The Masters

 

Dan Yu

  • Professor of Harp at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China
  • Gold Medal Winner of the 2001 USA International Harp Competition
  • 2011 - 2022 World Harp Congress Board of Director (representing China)
  • Harp Teacher at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (Bachelor of Music Part-time Faculty)
  • BMus, MMus (Peabody)
  • Artist Dip (Indiana)

 

Since winning the Gold Medal of the prestigious 5th USA International Harp Competition in 2001, Dan Yu’s lyrical interpretations, profound musicality, and technical mastery have captivated and dazzled audiences across three continents. She has performed solo recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, and appeared to great acclaim at Alice Tully Hall, New York, and Wigmore Hall, London. The New York Concert Review hailed her as “a unique and major talent capable of bringing the art of harp playing and the way the world views it to an entirely new dimension… …radiating so much joy… …it seems she’s already in a class by herself.” Her 2022 engagements as soloist include  Debussy's Danses and Toward the Sea II by Takemitsu with Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and with Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra in its seasonal opening gala concert, playing Parish-Alvar's Concerto for Two Harps and the Passion of Angels (Asian premier) by Mozetich.

As a harp teacher, Dan Yu has given master classes throughout the US, in major conservatories of China, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Since moving to Hong Kong in 2008, her students have won prizes at international and national competitions in France, Japan, USA, Russia, Serbia, Korea, China and Hong Kong. She also served on the jury of the prestigious USA International Harp Competition at the Indiana University in 2013 and 2019.

Dan Yu’s performances have been broadcast on television and radio stations in USA, China and Hong Kong. A documentary on her was broadcast worldwide via CCTV 4. She has two classical solo CDs and one DVD released. “The Nightingale”, “Spring on the Moonlit River”, and “Dan Yu-Live Recital”.

Currently Dan Yu is the Professor of Harp at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China, Music Director at the Hong Kong Harp Chamber Music, and harp instructor at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. She was also the Co-Chair of the Host Committee for the 2017 World Harp Congress in Hong Kong.

 

Ann Huang

  • Harp Principal, Hong Kong Sinfonietta
  • Harp instructor at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

 

After graduating from Taipei Hwa Kang Professional Arts School where she majored in Konghou, an ancient Chinese harp, Ann Huang was awarded a scholarship to study at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Upon graduation, Ann Huang joined the Hong Kong Sinfonietta as Harp Principal. Apart from her position at the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, she lectures part-time at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University. She also freelances for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

 

Lauyee Yeung

  • Associate of Royal Academy of Music (ARAM)
  • MA (Harp Major) Royal Academy of Music,London, UK
  • MA (Harp Major) University of London, UK
  • BMus (Harp Major) Royal Academy of Music London, UK
  • Awarded scholarships for outstanding academic results and harp performance, Attached Middle School of Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing
  • Awarded scholarship to study and perform in Switzerland and Amsterdam.
  • Performed with harp ensemble at Duchess of Gloucester's Birthday celebration for the HRH Prince Charles' 60th Birthday at Royal Opera House in London
  • 1st prize, solo Bach competition (2009)
  • 1st prize in the N.Borenstein harp duo competition
  • MBF(Musicians Benevolent Fund) Scholarship for her postgraduate studies (Master of Arts)at Royal Academy of Music.
  • Graduated with distinction,Royal Academy of Music Master of Arts, London
  • 2013 Awarded a certificate for excellent preparation of students for The Szeged International Harp Competition in Hungary

 

Described as “extremely musical” Lauyee started her musical journey at the age of 6. At the age of 10, she gained entry to the highly prestigious Attached Middle School of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing where she was awarded scholarships every year for her outstanding performance.

After graduating with honors, Lauyee pursued further studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London for her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts (Music) degree under head of Harp Department Skaila Kanga and renowned harpist Catherine White.

Lauyee Yeung has gained numerous performance experiences all over the world after she graduated her BMus and Master of Arts (MA)with distinction at the Royal Academy of Music in London and the University of London.

She has recently been appointed as Associate of Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), the title is awarded to musicians who have made significant contributions in their musical fields. Meanwhile she has just given two interviews with RTHK regarding her concert “Passion of Angels” following by her successful performance with City Chamber Orchestra performing two double harp concertos under the baton of Maestro Robert Reimer.

Lauyee Yeung has recently took the stage performing Parish Alvars double harp concerto and Passion of Angels harp concerto(Hong Kong premiere)with City Chamber Orchestra at their season opening under baton of Maestro Robert Reimer. The concert was live recorded by RTHK followed by an intimate interview with the harpists afterwards.

In June, 2024, follow by her successful appearance at the LifeWire Charity concert at City Hall, performing the Saint Säens harp concerto, she was again invited to perform the concerto with SAR Philharmonic Orchestra at the Symphony of Sensation charity concert and VSA Fundraising concert.

She will soon appear with VTC Symphony Orchestra under Dr Henry Shek, performing Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto with Mr Leung Kin Fung who is the First Associated concertmaster of Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lauyee’s orchestra experience debuted at the age of 13 with the Central Conservatory of Music Attached School Youth Symphony Orchestra in Beijing. Her orchestral performances of ballet and standard repertoires were well-received. During her years of orchestral training she had the privilege to work with world renowned conductors Seiji Ozawa,
Yu Long and Liang Shen Chen.

Meanwhile, Lauyee also underwent very intensive orchestra training with Thelma Owen, the Principal Harp of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra London. She played frequently with the Royal Academy Symphony Orchestral and Young Musician Symphony Orchestra and had the great honour and precious opportunities to work with famous conductors like Sir Colin Davis, Yan Pascal Tortellier, Susanna Malkki and James Blair.

Lauyee has won numerous prizes including the 1st prize in the N.Borenstein harp competition, 1st prize of solo Bach competition. She was also awarded a Financial Assistance Bursary by the Royal Academy of Music and a scholarship by the Musicians Benevolent Fund to support her postgraduate studies.

Her interest in contemporary repertoire has led her to numerous premiering works by Richard Bissell, Gareth Woods, Rhian Samuel, Eric Crees, Joby Talbot. She was selected to give a solo recital in Amsterdam in June 2010, and to give several solo concerts in Switzerland, St Martin-in-the-Fields in London as well as for hospices and hospitals in the United Kingdom. An active member of the Royal Academy of Music Harp Ensemble, Lauyee performed with the group at the Duchess of Gloucester’s birthday celebrations and for the HRH Prince Charles’ 60th Birthday at the Royal Opera House in London.

Lauyee has taken up the position of Associate of Music Director at the Hong Kong Harp Chamber since 2010. As an active solo performer, Lauyee has given many public recitals in Hong Kong and other major cities in Asia. She has had the honor to appear and perform in an UNHCR event recently with renowned Hollywood movie star Ms. Kristin Davis, known internationally for her role in the movie “Sex and the City”, to support UNHCR’s work in safeguarding the well-being of refugees.

Lauyee's students have won numerous prizes all over the world. She has been awarded two certificates for excellent preparation of students for The Szeged International Harp Competition in Hungary in 2013 and 2016 respectively. In 2017, Lauyee was awarded the Best Teacher Award by the 18th Osaka International Music Competition Committee in Japan for her teaching excellence and leadership. Locally she was also presented with the Outstanding Teacher Award 2017 by Hong Kong Children Music and Art Association. In 2018, Lauyee has again been awarded four certifications by the 8th International Music Competition Amigdala Hong Kong region for demonstrated teaching excellence and leadership in music education. With a view to promoting harp music and education, Lauyee took pleasure in giving interviews, together with her students, to the mass media including Apple Daily, ATV, TVB and Viu TV.