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Maya Hasan
For most of the time,
playing classical music is a solitary, thankless job; Maya
Hasan says wryly that she was once “a very lonely harpist”.
Today, the effusive mother of three is taking her instrument places,
and her story could be titled “the happy harpist”. She played dowdy in
2006’s Koper, and has even appeared on one of the TV improvisational
comedy sketch shows. The 36-year-old is content to try new things and
buck the fuddy-duddy stereotype if it will bring classical music to a
wider audience. “In
Indonesia, classical music is seen as very untouchable, out of this world …what
I’m trying to do with the harp is make the options as wide as possible
for the next generation,” says the U.S.-trained Maya. Of course, her
harp is among her favorite things, along with her children, shoes and
a treasured pendant.
 Children
My
children – Alexandra, 14, Andrea, 11, and Austin, 10 -- are my world.
They keep me sane. It’s a very tough, competitive world out there.
They are the ones who ground me. Out there I am a professional
harpist, but at home I’m a mom.
Harp
It started
out as a hobby and I liked doing it, and then it became my profession.
I guess I’m one of those lucky people who get to do what they want. My
harp is a part of me; through it people get a window into my soul.
Turtle
Pendant
It’s from
my late dad. I misplaced it for a couple of years; that’s me, I hide
things so well that even I forget where they are. The turtle means
prosperity; I don’t really believe in those things, but it has great
sentimental value.
Children’s
School Agendas
These help
me help my children! Sometimes the children forget that they need to
prepare different things for certain days, they get stressed out. They
also help me plan for a new school year.
Clothes
I’m a
fashion addict, and I feel that every woman should feel that way.
Appreciate yourself in every way – you want to look beautiful.
Clothing can bring out even more of yourself. If you have a bad
shoulder cover it up; if it’s good, show it off. As a performer, I
want people to like looking at me as well as what I’m playing. That is
what performing is all about. I like Edward Hutabarat, Denny Wirawan,
Eddy Betty, Biyan; I like Prada designs because they are long lasting
and the simple cut. A dress shouldn’t overwhelm the wearer.
Shoes
I’ve been
a shoe addict since I was very little! I always have tons of shoes. I
don’t buy that many shoes, especially when my bank account is low, but
I love Bruno Magli. Now my taste also runs to those types that are
comfortable for walking. What I like to do now is go to small stores
where I can find funky shoes and dresses; they don’t have to be
branded. If you have that much self-confidence about yourself, and you
feel good, it doesn’t matter if you are wearing a brand or not. I
don’t go for a brand, but the design and style.
Cooking
I’m a food
lover, and my favorite has always been noodles. Now I love cooking; if
I am in the middle of a hectic schedule, I try to take time out to
cook. I cook lots of meat, because my children love it, barbecues and
tiramisu. It’s my therapy. I’ve learned music for healing, but now I
do cooking for healing!
+ Bruce Emond
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