Out of hibernation at last!

Hello Dear Readers! I can’t believe I haven’t blogged since October! So much has happened I don’t quite know where to start, so why don’t I start with music? At last I’m feeling really motivated and moved by music again, the main reason being that I might have 2 weddings in May. Please whisper that so we don’t jinx it! I’m optimistic that smaller weddings will become a big thing for the rest of the year as some couples decide that big isn’t always best and that wedding celebrations might be even better when held in stages. Why not have a small intimate ceremony, then later on, a party with punch and pizzazz as bigger gatherings are permitted again? Today I enjoyed researching some requests for May and I got a buzz as I remembered the process of making pop tunes sound good on the harp. I’ll be sharing some of those on social media when they’re ready to be aired so stay tuned.

A question I’ve been pondering is how I can reach couples who would be interested in having me play at their wedding without wedding fayres at which to perform my latest hits. Fayres are hard work but fun at the same time as they’re a great way to meet music loving clients as well as catching up with some amazing wedding suppliers. I have to remind myself to be patient as life resumes some sort of normality.

I’ve enjoyed practicing for my own pleasure as well as learning wedding requests. It’s helped keep my brain in shape, not to mention my fingers - I’m looking forward to having calluses again! I realised that when the urge to play is there, I have to seize it, even if I only have 5 minutes. I love having full days to indulge in some serious practice but life doesn’t always allow this luxurious time. Playing keeps my creativity topped up and connects me with the passionate part of my personality.

My online Zoom teaching has been a lifesaver. The ability to teach weekly from home is fantastic and it’s one of the blessings of technology. Obviously face to face lessons are ideal, but my regular students who have had their weekly dose of Zoom have steadily made significant progress in their playing and in their basic music theory knowledge. It’s also been lovely to see them and to catch up on their news. Feel free to get in touch if you fancy trying a Zoom lesson from the comfort of your own home.

From a non musical perspective, I’m still walking and running and enjoying the sanity that brings while swimming pools and gyms have been out of bounds. I’ve also been having online yoga lessons with Sue Cowlishaw - she’s a fantastic yoga teacher offering very varied classes, and every week I learn some new poses or flows, or we work on the fundamental postures. My mind, body and spirit love yoga!

I’ve been cooking a lot, and I mean a lot, and learning new styles of cuisine. When the pandemic worsened and I realised I’d have no playing work at all, I developed psoriasis on my arms and legs. I’m sure that stress and uncertainty were the main factors which aggravated this chronic condition. It hasn’t affected me significantly other than the appearance of the plaques denting my confidence but I think the arrival of Spring with an improvement in the weather, and more music will help with this. I’ve tried all sorts of approaches - prescription and non prescription lotions, creams and ointments, cutting out food groups, fasting, detoxes etc. Nothing has made a significant difference so I’m trying not to give it too much thought. I’m certain that as we learn a new way of being, my skin will settle down. I’m told that swimming in the sea and warmer climates are beneficial for psoriasis. Planning holidays abroad is good for psoriasis too! Did I tell you I’ve been learning Spanish? Wow, how I’ve enjoyed that! I’ve been learning the basics using an app on my phone. Learning a new language fills me with positivity and a sense of possibility. I love it!

For the time being I won’t be posting photos here, it takes too much time to download them. I will however be using Instagram and possibly Facebook (if I can work out how to get past the pesky code generator - what’s that about FB?!!) to share images and music clips. If you want to see what I get up to when I’m out and about away from the harp, I’m on Instagram as rarebitblogging It’s just a bit of fun, usually in the hills. Maintaining a sense of fun is so important!

I’m feeling excited about the future and ready to start this new chapter. Hope you’ll join me!

Happy New Year!

I’m a bit late in wishing all you lovely visitors to my website a prosperous and fruitful new year but here I am and I’m ready to make 2020 a musical year to plucking well remember. Just a few words tonight as I’ve got a lot of practice to be getting on with. Music makes me so happy and I love playing my harp at every opportunity! I wanted to share a couple of videos I’ve recently recorded of two songs that are very popular requests for weddings, but due to my slight lack of competence in the technical department, here are links to my Facebook and Soundcloud pages, where I’ve just uploaded two new wedding songs for 2020 and beyond.

My aim is to record a new track once a week. Last week was my take on the main theme from Out of Africa by John Barry. This week was my version of Ed Sheeran’s lilting love song, Perfect. You can also view videoclips on Instagram if you use it. Eventually I’d like to be able to produce basic videoclips (without having a complete technical meltdown) of me actually playing with the best sound quality I can achieve outside a studio.

