The Playlist: Noël Wan
The adventurous harpist and new Curtis faculty member shares the music, books, films, and creative discoveries that inspire her artistry.
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By Brian Wise
Even the briefest glance at Noël Wan’s Instagram page (@nywharp) reveals a harpist of omnivorous tastes. There are performance videos spanning Rachmaninoff’s Lilacs, Per Nørgård’s Consolazione, and a jazzy version of the Beatles’ “Blackbird”—not to mention various electro-acoustic works for harp, as depicted in one photo crammed with electronic gear.
Unsurprisingly, Wan has far-reaching interests in art, literature, and media, as well. “As a traveling performer and teacher, I have a lot of time to listen to music when I’m on the road,” she says. Read on for Wan’s favorite music, books, films, and more.
From the Spring 2026 issue
