DECEMBER ~ Nadolig Llawen!
The highlight of the month will be performing with Kantos Chamber Choir at Stoller Hall in Manchester. I first worked with them for a recording of Martin Ellerby’s Three Choral Psalms for harp and choir, and I am looking forward to the release of the CD next year. Joining them again for Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols is going to be a magical end to the year.
Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year! And many thanks for all the support throughout another exciting year of harping.
NOVEMBER ~ On the Road
A busy month again with a fanfare of concerts. One of my favourites was a performance of Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with the fantastic Blackburn Chamber Choir. The glorious acoustic of Blackburn Cathedral really showed off the harp, and I am delighted that I will be returning there in December 2023 for a performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. Love being booked so much in advance!
The amount of music on my stand is increasing as the Christmas season approaches. Practice continues amongst the travelling and rehearsing. No rest for the wicked then.
OCTOBER ~ The Labyrinth Effect
As a freelance teacher I want to make a difference to players of all ages and levels beyond their lessons. My Labyrinth harp project was created with this in mind.
The first project has been to mentor a group not normally given a performance platform. I chose 4 players to be part of a collaboration at the Harp on Wight Festival. Each was invited after I met them online, when I was bowled over by their passion for the harp. A chartered psychologist, retired linguist, university student and a trainee Met detective worked diligently with me online. They pushed themselves towards new goals; they felt the fear and did it anyway.
Months of dedicated focus from them and patient encouragement from me led to us premiering new works for ensemble in the Opening Night of the Festival. Some had never played in a group before, others had never performed in public. It was quite a moment for us all. The reaction from the audience was heart-warming, and I couldn’t have been happier. With thanks to Andi, Maureen, Phoebe and Celia for trusting me and giving up so much of their time to do this.
My workshop participants at the Festival gave the premiere of an ensemble version of The Sunken Forest. We had three short rehearsals to get it ready. The deadline of a performance was a challenge they embraced fully. Celia narrated the story alongside, us and it all came together beautifully. Bravo to Peta, Maureen, Merlynna, Debbie, Felicity, Wendy and Angelica.
Are there future projects? Of course!! Get in touch if you want to know more.
SEPTEMBER ~ Back to the Harp
It is the start of the Orchestral Season, and I have plenty of repertoire on the music stand to prepare. Teaching timetables are in place and it’s lovely to get pupils motivated for the academic year ahead. We’ve set goals together and they are raring to go. Here is a check-list I prepared to get them harp ready!
I will be at my composition desk, working on an ensemble version of The Sunken Forest. The solo suite was premiered at the Edinburgh International Online Harp Festival in 2021. But my plan was always to add ensemble parts. And now that will be happening at the Harp on Wight International Harp Festival in October.
AUGUST ~ Looking Ahead
August is a quiet month for concerts, but busy with Autumn preparations. I am looking forward to returning to the Harp on Wight International Harp Festival to perform at the Opening Concert and to introduce my new Labyrinth Harp Ensemble ... watch this space for more info on them!
My Festival workshop will include a new ensemble version of The Sunken Forest Suite, which participants will perform with me in concert. Are you interested? Then have a look and sign-up. Open to mixed abilities — I guarantee it will be fun.
JULY ~ Harp Twins!
Playing at the Royal Albert Hall Proms is always the highlight of my season. This year I was performing with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, alongside Anneke Hodnett.
Don’t our matching Horngacher harps look wonderful!
JUNE ~ Come and Play
I have been covering Principal Harp work with the Hallé Orchestra, whilst Marie Leenhardt is on a short sabbatical. Lots of different music programmes to learn, so no time to be idle. I even got to use my troubadour harp for their Come and Play Concerts.
MAY ~ Summer Days
Thank you to HARP COLUMN for recommending my collection, Summer Days, as their top-pick of summertime solos. You can also order from The Harp Studio, or download directly from my shop. Go to my YouTube channel to hear the full set!
APRIL ~ EIHF
A flying visit to support the Edinburgh International Harp Festival as they try a new hybrid festival of online and in person events. Great to see Isobel Mieras again and to visit the Exhibition stands.
MARCH ~ Zooming In
Being able to work on Zoom means that I can deliver workshops to harpists all over the UK, and from further afield. It’s been a busy and enjoyable month. Amazing feedback too - thank you!
FEBRUARY ~ Flyways
I commissioned “Flyways”, a harp ensemble piece for mixed abilities, from Catherine Kontz for my Chetham's International Harp Festival in 2008. This updated 2022 version is a cross-border collaboration with harpists world-wide. Great to see so many harpists engaging with this project. The film will be released later this year.