As always, do let me know what you think and if you’d like me to make a short video or soundclip just for you! In the meantime, my focus is on the ppp’s - practice, practice and, you guessed it, playing! I’ve got some very exciting performances coming up this year - watch this space…

I'm practicing again!

I’ve been bitten by the practice bug again big time so I won’t be blogging as much as usual over the next few weeks. See the poster below for one of the reasons. I’m really excited to be playing in this concert alongside some lovely talented local musicians. I played through my programme today and you might like it. Why not come along and hear me playing with fire? That’s the new subtitle for my website by the way. What do you think? Does it make me sound like a dragon? It’s meant to indicate that I play with passion, not that I’m a scary animal!

I love my job!

My stand

Neater and decluttered

I’m always keen to improve the services I offer. I’ve worked very hard over the past 2 years to develop my harp business and it feels like the tip of an immense iceberg at times. Learning to run my own business is a labour of love but at times it takes me so far away from the harp. I long to delve my fingers into those vibrant strings and practice for hours on end like I used to. I don’t have that luxury these days so any practice hours are precious. You could ask why I’m not practicing now but I know I need a certain kind of headspace to practice efficiently and this evening is earmarked for writing. It’s a sideline I’m trying to develop alongside my playing. Do you know anyone in need of my writing services?

With wedding fayre season in full swing, I have a confession to make - I’m hardly touching the harp. Only 2 months behind schedule, my brochure is almost ready to go to print and then I’ll start on the task of distributing it. Next, I’ll be updating my website and publicity materials. A few people have mentioned I’m not blonde anymore. I’ve really enjoyed my year of lightheadedness so in 2020, let’s see what happens. Watch this space - I’m embracing my darker side and maybe going back to my roots… I wonder what colour they are by now?

It’s so easy for me to get distracted. After an excellent day at Wortley Hall wedding fayre last weekend, I decided that I would address all the admin that evening after I’d had a bit of a rest. I emailed all you lovely couples who were so enthusiastic about my music and my offering and by 9pm I was ready for a quick social media post before calling it a day. In my haste to post, I forgot to share it to Facebook so if you’re not on Instagram or social media at all, you may have missed the snaps I’ve added to this post. If you haven’t met me yet and you’ve seen me looking a bit stern while I’m concentrating on my music, the ice cream photos might help you see I’m actually very friendly and approachable. Do come and say hello.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - the best thing about fayres is the people I meet. I’ve worked alongside Graham Thewlis-Hardy and his wife Lisa from A Taste of Italy ice cream trike a fayre bit and I’ve sampled more than my fayre share of their amazing ice cream. With 97, yes, 97 flavours, I’ve got a lot more to sample. I have to retain myself, it’s so good. If you eat shop bought ice cream, Lisa and Graham’s gelati really are in a different parlour. It’s the “crème de la crème” of ice cream and it could be the perfect playful addition to your wedding. See photos below for some gratuitous food porn.

For balance, my stand was positioned next to a lovely friendly lady, Laura McNally. She’s a very knowledgeable personal trainer and she was so generous in offering me tips on my posture and how I can improve it away from the harp. Taking care of yourselves before your wedding is such a vital aspect that’s often overlooked and pleasant as she was, I wouldn’t want to mess with Laura!

Laura’s enticing stand

The massage balls are on my Christmas list

The next Wortley Hall Wedding Fayre is on the 26th January 2020. Might see you there? It’s always a fun fayre!

Ooohhhhh

Chocolate

Oh go on then

Open wide

I think my face says it all

I sampled the Turkish Delight which is out of this world as well as Cherry Italia, mmmmmmm

Enjoying a well earned cup of the strong stuff

After all that ice cream

Chandelier

above some vintage suffragette artwork

Inspiral

The gorgeous architecture at Wortley Hall

Wedding Fayre - Queens Hotel Leeds

I’m excited to be exhibiting at this fayre organised by those lovelies at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire on Sunday. It’s a new venue for me and after watching a short video on Facebook last night, I’m even more excited! It looks like a proper Art Deco venue and I love Art Deco.

Wedding Fayre season is in full flow and I’m loving playing at some stunning venues where I get to meet all you gorgeous couples. I’ll let you into a secret - I get so inspired by your music requests and I can’t wait for music week at the end of the month. It’s a week during which I just sit down and practice to my heart’s content. Happy Days! Or should that be Harpy Days?

