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Spotlight Interview with Michelle Abbott, principal harpist of the CCOHK. Where are you from and how long have you been in Hong Kong?I come from Florida, USA and have been living in Hong Kong for ten years. What brought you to Hong Kong? I was originally engaged by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong as their resident harpist. I played there for over eight years. What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK? I enjoy the music programmed by Leanne Nicholls, the Founder and Artistic Director of the CCOHK. She always invites interesting artists and often includes pieces which showcase the harp beautifully. Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you? I enjoyed the performances with Richard Harvey, the guest conductor for the “Spirit of Ireland” concert. In that concert he also played the tin-whistle. He was an amazing soloist at that! What CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you? The concert entitled “Bird Symphony”, in which we played Respighi’s “The Birds”. There is a beautiful harp-oboe duet in the second movement of this work. How did you come about choosing the harp? I think the harp chose me. As a small child I saw a “show” harp in a neighbour’s home and was fascinated by it. I would often ride my bike to their house and ask to see the harp! The family allowed me to do so since the harp was just a decorative piece of furniture in their living room. Later I pestered my mum, a well-known pianist, to let me study the harp instead of the piano. I reassured her that I wanted to learn “both” instruments but in fact the piano was definitely SECOND on my list! Name one of the most important milestones in your music career. In my earliest days of study in Cleveland, USA my teacher Alice Chalifoux recommended me to accompany a soloist of the Metropolitan Opera. Shortly afterwards I was invited to play with the Cleveland Chamber Orchestra. This performance helped me launch my career and is therefore an important milestone. What message do you have for our friends? Attend our concerts whenever possible. Our concerts are always enjoyed by performers and audience alike! |