JANUARY ~ Tremolo
Delighted to announce that I have been chosen as composer for Illumine Theatre’s audio drama, “Tremolo” written by Lisa Parry: released on all major podcasts. It is based on the dilemma of genetic testing and how a family copes with early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease. The sister, Gwenllian, plays the harp and is practising this piece during the play.
Director Zoë Waterman writes: "Lisa has allowed Eira to tell Gwenllian’s story through the music she plays, her relationship to that material and her connection with the harp - it provides a beautiful texture to the play and gives us the two siblings’ stories side by side, vibrating off each other, like the tremolo of the title."
NEWS 2018-2022
The final goodbye ~ December 2021
Wonderful cards and gifts from the RNCM, including a photo album from my students.
Lest We Forget ~ November 2021
Playing Fauré Requiem at Bradford Cathedral. The litany of local parishioners who lost their lives, due to Covid-19, was very poignant.
Fare Thee Well ~ October 2021
After nearly 30 years teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester (RNCM), I have decided to step away and concentrate on my own performing and teaching projects. It’s been a joy to teach so many students. Look at RNCM Memories page for my favourite moments.
Harp Workshops ~ June/July 2021
A varied mix of online and in person workshops recently. I love meeting harpists from all over the world. It’s a chance to share my knowledge and my compositions. Thanks for the invitations!
Red Light On! ~ June 2021
Fantastic to work with Martin Ellerby on his new work for Choir and Harp, Three Choral Psalms. I edited the harp part, and then recorded it with the Kantos Chamber Choir. This is a beautiful addition to the repertoire and will be released in 2022.
Online interviews ~ May/June 2021
Always fun to be interviewed about my work. Talking Harps invited me to talk about my Pick and Mix series of technique books. On the Soundweavers podcast, I discussed my love of chamber music, especially flute and harp.
Edinburgh International Harp Festival ~ April 2021
Great news that my Pedal Harp Course at the Edinburgh International Online Harp Festival sold out in 12 hours! They then decided to offer a 2nd course … and that sold out too! Wonderful that the pedal harp classes have been so successful again.
I also enjoyed giving an Online Master Class and a Concert.
Thank you for having me, Edinburgh.
NEW BOOK LAUNCH ~ February 1st 2021
In the autumn of 2020, I was recalling memories of summer, from the recent one to childhood adventures. This inspired a collection of 6 original pieces for lever/pedal harp - SUMMER DAYS.
CLOUDS IN A SUNLIT SKY
SUNFLOWERS
RUNNING FREE
DANCING BUTTERFLIES
RIVER DAYDREAMING
WEDDING DAY
Dedicated to the memory of Mair Jones (1933 - 2021)
There is a SPECIAL LAUNCH price for February of £8
And if you send me a message, I will gladly sign a copy for you.
You also have the option of downloading a pdf.
Just click on the Download thumbnail which also shows some of the music.
JaNEWary Challenge ~ 2021
Watch this video where I discuss the background to writing my donated piece for Harps North West JaNEWary Challenge. I asked for suggestions on a title, and I can finally announce the winner. Well done ... well, watch and see who it is.
In 2021 I am focusing on adapting to a new way of life. Last year was difficult, in ways that I would never have imagined, in my career. My orchestral life was cut short, although I did manage 2 sessions with small ensembles. I’ve barely used my estate car, apart from growing plants in it: a very useful greenhouse substitute! Teaching went online mostly: zoom fatigue and technological breakdowns became part of daily life.
Going into the New Year I am feeling positive about a lot of things. Although I can’t see an immediate return to life as I have known it for so long, I have embraced having to do a total about-turn on how I earn my living. As a freelancer it has been difficult to understand why we have been ‘excluded’ from government funding. Sometimes I longed to be furloughed so that I could sit quietly and not worry about my work. Other times I was actually glad that I had no option but to keep finding new avenues of income, as it kept me being creative. I also learnt what other things I had to be grateful for: a home which is peaceful and cosy; my husband Steve, who has turned into my personal chef (more of that another time!); being able to spend more time reading discovering nature on our doorstep; then actually finishing embroidery and tapestry projects!
It has been a joy to connect to so many people across the world via my monthly Newsletter, which lets you know what I am doing. Each letter has a gift: a worksheet, youtube link, or a new piece to learn. If you haven’t already subscribed, then just submit your subscription using the link above. There are some lovely things coming up, so it would be a shame if you missed out.