Have a great weekend and maybe I’ll see you there on Sunday to chat about music for your Wedding or event?

NOEWA - North of England Wedding Awards

I had a great time playing for the gala dinner at the North of England Wedding Awards at York Racecourse on Monday night. This event at the start of the season is a real highlight and an opportunity for people throughout the wedding industry to congregate and basically have a good old shindig celebrating their achievements. It’s lovingly organised by Liz Clark of The Wedding Guide and she certainly knows a lot of people in the business. Liz and her team work tirelessly to ensure an entertaining evening and getting The Wedding Guide magazine through the post with my advert in it is something I look forward to twice a year. Thanks Liz!

Last year was my first experience of the awards. This year, a bit wiser, I was less fazed by the vast sprawl of the Voltigeur Suite glamorously glitzed up for a gala evening. I had my music stand light with me so I could actually see my notes without being dazzled by the bright lights directed at the stage.

Photo by Nikki Pix Photography

I’d prepared a setlist just for the event with some of my favourite background music for a spotlight performance. I started my set with the main theme from Back to the Future which I learnt for a fab wedding in June (thanks so much for your request Nikki and James - it’s a keeper!) I thought it was appropriate to include one of Lewis Capaldi’s greatest hits, Someone You Loved, seeing as I worked with Manchester Camerata at Capaldi’s gig at Croxteth Park in August (scroll down if you’d like to read more about this memorable performance.) I also included a seasonal favourite, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I wanted to show that harp music isn’t just for weddings, just in case anyone thought I’d lost the plot. Music enhances every occasion and I played a variety of different styles of music reflecting different moods. I carefully selected familiar music that people would recognise - I like to think there was something for everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed playing on Monday night. I was completely focused and in the zone and I think my performance went down well. It’s hard to gauge that with around 200 diners but I was delighted with how it went. I realised I’ve come a long way in 12 months in confidence and my understanding of the wedding industry.

If you were there on Monday night and you enjoyed my performance, why not book me to play at your special event? Christmas is coming and harpists aren’t just for weddings! And if you’re reading this blog, you may have worked out how much I enjoy the written word so do get in touch if you’d like me to do some blogging, writing, editing or copy for you.

October Wedding Fayres

I’ll be playing at the following fayres this month:

6/10 - Oulton Hall, Rothwell, Leeds

13/10 - Wortley Hall near Sheffield

Me at Wortley Hall

20/10 - Queens Hotel, Leeds

Come and say hello and tell me what music you’d like me to play just for you!

Check this out!

Click the link below to watch a sneak preview of Lewis Capaldi’s August concert at Croxteth Park featuring yours truly on the harp! The full performance will be on BBC1 tomorrow night at 11.25pm.

Margaret and Phil's wedding at The Fleece, Ripponden

Ready to play

I met Margaret and Phil at a wedding fayre last year and they really loved my music. It even brought a tear to Margaret’s eye when I played Over The Rainbow. This is the piece she chose for the signing of the register last week during the civil ceremony at the the Fleece in Ripponden. What a spectacular venue. Have you been? Nestled half way up a steep hill with idyllic views, it’s a unique and historic venue.

The terrace

There’s an upper level too with far reaching views

I played soothing calming favourites from my classical and timeless music collections while their guests waited for Margaret to arrive. She had requested Etta James’ version of At Last to walk down the aisle and I was delighted to arrange this emotional song just for her.

My beautiful Camac harp

After their poignant ceremony, I played From This Moment On by Shania Twain which works remarkably well on the harp. Margaret, Phil and their guests enjoyed their drinks reception on the terrace and I continued to play for their wedding breakfast. There were many music lovers amongst their friends and family and, somewhat interestingly, they gave me a round of applause for - guess what - Puccini!!!

Arrival

It really was a privilege to play a part in their special day. Do you have any special requests for your ceremony? Get in touch via the contact page on this website.

I love my job

Incredible skyline on the drive home

The Lewis Capaldi Symphony - Behind the Scenes

“Here’s a glimpse of my experience working with anti hero Lewis Capaldi last weekend. It’s quite a long read with lots of photos, so make yourself a cuppa or pour yourself a pint of IrnBru”

Number 1

Lewis Capaldi’s chart position for 7 weeks with Someone You Loved

Some of my most memorable performances have been those around which I have no preconceived ideas or expectations. I’d heard of Lewis Capaldi and seen a hilarious interview with him on iplayer (I think he drew comparisons between Shrek and himself) but I was unfamiliar with his music. I was also under the impression Peter Capaldi was his Dad.

