SOTY 2022/23: Performing Artist winner overcomes obstacles to shine as award-winning harpist
- Yuet Kan discovered her love for music at the tender age of four when her kindergarten introduced harp lessons
- Yuet is now principal harpist at the Cambridge University Orchestra; she was also Young Harpist of the Year at the Gregynog Young Musician Competition
Yuet Kan is the Performing Artist winner at the 2022/23 Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards. Photo: HandoutYuet Kan began her musical journey when she was just four years old, inspired by her innate rhythmic sense and her parents’ encouragement. The pivotal moment came in kindergarten when her school introduced lessons for quite an unusual instrument: the harp.
“It soon became obvious that I loved playing the harp, as I would practise daily without anyone asking me to,” Yuet recalled. “Harp music is very limited in terms of repertoire ... It is time for us harpists to show the musical world that we are capable.”
During the pandemic, Yuet, like many musicians worldwide, encountered numerous obstacles that tested her resilience and dedication to her craft.
“I faced loads of setbacks, as most musicians did: live concerts cancelled, live competitions postponed, unable to travel internationally to attend events or participate in competitions,” she said.
This unprecedented situation forced Yuet to re-evaluate her goals and the direction of her musical journey.
It also motivated her to create her piece, “Weather the Storm,” which represents her journey into composition, overcoming fear and embracing creativity. Inspired by the blend of nature sounds and harp music, this piece reflects her growth as an artist and her willingness to explore new things.
Her talent and dedication earned her the title of 2023’s Performing Artist winner at the Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards, organised by the SCMP and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Now 18 years old, Yuet has achieved what many musicians only dream of. The former Trinity College student now attends the University of Cambridge in Britain. She is the principal harpist at the Cambridge University Orchestra and an award holder for the Cambridge Instrumental Awards for Chamber Music Scheme, and other accolades include being named Young Harpist of the Year at the Gregynog Young Musician Competition and reaching the finals of the Cambridge University Concerto Competition.
In addition, she has produced an album of her own, Prelude. The experience offered Yuet a new set of challenges and highlighted the differences between live performance and recording.
“Everything has to be way more perfect than anything live, as the performance relies purely on how the music is presented,” she explained. This experience taught her the importance of embedding emotion into music, a lesson that shaped her performance approach.
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Looking ahead, Yuet hopes to one day open a harp studio in Hong Kong and elevate the local music scene’s appreciation for the harp, not just as an instrument but as a serious medium for musical expression. She is also actively involved in fundraising for the USA International Harp Competition.
Yuet emphasised the importance of patience and self-awareness in developing musical skills. “My advice would be to relax,” she said, highlighting that everyone progresses at their own pace and that rushing to compete can be counterproductive. “Relaxation is crucial, not just for short-term performances but for long-term growth as well.”
She encouraged musicians to discover their strengths, whether it’s a specific genre of music or a preferred performance style.
Furthermore, Yuet underlined the significance of diligent practice, advocating for a focus on quality over quantity. “Practice makes perfect, but it’s how you practice that truly counts. Take your time, don’t rush, and remember that perfection comes with consistent effort.”