kwak. It [was] my first international performance and she taught me a lot. Though we met many times afterward, I still love to meet her!!

What’s the most memorable musical performance you’e ever attended?

2nd Korea Harp Festival 2014, It was my first time listening harp performance at the backstage. I will never forget the feeling at that moment. Professional harp ensemble, professional solo harpist performance, and more than 2,000 audience [members] applauding.

What’s your most memorable performing experience, and why?

In 2016, I had the honor to be the first young harpist representing Hong Kong to perform at the Stars of Tomorrow concert, at the 10th USA International Harp Competition. I met many great harpists there and [had the] honor to play for them.

What advice would you give a young student wanting to start harp?

I am also a young harpist……hmmm……..just want to share “Enjoy every moment with your harp, no matter [if] it’s practice time, performance, or competition.”

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

My mom: just enjoy your music! I think that’s very important because [a] music journey is a long way to go. If I enjoy my music, people will enjoy it too.

When you’re not playing the harp what do you like to do?

I love reading and cooking in my leisure time. My house is full of books and my mom teaches me how to cook.

What’s on your ipod or phone playlist?

I don’t have ipod or phone yet.

Finish this sentence: In 10 years I see myself…….

…studying harp in university. I wish I can be a harpist in the future. I practice hard and wish my dream will come true.

To learn more about the World Harp Congress visit www.worldharpcongress.org.
To register for the 13th World Harp Congress July 7–13 2017 in Hong Kong, visit www.whc2017.org.