When I was invited to work with Manchester Camerata for BBC Radio 1 presents: the Lewis Capaldi Symphony at Croxteth Park in Liverpool, I really didn’t know what to expect. I was away a couple of days before the rehearsal at the BBC studios in Media City, Salford, so I had 24 hours to prepare the music and immerse myself in as much Lewisness as possible.

My harp in rehearsal

Set up and ready for action.

I watched some videos on Youtube (I was particularly taken by the video for Grace, which featured him as an excellent substitute pole dancer) so that I could get an idea of his music and what he’s about. What had I been missing? I’m a bit of an ostrich as far as popular culture is concerned. I’m not really down with the kids. I enjoy silence. I don’t listen to much music and I don’t have a TV so I’m not attuned to current trends. Friends had mentioned his recent appearance disguised as Chewbacca (Chewis Capaldi), which went over my head until this week. I discovered he’s quite a sensation. Aged just 22, his voice goosebumped me immediately. Reminiscent of Antony from Antony and the Johnsons, it’s soulful, unique and unmistakeable and as with all great artists, is even better experienced live.

An unlikely hero, the Scottish guy next door who’s made it big time, he swears like a trooper too so he can’t be bad. Type his name into your favourite search engine and he’s all over the place, in every possible way. Imagine getting paid vast amounts of money to do what you love. Good on him. He was refreshingly nervous in the rehearsal, maybe at the prospect of working with classical musicians, and maybe the feeling was mutual. I don’t often get to play to such a massive crowd.

Skyscraping lines

Media City, Salford

Sunday: I drive to Salford nice and early for a 2pm rehearsal, unload, park my car, set up, and warm up. It’s clear straight away this isn’t my usual kind of gig. There’s a complex spaghetti of cables with headphones attached, and stacks of technical equipment in flight cases. There are also lots of people, way more than the usual orchestra staff. I feel a bit nervous. Will I be good enough? Will I cope? With an orchestral section all to myself, I have to make sure I let them know if I have any performance issues. That’s not the easiest thing for an introverted freelancer. We all want the best result with as little hassle as possible. I see familiar faces which reassures me and everyone’s friendly and helpful. Phew.

Meditation helps

Headspace is also the title of one of LC’s songs

Today is a 6 hour day. I didn’t need to worry about stamina and focus, but I don’t play with orchestras as much as I used to, so I was concerned that I’d stand out for the wrong reasons. I don’t have that much experience working with a click track on headphones and I soon worked out that I actually did need them, especially in more exposed sections where I got slightly out of sync with smashing arranger/conductor and general cool dude, Sam Swallow. Check him out here:

It’s great working closely with an arranger because they can explain exactly what they want, and Sam was explicit. His sound world was lush, rich and imaginative and even though I wasn’t familiar with Capaldi’s music, reactions from band members indicated he’d done a pretty damn fine job. He’d certainly done some great work with his harp writing. In rehearsal, he had just the right balance of intensity and seriousness with a dose of wry humour, and he provided clear communication between band and orchestra.

!

Outside Media City, Salford

At the end of the rehearsal we were told there was food provided. For us musicians? I said with some disbelief. How refreshing to be catered for even though I’d brought my own food and resisted the urge to jump on top of the hot meal and pizza provided. I took a can of pop and sipped some of it on my drive home on Monday night to keep me awake, but more about that later.

So if you want to make musicians happy, it’s dead easy. Offer them free food.

Pop music is where it’s at and I giggled at the image that came to my mind of me guesting with the band if they ever needed a backing vocalist or even a harpist if their keyboard player was indisposed. I’ve got a red denim mini skirt. The band’s onstage uniform consists of a red jacket and trousers. I could fit in. I could make it work.

Aiden and I

Lewis’ piano and keyboard player. His arms significantly longer than mine, he graciously accepted to take a selfie with me. Well I was playing some of his piano parts in the orchestrations and I bet LC gets a bit bored with all the attention. Aiden then went to play a pre performance game of football. Rock and roll.

