Since 1980, I’ve been a member of contemporary music ensembles. The big question is how to find the right pieces at the right time. This means going to concerts and keeping your eyes and ears open, talking to composers whose work you like and finding out if they will be willing to write for you.
Artistically contemporary music seems to me un mer à boire. There is always something new – sometimes very nice and sometimes not nice at all. Collaboration is of the utmost importance. The harp seems like a jungle to composers, but once they know how the pedals work and most of the sound possibilities, they feel much more comfortable and start having their own language with the instrument.
I have worked with many composers and most of the time, I have helped correct the harp part. If I am lucky, I’ll have the new part of a new piece 2-3 months before the pemière and I will be able to practice well. Unfortunately most of the composers are late, and the part will arrive 1-2 weeks before. I you’ll come across a very difficult part (which came too late), my advice would be: do not panic and do not think! Start right away, write the pedalchanges in, look at the rhythm and use your best friend: the metronome……..The first rehearsal (the shock-effect rehearsal) will tell what you still have to practice. The first performance will be a challenge (like sports) but after it goes well, it will feel much more relaxed and you’ll be able to make real music
Excerpt from: World Harp Congress Review, spring 2010. Forum: Chamber Music Ensembles – Part 1