To be honest, what I like most about the harp is not only the beautiful sound it produces, but also the reaction you get from people.

“What instrument do you play?”
“The harp.”
“Wow, that’s really cool!”

In Malaysia, not many of us are exposed to classical orchestral instruments like the harp. That is why I am glad that the school has given me the opportunity to learn to play the harp.

On 24 October 2008, The Cempaka Harp Ensemble, which included myself, Karin Chong, Joanne Moo Yuen Yuen and Gan Jia Yi from the Damansara campus, Alice Seah Luoh Chuin, Liew Zhin Ee, Zoe Lynn Chitty, Aiman Ahmad Marzio, Low Poh Lyn, Amanda Tiew Jia Ern and Liselle Ching Li Sze from the Cheras campus, departed from the KTM for Singapore at about 9.30am to participate in the Singapore Harp Festival hosted by Katryna Tan. Our very own Mr Andrew Chan and Ms Dan were present as well to chaperon us.

We reached Singapore around 2pm and the first thing we did was head over to The Arts House to have a quick run through. Thirty minutes was all the time we had. We had much to look forward to though, as the evening would grace us with the Opening Concert performed by Katryna Tan and Isabelle Moretti accompanied by The Philharmonic Orchestra in The Victoria Concert Hall.

The next day, we attended several Master classes conducted by a few of the most prominent figures in the harp world such as Lynne Aspnes, Isabelle Moretti and Jakez Francois. These classes were followed by the Harp Potpourri I where talented young harpists from Singapore and Hong Kong showcased their skills.

The next afternoon was the Harp Potpourri II where The Cempaka Harp Ensemble performed Dancing Day, Dyades, Hindu Lullaby and Canon in D. Our School Chairman, Datin Freida and Vice Chairman, Dr Rizal were also there to watch our performance. In the evening was the Harp Recital with Lynne Aspnes. Sadly, that amazing event marked the end of the Singapore Harp Festival 2008.

No doubt it was fun and enjoyable. We got to learn more about the harp and also gathered some tips as to how to improve our harp skills. I would like to take this opportunity to give my thanks to the school for giving me the chance to thoroughly involve myself in the harp world, and also to Ms Katryna Tan and Ms Khor Jee Fei who tirelessly coached us. If not for them, I wouldn’t even have been able to participate in the Harp Festival and share my experience with all of you.