Electronic Press Kit
Harpist / Arranger / Writer
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Videos
Short Biography
Singaporean harpist Lishan Tan is known for her dynamic artistry and elegance across orchestral stages, solo engagements, and contemporary collaborations. Newly appointed Principal Harp of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, she also performs regularly with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops.
Highlights of her career include performing as a soloist alongside Yo-Yo Ma with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at the 2024 Tanglewood Music Festival. She was awarded First Prize at the VI Mexico International Harp Competition, which led to her debut with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional at Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes. She has also appeared with The Metropolitan Opera, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Borromeo String Quartet, and The Beach Boys.
Beyond the stage, Lishan is an educator, arranger, and writer whose work continues to expand the harp’s possibilities. She writes for HarpColumn, leads Writing for Harp workshops for composers, and creates digital content that has garnered millions of views worldwide.
Lishan was the first harpist admitted to the doctoral program at New England Conservatory, where she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts with a minor in Music Theory under Jessica Zhou. She also holds a Master of Music from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and a Bachelor of Music (First-Class Honours) from the Royal College of Music–Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts joint program. When away from the harp, Lishan can be found sipping coffee, reading, or boxing.
Quotes and Press
“Harpist Li Shan Tan stepped up to the challenge, meeting Yun’s extensive color palette with a personal and intimate playing style that lured the audience in wanting more and more.”
─ Ian Weise
The Boston Musical Intelligencer (July 29, 2024)
“Lishan Tan, who shines here and at every contribution”
— Colin Clarke
Classical Explorer
“It’s a luminous interpretation, with wonderfully precise ensemble…and Lishan Tan’s delicately sentient harp playing”
─ BBC Music Magazine
“Lishan Tan’s equally refined harp accompaniment in the Shaw and Briggs pieces, culminating in her outstanding contribution to the aforementioned “Ceremony of Carols.”
─ Urko Sangroniz
Scherzo Classical Music Magazine
The sold-out opening night performance…were brilliant…The moving opening composition, Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, featured harpist Li Shan Tan’s stunning solo performance.
─ Glenn Rifkin
The Arts Fuse (October 23, 2022)
"Li Shan Tan plays with a speaking tone, never merely decorative, but with the inner calm possessed only by experienced musicians…Li Shan Tan plays with a delicacy that transcends mere technique."
─ Dirk Schauß
Online Merker
"Sunday’s performance…featured exquisite fingerwork from harpist Lishan Tan—her little bursts of filigree at the start of the finale were particularly vivid"
─ Jonathan Blumhofer
Boston Classical Review
"the gentlest of whispers and a hint of rhythm provided by Tan Li Shan's harp (showed) finesse of control"
─ Chang Tou Liang
The Straits Times (Singapore)
"An amazing harpist, Lishan's interpretation of each movement was perfect and the fast movements were so exciting!"
─ Paul Patterson
Composer and Manson Professor of Composition at Royal Academy of Music (London)
Testimonials