Kent Music is proud to celebrate young harpist Hannah Runting, who has been placed second in her category of the North London Harp Competition, a national event which is well-recognised in the music world.
This year’s competition ran virtually, which was in fact a blessing in disguise for Hannah. While under normal circumstances, travel to the capital with a harp in tow may have proved challenging, the virtual competition meant Hannah was readily able to access the competition in an excellent example of finding the positives in difficult times!
Talking about the competition, Hannah says “I used this experience to gain confidence with recording, explore more challenging solo repertoire, and open up a new world of solo performance. I did not expect to place so highly and took part to keep me playing “to people” and receive feedback to help me with my performance.”
Hannah began her journey with the harp at the young age of seven, having heard the instrument on the radio at Christmastime. She says, “I feel like it chose me not the other way round!”, apparently a common story for young harpists. Since then her passion for the instrument has only grown, finding joy in the ability to express herself and her creativity through music, with chamber music becoming a particular passion of hers.
“For me, music is an outlet, a form of communication and a very deep passion. I am able to express things through music that I just can’t put into words.”
Her musical journey continued with us here at Kent Music.
Starting out at the Junior Singers course at Kent Music Summer School, we have been delighted to welcome the talented young musician to the Kent County Youth Orchestra from 2016, where she plays not only harp but also the viola! Further proving her skills as something of a musical polymath, she joined the Kent County Junior Choir in 2014, since progressing to the Kent Youth Choir.
“Kent Music have given me the opportunity to thrive as a harpist, musician and person,” says Hannah, “…which allowed me to progress to a stage where I was to obtain a place at the Junior Royal Academy of Music in March 2019, and to have the experience to stand me in good stead for conservatoire applications and auditions this coming year.”
We’re so proud of Hannah, her hard work, dedication and talent, and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her.
Enjoy Hannah’s stunning competition entry here:
We’d also like to extend our congratulations to Arwen Withey-Harrison, who placed third in same section of the North London Harp as Hannah! Arwen also plays in Kent County Youth Orchestra, and we’re so proud to have supported such brilliant young harpists. Congratulations to them both!