The headphones took some negotiating. If I covered my left ear with a phone, I couldn’t hear myself or the others. I tried half covered which was an improvement but they slipped a bit. I turned the right phone so I could hear with that ear but it meant it got caught on my harp. I mused to myself - would the techies mind if I took the right one off the headset? I didn’t. Add my specs to this mix and it kept me occupied for the rest of the day. (I dropped them during the Liverpool rehearsal and the lens fell out along with the screw from the frame, so I had to use my reading specs for the show. Even more excitement!)

We finished just before 9pm. Time to pack up again and head for the hotel I’d booked a stone’s throw from Croxteth Park. I fell into a deep sleep just before 1am.

Early morning coffee run

Sunday: I had a lie in, springing into action at 7am. I was spoilt for choice for coffee which fuelled me for an exploratory morning run to get my bearings. How near was I to Croxteth Country Park? How would I access backstage with my harp?

Spotted

On the dual carriageway on my coffee run

It was a fantastic area, very green and planted with wild flowers.

Wild flowers and insects

near Croxteth Park

Back at the hotel, I saw a man at reception and, pumped full of emboldening endorphins, I asked if he was Mr Swallow. Now, let me explain. When the receptionist saw me arrive with my harp the night before, we got talking (travelling with a large musical instrument can be an excellent conversation starter) and she said the arranger’s father was staying at the hotel that night too. I’m sure Mr Swallow thought I was either psychic or a stalker, or perhaps both but after his initial surprise, he warmed up as we spoke about his son.

I told a couple of other people why I was in Croxteth. As soon as I mentioned Capaldi, eyes widened and faces creased into smiles. Everyone loves Lewis. A woman on her way to work at a fast food shop offered to help me get my harp into the car. We compared notes on our jobs, hers full time, mine my part time bread and butter work away from the harp. We concurred that shift work can be really challenging but the pay and perks are very good. It was reassuring to share our commonality.

Chilled Festival Vibe

at dusk before the concert

I rarely attend festivals these days. In my teenage years I frequented a lot of Eisteddfodau all around Wales, mainly to go to indie gigs. I have fond memories of camping with my schoolmates and drinking a bit too much before passing out and waking up in a hot sticky sweat inside the pale terracotta tarpaulin. My aspirations to travel the world started at a young age - I had a blue sleeping bag with a map of the world on it. I remember getting cleaned up in the local facilities with a bar of baby soap and a flannel before doing it all again that night. Once, we were allowed to use a trusting parent’s caravan which had an actual loo and a sink. Those were the days. My rock and roll days.

Teepees

in the festival village

The rehearsal went well apart from the occasional gust of wind wreaking havoc with our sheet music. The evening weather was pretty much perfect and I didn’t need the multiple layers, thermals and wellies I’d packed just in case. Finishing at 6, there were 3 hours to kill before showtime just after 9. Time for a quick snooze in my car.

Artistic parking

I soaked my sandals trying to get to a picnic bench for a sit down to conscientiously read through my music before the rehearsal

Walking around the backstage area, I bumped into my hairdresser’s sister Jade who was working at the event. It was good to see non musical familiar faces too. I passed a musician colleague who’d just been for a shower after her run. This wasn’t just any old backstage area. Again, we were catered for and the hospitality was excellent. Being offered hot food and fresh salads and not having to do the dishes was akin to getting an encouraging hearty pre concert hug.

I ventured to the front of field area and didn’t last long. There were hordes of excited audience members, giddy at the prospect of the Lewis Capaldi experience. I went to get changed and started fretting about tuning my harp. I’d been told I only had a tiny window of opportunity to tune and that I should be on standby at 8.40. The DJs were still going strong at that point. The atmosphere was electric. It was amazing to see thousands of people bouncing around to banging tunes without a care in the world. Loud, did you say? The sound roared from humungous speakers and vibrated from the wooden stage up through my body. I’m sure my harp loved it!

I spy

my harp, just about. Do you?

I didn’t really get to tune my harp properly let alone warm up. I went for it anyway. Nobody was there to listen to me specifically, but I was acutely aware that the show was being filmed for later broadcast on radio and TV. The overture opened with exposed harp quavers. No pressure then.

Liverpool mileage

It reads like a poor soundcheck. Lovely temperature. Don’t tell Mam about the dust

Somewhat appropriately, we started with the overture which didn’t have a click track so there was no need for headphones. We segued straight into the first number, Grace, so I reached over for my phones and clamped them on. Words can’t describe the feeling that comes from that collective exclamation of elation when a crowd recognise a band, then a song. Goosebumped again, I let it wash over me like a wave, beaming like a lunatic. I muttered “must remember to keep playing” under my breath, but this is why I do it. It’s times like these that remind me why I genuinely love my job.

