She shared her feelings in an interview granted to VOV Online shortly after her performance night at the Vietnam National Academy of Music several days ago.

VOV Online: Congratulations. What can you say about your performance tonight?

Harriet: Oh, I really enjoyed it because I played one of my favourite pieces of Tchaikovsky - Rococo Variations.

VOV Online: How about artists from the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra?

Harriet: I think they are very positive. I’ve been positive reaction to it.

VOV Online: Have you heard about Vietnam and its music before?

Harriet: A little. A relative of mine is living in Hanoi. So I heard a little about it. Of course, it is very different from Europe. Everything is really different: people, things to do, and how they live and it is really inspiring to see this totally a new world.

VOV Online: Did you spend much time to practice with Vietnamese artists?

Harriet: We both prepared by ourselves very much then we came together for a few rehearsals. So we didn’t have much done. But it was enough, I think.

VOV Online: Did they (Vietnamese artists) live up to your expectations?

Harriet: Yes, I think when we keep working like this, it is very nice.

VOV Online: It is because symphony is not our traditional music…

Harriet: Yes, that’s true. In Europe they have played it for a long time, like conductor Wolfgang Groehs told me yesterday: it has to come into your blood, into your soul. But I think the Vietnamese people are really on the way to do it.

Harriet joined her Vietnamese colleagues on the stage in Hanoi

VOV Online: What do you like most after several days staying in Vietnam?

Harriet: Of course, music. I really enjoyed playing the music. I also enjoyed seeing the city and of course my family here. Well, I am really scared of traffic. Traffic is very busy… But I got use to it. Actually I am thinking to go to Ha Long Bay, but I don’t have enough time now, so I must come back (smile).

VOV Online: You have said you have played the music since you were 5. Is music the most important thing in your life?

Harriet: Yes, I have played since I was 5. In the family, I have 3 brothers and they also play music instruments. So it is just very normal thing for me. I really loved it from the beginning and it is really together with my family, one of the most important things, you know. It is very normal. My parents do not play but all their children do. We play for fun. There is no pressure. I think that is a good thing about it. My brothers are also doing something different, but I am the only one who is really… professional.

VOV Online: What will you do after your CDs are released?

Harriet: After the CDs, I will play in some concerts in Holland. Then I will play a few very big concerts in Vienna with the Haydn Concerto Orchestra.  I will record the Haydn Concertos.

VOV Online: I wonder what you will do when you don’t play the music. What are your hobbies?

Harriet: I did really much sport until I was 13. I really liked sports. I used to play field hockey in the Netherlands. I played soccer and skiing. I liked skiing but it was dangerous so I have not done it for the last few years. And I love the nature, going out, walking and travelling out of the city… I love reading and being with friends.

Harriet Krijgh was born in the Netherlands in 1991. She received her first cello lessons at the age of five. In 2000, she was admitted to the preparatory young talent class of Lenian Benjamins at the Conservatory of Music in Utrecht. In 2004, Harriet moved to Vienna. She continued her cello education with Lilia Schulz-Bayrova and Jontscho Bayrov at the Konservatorium Wien Privatuniversität, where she will be completing her Bachelor studies in 2012. Between 2008 and 2010, Harriet received special recognition in several music competitions. She received a first prize and a separate laureate prize at the “Princes Christina Competition” in the Netherlands, a first prize and a CD recording at the national Austrian competition. Since December 2010 Harriet has been the outstanding cellist of the Germany quality CD-label Capriccio. She will be recording two CDs for violoncello and piano in November 2011.

Interviewer: T. Hoa