At 11, Yatsar Matos is already a gifted harpist. Guided by her mentor and professor, Suzzette Ortiz, she is persistent at developing her musical knowledge and skills. Yatsar recently started learning how to play the harp but has already excelled beyond her years, which is providing her the opportunity to join the Community Harp Ensemble from West Chester University on a trip to Vienna this summer. The ensemble encompasses students of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Yatsar would be the youngest and the only Latina member traveling with them.
During the Vienna trip, she will be able to receive master classes, interact with other local harpists, perform in concerts as well as visiting places of interest.
Matos is an Artistas y Músicos Latinoamericanos (AMLA) vocal student who attended last year’s Harp Fest, which sparked a special interested in her for learning the harp. She then received a scholarship to participate in Gloria Galante’s harp forum which lasted four days.
“Her voice and desire to continue developing her musical talents are amazing. I am extremely proud of her,” says Suzzette Ortiz, Yatsar’s mentor at AMLA.
Even though there are fundraising activities for the Vienna traveling group, each participant has to raise their own travel expenses. If you wish to help Yatsar attend the Community Harp Ensemble in Vienna click here.
This piece is part of the “I Can” series, developed by Esperanza to highlight the transformative stories of our Hunting Park community.