My front room has been repurposed as a recording room, and I am enjoying meeting my YouTube audience. Do SUBSCRIBE to my channel to keep me working; then Like and Comment, if you wish. Thank you for any support you can give.
The Harps NorthWest JaNEWary 2021 Challenge has been a real tonic to start my year. Superbly led by Mary Dunsford, 3 composers are invited to offer a piece, which is then taught in stages, step by careful step: just how I like it!! They’ve asked me several times in past years, but other deadlines got in the way. This year felt very special. We were all in our homes with harps, so it was the ideal chance to write a gentle piece to get us to enjoy the quiet space in music and in our lives.
My inspiration came at the end of last summer. I had spent a lot of time in the garden, enjoying long periods of sunshine, listening to the birds and observing nature. Summers past also came to mind, and my time at the harp resulted in 6 new pieces for lever or pedal harp. The first one I offered to Harps North West, and with trepidation I awaited the response. To this mix I added the idea that people could offer a title for the piece. The response has been incredible, with lovely comments on what a healing tune it is, and how very accessible it is to play. It was written to fit well under the hands, and for all levels to enjoy.
Naming the title brought over 70 suggestions. I found it difficult to choose, and had a few favourites, but I have make my choice. All will be revealed at the end of the month. Stay tuned!
Staying Connected ~ July 2020
Connecting with people is so important during this time, when things feel so unsettled. I definitely benefitted from people getting in touch with me in the first few weeks of lockdown. People from all over the world got in touch after watching my teaching Video for the Virtual Edinburgh International Harp Festival; and they then supported me further by buying music and CDs from my online shop.
I wanted to return that support. So, I have started my Newsletter. It will go out on the first day of each month; will continue my latest news and is completely FREE to receive.
If you are interested; then please SUBSCRIBE and then don’t forget to CONFIRM your Subscription. See the link above. You will receive a FREEBIE each month: this could be a new tune, a special invitation or a set of technical exercises. I am very excited about the offer for August. So, do sign up.
Stay safe ~ and let’s stay connected!
RNCM Young Harps Project ~ May 2020
One of my favourite projects is directing the RNCM Young Harps sessions. They are open to harpists under the age of 18, and held at the Royal Northern College of Music Manchester twice a term. Players come to participate in ensembles, learn with Guest Tutors and take part in a presentation for parents at the end of the morning. This is our 4th year and we regularly get 20+ harpists from all over the North West, and from as far as York, Sheffield, Derby and North Wales,
One of our youngest players even comes from London, travelling by train on the Saturday night and returning on Sunday; she is 8 years old and enjoys it so much!
Our last session was on the morning of Sunday 15th March. It was a fun and happy time, and I was thrilled to have a surprise rendition of Happy Birthday played to me by my senior RNCM students, who also volunteer alongside me. By the time I had packed everything up, returned home and unpacked the RNCM announced that the building was now closed; and life, as we had known it, changed completely.
The Young Harps sessions were a lifeline to many young harpists, as it was an opportunity to meet up with other harpists. Often, they were the only harpist at school; and due to the nature of the instrument, they hadn’t even the chance of orchestral opportunities. So, being part of a group was very important to them. I remember the first session, when 10 youngsters arrived nervously, not knowing what to expect. Those founder members have grown in confidence, made lifelong friends, and often tell me how much they have benefitted from these sessions. So, what happens next?
There is uncertainty about funding and, of course, when we can be physically together again. I didn’t feel that I wanted to let go of this project. Why should a pandemic disadvantage children from developing their musical skills. With the permission of the RNCM, I am keeping the project going with remote tasks, competitions and, most recently, an online session on our Harps at RNCM Facebook page.
Watch it at the Harps at RNCM Facebook page.
The workshop is called SCALES GALORE, and goes through everything you need to know for Graded exams from Grade 1 - Grade 8. You can download a pdf with the information too.
Download
I aim to do another RNCM Young Harps video in June: more technical tips, a new tune, and another competition! Even if you are not eligible for the Young Harps programme, but young at heart, then do join by watching on Sunday 14th June.
Until then, stay safe and keep going!
Change of Plan! ~ Spring 2020
It is a difficult time for everyone at the moment with the outbreak of Covid-19.
I hope you are all safe and managing to find some peace and beauty in your surroundings.
