Maya Hasan

Maya Hasan

The Jakarta Post | Sat, 12/22/2007 5:22 PM | Firm Favourites

Maya Hasan: JP/Ricky Yudhistira

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 Edmond

Comments (0) | Post comment

A | A | A |