Securing the title of Sussex Young Musician of the Year arrived at the perfect juncture for Eliette Harris, a violinist on the cusp of her career in the music domain as an independent artist. Eliette, who is 26 years old, clinched the championship in the competition, orchestrated by Coro Nuovo, earlier this summer. Her victory was a result of her performance of Bartok Rhapsody No 1, accompanied by her partner Soo-Hong Park on the piano.
The triumph was a source of immense joy. However, Eliette emphasizes that beyond the thrill of victory, the support extended by Coro Nuovo holds great significance. This backing translates into increased autonomy, particularly during this pivotal phase of her career. Having recently completed her studies, Eliette graduated from the Guildhall last summer with a master's degree. This six-year journey of intensive study has instilled her with confidence and proficiency as a violinist. Nevertheless, navigating the intricate pathways of the music industry requires a different set of skills. For individuals hailing from backgrounds unfamiliar with the intricacies of the industry, the support offered by Coro Nuovo assumes paramount importance. The monetary award might be directed towards acquiring a bow, a crucial tool for her craft that she currently lacks.
Presently, Eliette doesn't possess her own violin; she is currently entrusted with a violin dating back to 1740, which she describes as a splendid instrument. The age of the instrument doesn't escalate pressure because the pressure is an inherent part of the journey. Having undergone six years of rigorous music education, Eliette has been exposed to a multitude of opinions from various professors regarding her musical expressions. Consequently, she has reached a juncture where she is seeking to establish her individual musical identity. While she has imbibed the skill to delve deeply into the music, understanding the reasons behind her interpretation and approach, she equally values self-trust. Nonetheless, she remains open to constructive feedback.
Eliette underscores that during auditions and competitions, where the outcome is definitive, the focal point should remain on the genuine connection with the music. Distracting thoughts about winning can lead to deviating from the essence of the music, and she cautions against losing sight of this.
Regarding the competition itself, Eliette learned about her victory on the same evening. After performing alongside the choir during the concert, a period of deliberation followed. The participants were backstage while the adjudicator provided feedback on their performances, which proved to be invaluable.
Hailing from Brighton, Eliette's musical journey was greatly shaped by her participation in various youth orchestras from a tender age. The music scene there is exceptional, offering the opportunity to join orchestras from as early as six years old up until the age of 19. For Eliette, playing the violin and progressing through the grades was gratifying, but the experience of being part of an orchestra bestowed a comprehensive perspective and breathed life into her musical pursuits.