For the first few months of the year, I had been busily preparing for a return visit to the Edinburgh International Harp Festival. Devising 2 Five-day Courses meant writing booklets and handouts, in addition to practising for a duet performance with Anne Denholm and premiering works with the Pedal Power Ensemble. Sadly, it was not to be, as the event was cancelled by Merchiston School, due to concerns regarding the Coronavirus. However, the innovative committee organised the first Virtual event, which is now online. You can watch a potpourri of workshops and concerts; all available for free.
Have a look at me giving a workshop on technical points for all players and all harpists.
So, the first question you might have is: how can it be for all level of players? My finding is that the more we advance on an instrument, the more important it is to revise basic elements of technique, practice methods and musicianship. It is very easy for the foundations to fall by the wayside as we progress to harder and more challenging repertoire. I truly believe that advanced players need to go back regularly to foundation work, so that they check-in on their technique.
In the weeks when we now have ‘time’, it is so important to look at what we have (maybe not just in regards to our harp playing!) and to make sure it is all working for us. The concept of working slowly is something which many people struggle with. The feeling is that we need to progress, move forward, get to the next point. But as of Spring 2020, we can’t physically progress. We have to sit, stay safe and contemplate. This is an ideal scenario for harp practice.
Sit - look at your posture. Are you relaxed?
Stay safe - are your fingers strong; working for you efficiently and securely?
Contemplate - are you noticing details on the page? Is the sound good? Are you telling us your ideas for the piece?
I often hear comments such as ...
“That piece is too easy”
The seemingly ‘easiest’ pieces can be the most difficult to play well. There is nowhere to hide. Every note stands out. If you can’t play a section of your piece at a slow tempo, then you are not ready to play it at a fast one.
“This is only a Grade 5 piece.”
The choices regarding which pieces are chosen for the different Grade exams are sometimes very arbitrary and, in my opinon, not always correct!! Ask any good harp teacher, and they will tell you that. Learn to enjoy music for what it is, rather than because it is on an exam syllabus.
“How fast does this piece go?”
Speed should always come later. Try not to think about it from the start. Start slowly, and unwrap all the elements of the piece first, to get a real understanding of it from notes, rhythm, fingering, phrasing, dynamics and style. Then add your own polish to it. The correct speed is one where you are able to play fluently and comfortably, within your own point of progress. Professional level harpists might play works faster, but that’s only because they have worked towards that level. You are still "On your way!"
Enjoy watching my Workshop from the Edinburgh International Harp Festival
Stay safe. Stay well!
Tour to South Africa ~ Summer 2019
I am very fortunate to get invitations from all over the world to give workshops and concerts. Recent years have included Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Greece. Then there came a request to visit South Africa from one of the driving forces of the harp community there, Ingrid Janse van Rensburg. 18 months, and countless emails later, I arrived in Johannesburg for the start of an 18-day tour.
Ingrid had organised a fabulous schedule of events, where I got to meet so many welcoming harpists. I gave workshops for lever harp and pedal harp, took a Masterclass at the National School of Arts and travelled to Pretoria to coach the Labyrinth Ensemble in the Harp Quintet by Jean Cras. Unexpectedly, I caught up with 2 RNCM string graduates, who were part of this ensemble. A small world indeed!
It was also a real pleasure to coach Ingrid’s harp-playing daughter, Vivienne, who studied at Interlochen and is now a busy freelancer. During my visit I coached her on the Saint-Saëns Fantaisie for harp and violin, and was thrilled to then hear her play it at the SASMT National Ensemble Competition in Pretoria, where she won Second Prize. She also joined me in my concert, playing Monika Stadler's "On the Water".
Private lessons were given in Ingrid’s fantastic Harp Shop, Avondale Harp World. I was in seventh heaven teaching there; surrounded by harps, a beguiling selection of harp music, all kinds of harp gifts and accessories. Do book in a visit if you are ever in Johannesburg; but bring an extra suitcase. You will be tempted by what is on offer, and my CDs and music are now also in stock there.
Every 2 years, the harp technician Billy Hornby visits from the UK to service the harps. This is so important to ensure that the instruments are preserved in excellent condition.
The highlight of my time was adjudicating for the National Harp Festival. This was an extremely well organised event, where harpists are given the opportunity to perform. There are no prizes, which I found quite refreshing. Players came to play their pieces, receive feedback and a certificate. It was such a positive experience for everyone and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If I ever need a manager, Ingrid would fit the bill magnificently. Not only did she prepare a varied schedule, she also made sure I had some time off and arranged 2 sight-seeing trips. We visited Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, which gave us an insight into the history of this divided country. Another day we ventured out into the Lion and Rhino Park and saw all kinds of animals up close.
