This is a blog series featuring performances of my  harp showpiece “Baroque Flamenco” by other musicians. Click HERE to link to the overview blog Baroque Flamenco Around the World.

Featured Performer: Mai Fukui, Paris and Osaka

BRIEF BIO or DESCRIPTION OF WHAT YOU DO:  Japanese harpist, Mai Fukui grew up in Sweden and studied at the Paris Conservatory (CNSMDP) with Isabelle Moretti. Supported by a scholarship from Rohm Music Foundation, Mai received her Master’s Degree with Unanimous Highest Honours and a Special Prize from the Jury.

She has won prizes in many competitions including Paris International Harp Competition of Cité des Arts (2004), Israel International Harp Contest (2012) and has been awarded the « New Talent Award » from the Kyoto Aoyama Music Foundation (2012) and « Sakuya Konohana Prize » from the City of Osaka (2014).

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maifukuiharp
Twitter: www.twitter.com/maifukuiharp
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maifukuiharp

DESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE OF ‘BAROQUE FLAMENCO’ INCLUDING WHERE & WHEN IT WAS:    Mai Fukui performs the “Baroque Flamenco” in a wonderful hall in Japan: The Phoenix Hall in Osaka on the 26th February, 2016.  The concert was named “Unlimited Harp Recital”.  I performed classical pieces on the pedal harp and it was my first time challenge to perform the “Baroque Flamenco” on the “DHC32 Light” harp from Camac Harps!!

Q & A

1.  If you had to describe the experience of playing “Baroque Flamenco”  in 5 words or less, what would they be?

Passion, Dream, Challenging, Powerful, Explosive!

2.  What do people say when you play this piece?

Aside from playing the piece (which the public loved it!) I translated the spoken introduction into Japanese. I didn’t expect any laughs (just by talking!) but the audience did giggle, and I remember laughing on the stage at the same time as well!

3.  What drew you to this piece – why did you choose to learn it??

I loved this piece since the very first time I received the “Invention and Alchemy” DVD from Camac Harps (probably 7 years ago!) The way Deborah performs it on the big blue harp is SO captivating and it was my dream to be able to perform this piece!

4.  What does this piece add to your repertoire (and/or your life) that you didn’t have before?

Adding “Baroque Flamenco” to my repertoire opens up a whole new world!  It enables me to perform it on the DHC32.  Being able to perform and share this amazing piece & sound is just fantastic!

5.  What would you tell someone else who’s thinking of learning this piece that you wish you’d known before you learned it?

I found this piece very clear from the beginning as Deborah clearly stated how to play this piece on the music!  However, because I wanted to play on the DHC32, I completely gave up the “Flamenco cadenza”passage where you need to hit on the soundboard.  BUT!! As I was practicing I thought, “why not try out hitting on the column?” and it worked out!!

6.  What do you think you can get from working directly with the composer of the piece that you can’t get from the sheet music?

It is a true gift to work directly with the composer.  The sheet music has got a lot of information (notes, directions, how to play the harp strum etc) but I’m sure working with Deborah will add so much energy and her direct ‘feelings’ towards this piece!!

7.  Anything else you want to say?

Last but not least, I’d like to say a big THANK YOU! to Deborah for creating this piece.  It was my dream to be able to play the “Baroque Flamenco” on stage, and it was just wonderful!!  The public LOVED it and I had a great time as well! I look forward to playing this piece again very soon!!