Behind the scenes

There’s a lot of people behind those barriers. There’s some DJ’s centre stage getting the crowd going before Lewis revs ‘em up even more

75 minutes flew past in seconds and we came to the last number in our 11 song set, and probably Capaldi’s most familiar song, Someone You Loved. He’s an entertaining captiving performer and not just on a musical level. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand with his witty repartee. They were fully engaged and enjoyed some occasionally sweary banter. He donned some fetching flip up sunglasses. Turns out he’s got quite a collection of extravagant shades that make him look like a Banana Split. Watching the audience, I mused at how radically times have changed. Dotted within the sea of people, I could see small bright lights from mobile phones used to record the concert. In my day, we held lighters up or possibly even candles. I can’t remember.

We had to wait quite a while to leave Croxteth Park as there had been an incident on site. Just for fun, a section of the motorway was closed too. I missed the diversion sign and ended up going back towards Liverpool. I like Lewis Capaldi, but not that much! The free can of pop came in handy here and the bubbles dancing round my mouth gave me the headspace to keep going. Home at last and totally wired, I got to bed after 3am.

This, dear readers, is rock and roll, and I like it.

Croxteth Hall

Looked interesting

Festival flags

all aflutter

A blooming marvellous wedding

A perfect position to play Pachelbel’s Canon in D

surrounded by a few of my favourite things - books and blossom, and my Camac harp of course

I played for Emily and Josh’s gorgeous intimate wedding at Wortley Hall yesterday. I met Emily at a wedding fayre at Wortley Hall last year which she attended with her mum and her sister. A beautiful friendly dark brunette, Emily looked stunning in her amazing dress. She appeared magically at the wooden double doors before walking down the aisle after her bridal party.

I spy

That’s lovely Laurie at the far end. A key member of the Wortley Hall wedding team, there she is, efficiently ensuring everything’s in place before the ceremony

Emily wanted a combination of pop music that’s been featured in films like Twilight and Disney animation, as well as traditional classical music for her civil ceremony. This took place in the lounge, which was ornately decorated with gloriously oriental blossom trees. Her guests entered the room and I played some atmospheric background music as a backdrop for conversations between Emily’s family and friends as they awaited her arrival. The harp is the perfect choice if you want unobtrusive wedding music that’s soothing and uplifting.

For her entrance, Emily chose the timeless classic, Canon in D by Pachelbel. It’s an excellent choice to walk down the aisle as it’s calm and ceremonious, solemn yet rousing.

After the official ceremony came the signing of the register and the photos. It was the perfect opportunity for me to play Emily’s requests, A Thousand Years and Beauty and the Beast. You can listen to clips of all these pieces of music and more by clicking here:

The ceremony drew to a close and I played Allegro Maestoso by Handel for Emily’s exit with Josh. Celebratory and joyful, it’s a great choice as an exit piece. It was also performed at Princess Diana’s wedding so it’s got to be a good tune! It’s a significant moment, the first part of their journey as husband and wife, and choosing an optimistic upbeat piece of music is a good move. They walked out of the lounge directly onto the gardens, which looked like this:

Is it any wonder I love playing here?

The gardens are in full lush technicolour bloom right now. Doesn’t that giant shrub look a bit like a cake?

Beautiful dahlias

in the carefully tended gardens

Hearty artichoke plants

in the well stocked borders

Congratulations to the newly weds - wishing you every happiness for your future together!

To Hull And Back

Humber Bridge - am I the only one who sees harp strings?

It’s been another busy week here at Rhian Evans Harpist HQ. It was great to get away last weekend and be in orchestral harpist mode once again for a couple of days. I made a guest appearance with the Hull Philharmonic, playing the harp part for the hauntingly beautiful and challenging Viola Concerto by William Walton.

Velvet toned violist Tim Ridout took centre stage with authoritative humility. His performance featured some beautifully poignant characterful playing. The sturdy musician-ship of the Hull Phil was ably steered by Andrew Penny and it was an exciting performance. I realised I haven’t performed with orchestra since February and I felt a bit disorientated at first. I gradually allowed myself the spaciousness to absorb the multi-sensory experience of working within an unknown ensemble of musicians in the stately splendour of Hull City Hall. Feeling more relaxed by the second rehearsal, I really could get used to that role again, one I fell in love with at the tender age of 15 when I first played with Clwyd Youth Orchestra. Those were the days!

