About Nicole Chang
Nicole Chang is a professional harpist based in the Hamilton, Ontario area. She is an active performer in solo, chamber, and ensemble work, as well as a recording artist and arranger. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and Music Composition from the University of Washington, under Seattle Symphony harpist Valerie Muzzolini and composer Charles Corey, and Master's in Instrumental Performance from University of Toronto, under internationally-renowned harpist Judy Loman.
She is also an experienced ensemble performer, having played with multiple ensembles during her time at university, including but not limited to the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra, Modern Ensemble, University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Contemporary Ensemble. Since coming to Canada, she plays frequently with such local ensembles as the Hart House Orchestra, Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. She is also an active member and arranger for the Toronto Pops Orchestra. She has been a participant at PRISMA, Curtis Summerfest, and Orford Academy, and has performed in masterclasses for harpists Elizabeth Hainen, Jennifer Swartz, and Nancy Allen. She was also a finalist in the 2018 AHS National Anne Adams Awards Competition.
Nicole is an avid proponent of New Music and video game music, and advocates for both accessibility and expression in her pursuit of artistry, as well as pushing the boundaries of technical playing. She also has a passion for creating solo and chamber harp arrangements of soundtracks from visual & interactive media, such as the Final Fantasy series, which she has been a fan of since her early teens, and is an active member of music collectives such as Dwelling of Duels, Pixel Mixers, the Virtual Video Game Orchestra. Her playing is also featured in the soundtrack of the video game Empire of the Ants (2024). She currently maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule in addition to her recording and arranging work.