It was very hard to leave this harp community, as I was truly welcomed by everyone. Next, I travelled to Cape Town to meet up with Jane Theron, who had spent a few years in London in the 70s, and is a member of the UK Harp Association (UKHA). She greeted us at the airport and immediately whisked us up to Table Mountain, which was quite stunning. How lucky to see these magnificent places on my travels — a bucket list tick right there.
My main project was the Harp Adventure Day held at the Hugo Lambrechts Centre. Players arrived for a morning masterclass: a variety of solos were beautifully played from Pescetti to Tournier. I offered tips on practising efficiently, choice of footwear and performance ideas. After a delicious buffet lunch, more players joined for a session which included technical warm-up exercises, ensemble pieces and improvisation. We ended the day with a performance for invited guests, and I can report that they all played so well.
I enjoyed giving a talk for the Rotary Club of Kromboom about my own travels with a harp; from performing at the Hollywood Bowl to my beginnings as a harp-playing Welsh Druid. Playing for the Music Society at Bishops Diocesan College also meant that I could perform music from my new CD, “Forgotten Dreams”, and introduce new pieces by Anna Appleby, Esther Swift and Grace-Evangeline Mason.
Travelling has its downside of course. You have to recover quickly from long flights, and then be adaptable when flights change. We were caught up in the BA pilots' strike, which incurred a 2-day delay to our return journey. Thankfully, we weren’t in a hurry to return home, and it gave us time to visit the Cape of Good Hope and explore Cape Point, which are stunning locations. Seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony was also a dream come true.
Eventually the tour was over and it was time to say goodbye. An extra suitcase returned with us full of music, memories and momentos. South Africa surely captured our hearts. It was great to know that there is such a thriving harp community there, and long may it last. We will remember the warm welcome, the smiles of truly generous people, harpists galore, the beautiful scenery ~ and, of course, tasting South African Gin.
Thank you to everyone who made my visit so special.
Pedal Power!
My last post on here was announcing information about the Pedal Power Course at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, hoping that a new approach to attracting pedal harpists would be successful. Well….it was!! The pedal harp course was fully booked for the first time in the 38-year history of the Festival. 15 harpists from all over the UK joined me: all at different levels; all having one thing in common - enthusiasm! We worked on different aspects of playing, and also prepared a short programme for the Wednesday afternoon concert, which was a huge hit. Bravo everyone!
The Notes from Abroad course attracted a host of lever harpists. This also sold out with players from New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Belgium and England. I love travelling, so choosing tunes from my favourite countries was fun to do: an Icelandic Hymn, a French classic, a popular Spanish song and a Greek dance.
My Invisible Wire concert honoured the memory of Helen MacLeod. I was joined on stage by 5 emerging young harpists in a programme to celebrate the links between harpist, composer and harp makers. Thank you to: Holly Hart, Tsvetelina Likova, Aaron Ma, Angharad Huw and Yanan Xu. It was also a pleasure to perform with Charlotte Petersen an excerpt from her new harp duo Symmetry, and with Aaron Ma for Eddie McGuire’s duo, Dream and Dancing. Thanks also to Alex Hopkinson for the beautiful reading of an excerpt of a poem for Helen, written by her friend, Aimee McMorrow. New works by Esther Swift and Anna Appleby were introduced, and I am so grateful to them both for supporting the concert, including all the preparation beforehand. Time Spinner and Knocking are now published and can be heard on my new album, Forgotten Dreams.
To further unite everyone, I celebrated the harp shops by having different makes of harps on stage. Many thanks to Salvi Music London, Clive Morley Harps, Pilgrim Harps, Vining Harps and the Harp Studio for their generous support throughout the Festival; not only with harps, but goodie bags and prizes. I also gave the first UK demo of the Salvi Una electroacoustic harp, led a Masterclass sponsored by the UKHA, collaborated with Eddie McGuire in a workshop on composing for harp, and a co-led a workshop on Adjudicating with the driving force of the EIHF, Isobel Mieras.
An incredible week!
Here are some of the memories in photos
Happy New Year !
2019 will be a very busy year for me
The biggest project will be appearing as Guest Artist at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival: 5th - 10th April at Merchiston Castle School. This is my 3rd invitation there, with this visit being an action packed one. I will be teaching 2 courses, performing in 2 concerts, co-hosting a workshop on The Art of Adjudication with Isobel Mieras, participating in a Composing Workshop with Scottish composer, Eddie McGuire, offering private lessons, and giving a Masterclass. Do you want to join me? Then read on ...