I had quite a scary moment at the end of the rehearsal when I couldn’t find my car keys despite emptying all my bags and pockets thrice. I dashed down to the security desk where Nick, the super friendly security guard handed them to me with a knowing look. The bench provided wasn’t adjustable so I went to the car to get mine. I was already in harpist mode and, preoccupied by thoughts of music, left my keys in the car door. Lucky me! Hull City centre on a Friday evening isn’t such a bad place after all!

Duck plant

Garden bed-side at Wortley Hall

On Sunday, the wedding fayre I’d been looking forward to didn’t quite go as I’d intended. I’d hoped to meet dozens of clients as excited and enthusiastic about my music as I am. My morning started well, with two sets of clients I met at the most recent Wortley Hall wedding fayre, who had come to finalise their music choices. Other than a little interest for 2020 and 2021, it was a bit of a damp squib despite the glorious weather.

Wisteria hysteria

at Wortley Hall. Artichoke plant in the foreground

People drifted past as I played to my harp’s content, and my music seemed to have little or no effect on them. Perhaps they’re drafting their enquiry emails as I type. Or maybe I need to buy a guitar and take singing lessons. I know from experience these things can take time and I’m optimistic I’ll get a couple of bookings eventually.

Idyllic car park

Wortley Hall just visible through those amazing trees

It was lovely to work with Wedding Fayres Yorkshire again, who ensured proceedings ran smoothly as always. I’m extremely grateful to Paris Tyrell of WFY who, with lightning speed, generously filmed and uploaded a short videoclip of me playing A Thousand Years to Instagram. I then shared it to Facebook so I’m learning slowly but surely. It might eventually make its way to YouTube. It hasn’t gone viral yet but it certainly looks like I’m down with the millennials. Well, as down with them as a 40 something harpist can be.

I’m generally an optimist and I prefer to look at the bright side, but I admit I’m struggling musically at the moment. I have no paid playing work until mid June, a thought that worries me. I’ve sat down and done some rough calculations and as it stands, I’m not breaking even with my harp performance work. I’m afraid I’ve lost a bit of motivation too, possibly due to this. I’m a teeny tiny individual trying to integrate a gigantic competitive hungry industry, and therein lies my problem. I don’t have the business acumen or financial backing necessary to kick start my wedding business in this day and age. This has led to me losing my musical mojo momentarily. I’m not commercially driven in the slightest. I love to play, and trying to build my business has taken me so far away from my playing that I scarcely practice anymore, let alone play for my own pleasure. I haven’t touched the harp since last Sunday, and I don’t like that one bit. I’ve taken on an additional 10 hours of shop work this week to secure June, and having that work is an absolute blessing. It keeps me sane and in the black.

Obsessed with music

Bloody rusty wrought iron treble clef from a recent walk run

One thing I’ve found to be an excellent substitute for performance and sharing my music is exercise. It must be the adrenaline and the endorphin rush that follows. In a similar way to practice, it’s awkward and uncomfortable at first, but after a while I find my rhythm, and there are even moments I enjoy feeling my body jiggling about, my feet slamming the tarmac vigorously. Having been told I don’t have a runner’s physique, I’m honouring the rebel within. I love the freedom, power and independence running offers me. Besides, it’s far healthier than some other options available!

Next week I’m off and if I have time, I’ll be putting my version of an out-of-office sign up here. I’m going AWOL and I can’t wait. I desperately need a change of scene to gain some clarity about my situation and perhaps some inspiration regarding a way forward. So there’ll be no blog post next week as I’m turning off my laptop and letting it gather dust for a few days.

See you again in June, and remember to keep loving live music! And maybe even living love music - think about it…

Wortley Hall skyline

Short and sweet

Unlike many of my blog posts, tonight I’m keeping it brief. It’s a busy fortnight and with a flying visit to Manchester tomorrow and probably another visit to a gallery for inspiration on Sunday, this home loving country lass will have experienced the hustle and bustle of one too many cities this week. I’ve let the train take the strain a couple of times and I’ve enjoyed the more meditative journeys. I’m looking forward to spending more time pottering around the house and getting mucky in my garden as soon as weather permits.

