More Hong Kong youngsters are following in the footsteps of Botticelli angels by learning the harp, with parents encouraging this special option as a way to secure a spot in a prestigious school.
Demand for harp lessons had steadily increased in the last three years and its appeal was multi-faceted, said professional harpist Joan Lee Wai-ying, who opened a home-based harp school in Sha Tin in 2008.
'Many parents want to widen the musical knowledge of their children but it's also because of the school admission test which requires a basic instrument like the piano but also a very special instrument like the harp,' Lee said, with the number of students at her school increasing fivefold since opening.
More schools were introducing harps into their orchestras, which also drove up demand, she said.
Across town, Hong Kong Harp Services in Wan Chai has also felt the trend with plans to expand the store which sells and repairs harps as well as offering lessons.
'It's been a steady flow, but it's still growing,' said office manager Kenny Se, who has more than 100 students on his books, ranging from three to 70 years old.
The store imports harps from Italy and the United States, with prices ranging from HK$20,000 for a basic model suitable for a toddler to half a million for a concert grand.