Q and A with Marina Chudakova

Harp Column Staff

April 18, 2017

Leading up to the 13th World Harp Congress this July in Hong Kong, we’re talking with performers for the ever-popular WHC Focus on Youth showcase concerts. Check in each week as we present insights from these talented young artists.

Give us some background: when did you start playing and who do you study with?

“To listen to music, operas, and develop myself constantly,” says Marina Chudakova of the advice that has helped her the most.

I was born in St. Petersburg in a musical family. Music lessons started very early, but when the question arose of the choice of the instrument, [my] parents met the professor of the conservatory Asya Varosyan, who immediately told us to go to the class of Harp. I studied at a special music school at the Rimsky- Korsakov [conservatory] in the class of Karina Maleeva. Later I went to Moscow to Natalia Shameeva, where I study to this day.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get to Hong Kong?

When I come to Hong Kong, I would like to try the harp on which I’ll have to play.

Which harpist do you most admire?

From the harpists I especially like the work of Judy Loman, Natalya Shameeva, Sivan Magen, and Catrin Finch. They are not just good harpists, in my opinion, they are real musicians.

What’s the most memorable musical performance you’e ever attended?

The most memorable performance happened to me in St. Petersburg, there was a concert of my grandfather’s memory, Ravil Martynova. I played a concert [of Gliere] with the orchestra. It was a real pleasure and [exciting], a special atmosphere, despite the fact that I [had played] with the orchestra before. I especially remember my first performance at the Bolshoi Theater as an orchestra artist.

What advice would you give a young student wanting to start harp?

To young harpists I can only advise [to] work hard.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

To listen to music, operas, and develop myself constantly.

What’s on your playlist?

In my playlist there is a lot of harp music [and some] blues.

Finish this sentence: In 10 years I see myself…

After 10 years I hope to play a lot of the harp, as now!

To learn more about the World Harp Congress visit www.worldharpcongress.org.
To register for the 13th World Harp Congress July 7–13 2017 in Hong Kong, visit www.whc2017.org.