Nicole Chang
Principal Harp
Nicole was born in and grew up in Portland, Oregon, where she began her harp studies at the age of 7. She completed her Bachelors in Harp Performance and Music Composition at University of Washington, and her Masters of Instrumental Performance at University of Toronto. She is the Principal Harpist of Guelph Symphony Orchestra and Toronto Pops Orchestra, the latter of which she also arranges for, as well as a member of the Petite Etoiles Trio. She is also a recording artist who has collaborated with composers such as Mark Choi and Christopher Getman, and singer Pernelle. She has a love of orchestral and ensemble playing, which carries into all of her performing and recording. When not making music, Nicole enjoys knitting, spinning yarn, playing video games, and spending time with her family.
How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
A lot of slow relaxed practice, combined with breathing and being really aware of myself physically. I also do reinforcement of difficult sections through specific drills as well as mental practice. It's also very important to sleep well!
Who is your favourite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
I love playing Ravel, he writes well for the harp and has incredible orchestration in his works. There's an incredible poignancy to his music. La Valse and Pavane pour une infante defunte are two of my favorites!
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
It's okay to take breaks and experience the world around you. Along with generally being good for you mentally, those experiences shape you as a person, which in turn also affect your artistry, musicality, and approach to what you create.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
I love collaboration, so for me being in an orchestra is a giant collaboration to create something much larger than one person could do. There's so much incredible music and a sound that works with that many people, and to do it live and together creates an incredible experience as a performer.
What is your favourite food/book/movie/guilty pleasure?
I'm a huge Final Fantasy fan and even though I don't have as much time to play the games any more, I still keep up with the news and hop onto XIV to catch up on the story when there are major updates!
https://nwchangharp.ca/