Kaitlin Hui performs “Baroque Flamenco” [Composer’s Spotlight]

Kaitlin Hui’s Debut Solo Concerto Performance of Baroque Flamenco

In this interview, Kaitlin shares her experience playing ‘Baroque Flamenco.’ For her, this is a fiery, virtuosic piece that became a turning point in her musical path. From captivating audiences to debuting at the Orpheum theatre, this composition has deeply impacted her artistry. Kaitlin reflects on the challenges, joys, and unique expressive demands of the piece. Her experience is a testament to the harp’s expressive range and the power of musical storytelling.

Do YOU want to play Baroque Flamenco?

Check out all Baroque Flamenco-related training, class, sheet music, etc.

Kaitlin Hui

Kaitlin Janelle Hui, age 12, is a passionate young harpist who has been studying the harp for 4 years, starting with Miya Otake and currently under the tutelage of Dr. Joy Yeh. She is a dedicated member of the Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) Intermediate Symphony and the VAM Senior Harp Ensemble, and she aspires to be a professional harpist. Kaitlin actively participates in both local and international music competitions.

Kaitlin is the First Prize winner of The Rising Talents of Americas 2024 and received two Platinum medals at the VAYA International Music Festival 2025. She was also awarded the Orpheum Grand Prize at the VAM Junior Orchestral Concerto Competition 2024-25. Performing her debut solo winning piece, Baroque Flamenco by Deborah Henson-Conant, at the prestigious Orpheum, is a milestone in her music journey.

She has attended masterclasses with prominent harpists including Alex Boldachev, Katherine Siochi, Anais Gaudemard, Sharlene Wallace, Mai Fukui and Dan Yu. In her leisure time, Kaitlin enjoys playing the piano, sharing her music on social media, playing volleyball, skiing, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Mochi.

Continue reading below for the full interview with Kaitlin Hui

Do YOU want to play Baroque Flamenco?

Check out all Baroque Flamenco-related training, class, sheet music, etc.

A Mini-Interview with Kaitlin

How would you describe your experience of playing the piece?

Magical, exciting and fiery.

What do people say when you play this piece? Do you have favorite memories of people’s reactions to it?

Every time I play Baroque Flamenco, the audience is captivated by the excitement and flair of this piece, and they want to dance with my music!

What drew you to this piece – why did you choose to learn it?

My harp teacher Dr. Joy Yeh chose this piece for me to enter the VAM Orchestral Concerto Competition because it is a virtuosic piece that showcases the versatility of the harp.

What does this piece add to your repertoire (and/or your life) that you didn’t have before?

This winning piece led to my debut solo performance with the VAM Junior Symphony at the prestigious Orpheum theatre. It has a very special place in my heart and is an experience I’ll always cherish.

What would you tell someone else who’s thinking of learning this piece that you wish you’d known before you learned it?

I got some serious blisters on my fingers practicing too passionately on this piece. Later I learned to take it easy at times and play lightly on the strings when I was just working on memory.

What do you think you can get from working directly with the composer of the piece that you can’t get from the sheet music?

Baroque Flamenco embodies two contrasting musical genres. Working directly with the composer can help me authentically express both the refined ornamentation of the Baroque and the dramatic energy of flamenco.  The composer can also provide guidance on dynamic stage presence and individuality in performance, particularly the cadenza, so the rendition can be truly engaging.

Additonal message you want to add?

I am very grateful for Deborah Henson-Conant’s masterpiece, Baroque Flamenco – a bold and expressive work that blends classical and flamenco styles, featuring percussive techniques, glissandi, and complex rhythmic strumming. I really enjoyed exploring this challenging repertoire that showcases the versatility of the harp. It is by far my most favourite harp piece!

Please follow this artist on social media and let them know what has opened up for your own self-expression in seeing and hearing their performance, and please share in the comments below.

YouTube: @KaitlinHuiHarp
Instagram: @kaitlinhuiharp

Stay tuned for more artists soon and check out my Composer’s Spotlight blog series, featuring other talented musicians who played my song!  If you’re playing my music, apply here to be in the ‘Composer’s Spotlight’ blog series.