After years of performing with various orchestras and ensembles, I had the honor of stepping into the spotlight as a soloist with a full orchestra for the very first time.
I performed Debussy’s Danses sacrée et profane, a work that holds a special place in every professional harpist’s repertoire. Originally composed for chromatic harp and orchestra, it was later adapted for the double-action pedal harp—yes, harps do have pedals! Though the piece is just 12 minutes long, navigating the pedal work was exhilarating.
Navigating the stage during multiple rounds of applause is an art in itself.
Here, you can see me glancing around, searching for help on what to do next.
This experience was a dream come true. I’m deeply grateful to Nota Bene for giving me this opportunity, and to Maestro Jascha Von der Goltz for his guidance. Working with a conductor who supports and encourages genuine artistic expression made all the difference.
The Danses were composed for harp and string orchestra. I have performed with Nota Bene on many occasions before, and knowing the orchestra so well—along with their warmth and support—made the entire process incredibly enjoyable.
A special shout-out to my talented colleague and friend, Joshua C. Yang, who captured the magic of this moment.
This is how we brought home all the beautiful flowers. Luckily, the harp fits into the tram!
Spotify link to a recording (not mine) of the piece.
