Harpist will make the instrument dance with Dallas Chamber Symphony

Harpist Yukimo Endo Schlaffer plays Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane with the Dallas Chamber Symphony on April 21.

“Why didn’t you choose the piccolo?” Harpist Yukimo Endo Schlaffer is accustomed to answering that question about her large, heart-shaped string instrument.

“I love the harp. So, of course, no regret for that, but still, moving the harp is hard,” Endo Schlaffer said.

Endo Schlaffer will move her harp into Moody Performance Hall to perform Claude Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane as the featured soloist with the Dallas Chamber Symphony on April 21. The program also includes Henryk Górecki’s Three Pieces in Old Style and Richard Strauss’ Metamorphosen.

The harpist comes from a musical family in Japan and started studying music theory and playing piano at age three. When she was nine years old, she began playing the harp.

“Growing up in the musician's family is very tough because when I'm practicing, whether they're making dinner or whatever the situation, they're going to say, ‘You have to play one more time, or that note is wrong,’” Endo Schlaffer said. “Now I appreciate that a lot, because you don't really get that usually. And it toughened me up,  and it also really educated me a lot.”

While studying at a prestigious high school for music with other musicians focused on classical music, Endo Schaffer committed herself to a career as a harpist. Her first teacher, Ayako Shinozaki, was a foundational guide.

“I was influenced a lot by her, and she is like my second mother,” Endo Schlaffer said. “She was the one who made my base with all the technique and artistry. I really appreciate her.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Endo Schlaffer wanted to explore the world beyond Japan. Her best options for continued studies were Paris Conservatory or Juilliard in New York. She chose New York.

“Really, the city has diverse people, different occupations, and they have the open arms to welcome people. so that I really liked the idea. But also culturally, they have everything and I wanted to see the world,” Endo Schlaffer said.

After studying with Nancy Allen for three years at Juilliard, she earned her master’s degree and realized she wasn’t ready to go back to Japan.

“I really don't know anything. I learned, I studied, but I did not really feel I received fully all the benefits that U.S. can offer,” Endo Schlaffer said.

She moved to Chicago, joining the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training program of Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After a couple of years in Chicago studying under Sarah Bullen, Endo Schaffler wanted to continue her immersion in all things American by moving to Florida and serving as New World Symphony’s principal harpist from 2001 to 2004.

“And still, I didn't feel I fully understood American culture. So, then I auditioned for the New World Symphony and New World Symphony is a great orchestra for the young musicians. They put you into the schedule for the professional orchestra. So, you have two, three concerts per week, and then rehearsal almost every day, and then different type of music opportunities,” Endo Schlaffer said.

Endo Schlaffer has performed as a soloist throughout the United States of America, Europe and Asia, including performing at the Imperial Palace for Her Majesty the Empress and Her Royal Highnesses. She also appreciates performing as an orchestral harpist, playing Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

“It's a different experience for you as a harpist. Because as a soloist, of course, you play by yourself,
and then you don't have teammates. But then, when you're in the orchestra, then we can make eye contact with the brass players, the wind players, or even violin and cellists. We breathe together, and then really, when you play, individual instruments become united, and then we can make some magical moments, really goosebumps kind of moments. It's just so beautiful,” Endo Schlaffer said.

Chamber orchestras are a great fit for Endo Schlaffer, and she has performed with chamber groups in Asia, Europe and the United States of America.

“In the smaller orchestra, you actually hear everything more clearly,” Endo Schlaffer said. “It's more intimate, so you feel more connection and it's a great experience.”

Now based in Frisco, Endo Schlaffer has been playing with Dallas Chamber Symphony since its founding in 2011.

“DCS is rather young orchestra, and their energy is good. But also, Richard [McKay, the orchestra’s artistic director] has this very good idea for visual art, like combining the film and music together. He has a clear vision of what he wants to do musically and those are the really interesting ideas that I love to see,” Endo Schlaffer said.

In 1904, Pleyel, a harp manufacturer, commissioned Debussy to write Danse sacrée et danse profane for its new chromatic harp, an instrument with an additional set of strings instead of pedals. The piece is two distinct dances performed without a pause across ten minutes.

“He was tired of traditional sound, and he wanted to do something different,” Endo Schlaffer said. “It has just so many colors in it. It's amazing. It's a beautiful piece.”

Learn more: Dallas Chamber Symphony