PEDAL POWER: April 6th - 10th
This is a 5 day course from Saturday to Wednesday: starting at 1pm, and running for 1½ hours.
Cost: £79. So what do you get for this? The course is for pedal harpists to feel confident in their technical abilities, to learn how to practice and memorise and how to cope with performances and exams. Each participant will get a FREE booklet at the end of the course with even more tips and ideas. Also, you will get a discount voucher for a private harp lesson with me at a later date, as a follow-up to what you have learnt from the course. But.......there is more!!!!
This year, the PEDAL POWER participants have been invited to PERFORM. We will be appearing on the main Memorial Hall stage at 3pm on Wednesday, April 10th, alongside 2 other harp ensemble groups. The music for this will be sent out at the end of January, once all participants have signed up. Places are limited, due to space, so get your application in soon.
Even more great news is that anyone who is struggling to bring a pedal harp can, on early application, ask to use a pedal harp, which has very kindly been offered by some of the harp makers.
I will also be inviting 5 harpists to join me at the Sunday concert - more about that soon; so do come back to hear about another chance to perform, or just email me: eiralynnjones@gmail.com to register your interest.
For now, have a look at www.harpfestival.co.uk
Come and join me in this really exciting event - Inspiration guaranteed!
September 2018
We are delighted to announce a new CD of music for Flute and Harp, 'FRAGMENTS'. The Juniper Project is a collaboration with Greek flautist Anna Rosa Mari. The CD is issued on the Divine Art Label.
Available from The Juniper Project shop HERE
or from my shop HERE
All Things Harp!
2018 On the Road!
The beginning of a year can be a quiet time for musicians, but as always in the life of a freelance harpist, nothing is predictable. I’ve had a very busy start to 2018 with orchestral concerts in Kendal, Leeds, Sheffield, Hanley and numerous rehearsals and concerts at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester: from Bach to Bacharach!
We get to know these concert venues well and are experts in the best way to get the harp inside. Finding where to park, so that you don’t get caught up in the queues at the end, becomes an art form! I would certainly recommend a good Sat-Nav. Years ago, I would rely on maps, only to find that the streets had changed to a one-way system, or there were unexpected road delays and I had to find a new route. Now I have a TomTom Go 5100 which has regular traffic reports, and had redirected me on many occasions so that I arrive in plenty of time. It is worth investing in for sure! Top tip No 1!
All these venues are regular haunts by now, so we know the good places to eat, or where to grab a much needed coffee. We don’t get meals provided, so it is a case of using the 2 hour break before the concert to eat, change, tune and warm-up as efficiently as possible.
Facilities in halls vary a great deal. The dressing room can be a Council Chamber or a leisure centre changing room. There is definitely a winter wardrobe of wrist warmers, long sleeved outfits, and extra black layers for the cathedral concerts. A recent purchase was a beautiful black velour scarf; lots of black clothes and accessories to be found in charity shops! Top tip No 2!
Life on the road means that the car is well stocked up for every eventuality from a snow shovel to a warm blanket; from a flask of hot water to plenty of packets of liquorice torpedoes .... my current favourite sweet treats! Top tip No 3!
I am lucky that my husband drives me on long distances, mainly so that I can have some rest. It gives me a chance to catch up on emails, which is an essential part of running my business. My teaching still continues around these concerts. A morning Rehearsal can be followed by 5 hours teaching, and vice versa. It’s the balancing act of teaching and performing. You have to juggle both teaching days and performances, and accept the long days of starting and finishing in the dark.
More light is appearing and a definite feel of Spring approaching. I will be back on the road again soon, with orchestral concerts in Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Warwick, Nottingham, Sheffield and even Perth........Scotland! I’d better stock up on those liquorice torpedoes!
January 2018
Welcome to my new website! Croeso!
Here you will find information about myself and my life as a professional freelance harpist. I have had many interesting experiences and am involved with different kinds of projects. It seemed the right time to share these more widely, in the hope that it might be informative and useful to others. It will be real, honest and, for those who know me well, will be very much what I am about as a musician and person.
This will be an evolving site with:
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contributions from other musicians
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a few surprises
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humour and honesty
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information and musings
Have a browse around the shop and send me a message if there is anything you want to know.
So that is all for now. Thank you for visiting. Do check-in again soon! BUT, before you go, have a look at a gallery of highlights.
