Harping On: Win Tickets To The Irish Connection Concert

While St Patrick’s Day only falls once a year, there’s no reason that the celebrations can’t begin before March 17. The Irish craic begins this weekend with a Celtic concert that will feature music, singers and dancers. We talked with Hong Kong-based Scottish harpist Katie Targett-Adams to bring us up to speed on Celtic tunes, her small harp and drinking Guinness. We’re also giving away two pairs of tickets to the Irish Connections Concert on Saturday, March 3, read on to find out how to win.

What exactly defines Celtic music?
Technically speaking it is the music of the Celts. The Celts were an ancient race from 5-12 BC who took root in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and some parts of France and Spain. Musically, they formed a deep tradition of rich, soulful music; at times tender and sad, yet other times so cheerful and upbeat that you are powerless to stop your toes tapping.

Are people ever confused that you’re not Irish?
I feel very lucky to belong to the Celtic musical tradition as it has allowed me to be honorary Irish quite a few times - always a privilege. Although I was born in Scotland, my Edinburgh accent often makes me sound English, so I am used to confusing people by now.

What got you to start playing the harp?
I started to play in Edinburgh where an international harp festival takes place each April. I was 8 when I first plucked a harp string.

What’s the story behind the small harp?
The small harp or clarsach – the Gaelic word for the instrument – was traditionally the instrument of male harpers who would travel the lands regaling songs and stories of the times. On the plus side the clarsach was portable but it couldn’t play chromatically so gradually the clarsach developed into the full size orchestral harp, now, often associated with female players.

How did you begin playing in China?
The Chinese Culture Ambassador in London spotted me performing in a castle in Scotland. I received an email inviting me to perform in China, which was such a lovely surprise, I just couldn’t believe it.

What made you decide to stay?
I started performing regularly for Scottish and Chinese companies, organizations and festivals across China that I was commuting between Edinburgh and China. At that time, I realized how much China and the challenge of learning Mandarin interested me and finally the penny dropped – why not follow the harp and move to Asia. Just like the harpers of old I have become a travelling minstrel.

How do Chinese audiences respond to traditional Celtic music? Are there any similarities to Chinese (traditional or non-traditional) music for them to connect with?
I would say that I am often surprised to hear Celtic music wafting around the supermarkets, parks and lifts when I am in China so there is definitely an appreciation for Celtic music here. Musically, both traditional Chinese and Celtic music use the pentatonic scale rarely found in other cultures. As a result, Celtic music definitely strikes a chord with the Chinese public and I believe Celtic music is on the rise in China.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career?
I think the sheer diversity makes my career a continuous challenge. In the last month I have sung as a Scot in Manila for a Robert Burns celebration, before heading to Beijing to sing in a classical choral concert last week. This week I am ‘Irish’ then after that I go to France to market a dance track, which I wrote and sang for the European club scene. Each performance requires a different voice, headspace and feeling.

If you could play anywhere, where would it be?
I’d love to perform in an open door amphitheatre on a warm balmy night with beautiful floodlighting and fabulous acoustics somewhere in the world.

What's your favorite St. Patrick's Day tipple?
Do I have to pick one? I have been known to delve into a silky Baileys on the 17th but then again there’s the more robust, velvety Guinness to consider – impossible to choose but probably not a good idea to mix!

What's the worst decision you’ve made on St. Patrick's Day?
Once in Edinburgh I opened an Irish networking breakfast. I was convinced to try my first Guinness before breakfast and before I sang – not the brightest move.

Is Guinness good for you?
In my best Irish: it is, so it is!

To win a pair of tickets to the Irish Connections Concert on March 3 answer the following question: What does the Irish drinking toast Slainte mean? Email answers (along with your full name and contact number) to win@thebeijinger.com by Friday at Noon.

The Irish Connections Concert takes place Saturday, March 3 at 7.30pm at the Forbidden City Concert Hall. Tickets can be bought online at fcchbj.com or mypiao.com.

Photos courtesy of Katie Targett-Adams