My Voice
Navona, 2025
9/10
The Chinese-Canadian harpist Teresa Suen-Campbell performs the work of George Frideric Handel, James W. Campbell and CHAN Ka Nin, and with the Sinfonia Toronto in attendance she spotlights her instrument amid much beauty and originality.
“Harp Concerto in B Flat Major, Op.4, No.6, HWV 294”, by Handel, opens with Suen-Campbell’s dancing harp alongside the bright strings that are often animated but also can retreat to calm areas, too.
Campbell’s “Concerto for Harp and Orchestra in D “Atonement” lands in the middle and blends the rich strings via sublime intimacy and graceful gestures of poetic songwriting that use the harp in dreamy ways.
“Harp Concerto for Harp and Orchestra” exits, and in 21+ minutes mesmerizes us with meticulous interaction between the harp and orchestra that’s often minimal, but not without bursts of colorful soprano singing present.
A highly innovative effort that allows for Suen-Campbell’s skills to radiate tremendous confidence, the baroque and orchestral sensibilities are stunning and guided by Nurhan Arman’s unparalleled conducting.
Travels well with: Allen Sapp- So Smooth, So Sweet; Mika Stoltzman- Memories Of Tomorrow