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Showing posts from 2012

Thoughts on motherhood: Baby first? Mother first?

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Today my son turns 8 months old. Being a new mother, it is so hectic every day that the only time I have for myself in a day usually would be after 8 pm or so, when my baby goes to sleep. I am sure I am not alone here.    [Photo: Me and Christopher (age 4 months) at the harp]     In fact, it is really hard to keep one’s sanity throughout the day, especially if your baby has a cold, is teething, or simply fussy that day. His screaming or yelling can make you panic throughout the day. When I first had Christopher, I used to center a lot around his needs and emotions, which is, now looking back, I think, quite normal. A newborn’s needs during the first three months are especially very demanding as he strives for survival in the new world outside his mother's womb.  His mother or caretaker's undivided attention is almost essential to his healthy being. I often have the feeling that “ If I do not respond immediately to my crying baby, or spend enough time with him, I

John Cage

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American composer John Milton Cage (1912-1993) 's compositional style and philosophy may not be everyone's cup of tea, however, I found his writings in "Silence" very thought-provoking and creative. The book "Silence" talks about Cage's thoughts on music and sound. He believed that silence is as important as music itself, and has a rather enlightening view on space. The book is also visually stimulating as the author arranges his articles randomly. For me, he definitely teaches me one thing: every pause between music notes are as important as the music notes themselves. And if you are a harpist, you would definitely know what I mean, because our dear harp strings are forever vibrating, so it is essential for us to do what we need to do to clean up the sound "mess." ;) The year 2012 is coming to an end soon. I would like to make use of this golden opportunity to pay tribute to Cage. 2012 marks the composer's 100th birt

Video of Performance of Bach's concerto for Four Harps

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Greetings from Canada! Here is a video of my performance of Bach's concerto for 4 harps, collaborating with harpists Skaila Kanga,  Kateřina  Englichová and Claire Jones, performed on October 2011, Hong Kong's Cultural Centre.

Happy Easter! Counting down the days...

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As I am resting and counting down the days for my first child, here is a recent photo taken at Chinese University, where I teach, 2 weeks before the big day........ Wish you all a Happy Easter very soon and a very happy spring time! Love from Hong Kong xx

Harp and harpsichord event at Lee Hysan Hall, Chinese University of Hong Kong

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Greetings! Hope all of you have a happy new year so far! I will be participating in a joint recital organized by Chung Chi College of Chinese University of Hong Kong featuring music for harp and harpsichord, with Dr. David Chung on the harpsichord. Music includes my own transcription of excepts from Schumann's Kindersehen; Albeniz's sonata in D; Marcel Grandjany's "Aria in Classic style for harp and organ", as well as James Campbell's "Silver Pear Tree in Paradise" for harp and piano. Last but not least, J.C. Bach's sonata for harp and harpsichord. For more details, please see flyer attached. Wish you all a very happy Chinese New year of dragon ahead!!