Image by Glix Photography

I had a great day at the Storthes Hall Park wedding experience last Sunday. Playing for three staged ceremonies was a novelty, and it was great to be reminded what a thrill it can be to take part in someone’s special day. As always, the best bit was meeting other suppliers as well as some lovely brides and grooms. I’ve had no bookings as yet and these things can take time. If you were there and you enjoyed my music, remember that the Storthes Hall Park discount is only valid until 5th of May, so get in touch this weekend!

This weekend I’m playing for a private wedding event so that will keep me pleasantly occupied as well as getting me out of the house again. Ever the optimist, I had my Summer tyres put back on today. The exhaust needs some work too, so a return visit has been booked in for next week. Cars are a necessary evil in my line of work. I couldn’t do without mine. One bonus is visiting the garage. I love it there! It’s as old school as you can get and has an enviable location beside the stream in the village. I never mind if I have to wait a short while as they deal with other customers - I’ve seen a dipper busily flitting up and down the water on past visits. I love listening to C&P’s stories and today was no exception. They’ve both just been on holiday and I was deliciously regaled with best bits. We share a distaste for our throwaway culture and the current climate in this country, and we shared an enthusiastic rant about them.

Have I mentioned I’m going on holiday? It’s my first proper holiday in 4 years and I’m well excited. Look at this:

Not quite scorchio

But it will be

All may well be revealed and I can’t wait. I’m sure there’ll be a holiday blog post or two, but I’m not taking this laptop. It’s back to pen and paper, and I will read at least one book while I’m away.

On Tuesday I met my sister in Leeds for dinner. She was in North Yorkshire for a conference and it was the ideal opportunity for a short sweet catch up. We met at the fabulous Tetley in the quiet heart of Leeds.

Boules!

Salem in the background

I’m looking forward to going back there, perhaps for a wedding. I’d love that! There’s a sense of playfulness about the Tetley that’s quite intoxicating, and the art deco interior reminds me of atmospheric old movies.

Next Sunday is the eagerly anticipated Spring Wedding Fayre at Wortley Hall. It’s organised by those lovely people at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire this time, and I can’t wait to play at one of my favourite venues. Will the ducks be around I wonder? Also next weekend, I have the first orchestral work I’ve done in quite a while, so I’m busy practicing and learning the score. It’ll be a lovely gig and I do miss orchestral playing. I’m sure I’ll take to it again like a dipper to water! I’ve been learning some new wedding repertoire and I’ll be recording excerpts to share on my Soundcloud channel next week. Have you subscribed yet? Please do, I’d really appreciate your support. Here’s the link:

Dear readers, I wish you a fun-tastic sun-tastic Bank Holiday weekend!

The road

Photo Blog Post - Comic Relief

I’ve run out of written words this week so I thought I’d somewhat appropriately do a photo blog post for a change. It gives me the opportunity to shout about another one of my local heroes, photographer John Steel. I’ve known John since 2015. We met when I was playing at a wedding fayre in the village, and we’ve collaborated on several projects since. Working with giant John is always a pleasure. His photos are vivacious with a generous dash of fun and he captures rare moments, emotions and personalities. His style is unique, imaginative and artistic - if you like pretty posed portraits, then he’s probably not for you. If you like poetic, poignant, memorable (I ran out of p-words) images, he’s your man. Think brides jumping out of windows, newlyweds bouncing around on space hoppers, men sipping tea up a hill, and even a harpist with her harp on a boggy moor, and you’re there. Despite his stature, he’s discreet and professional, and he offers a personalised service to suit your requirements. Talk to him about skateboards and offer him a brew (milk, no sugar) and you’ll make him a very happy man. His creative work is fabulous and you can check it out by clicking on these buttons:

I asked John if he’d take a few photos of the goings on at Sainsbury’s on Red Nose Day and he was willing to help out. Let me know what you think of the results:

Manager Gina

Using her mobile as a microphone, and Grant from Wedding Fayres Yorkshire making a live video recording of the incredible pie eating contest

Pie face

Manager Ryan

Those lovely Sainsbury’s Local ladies

With an unsuspecting customer

Bizarre and slightly surreal

You don’t see this kind of action every day at your local shop

Just one more wafer thin squirt of cream…

Selling scratch cards for a good cause

Well aisle be

Sainsbury’s Local Holmfirth sure know how to give a warm welcome

The final tot up in my fundraising box was £107!

Thanks to everyone who came to support. You’re the stars!!

Over the Bridge - Camac Harp Weekend, Cardiff

“Attending a music event can be a breath of fresh air and can provide inspiration in so many ways. Read on to find out what I got up to in Cardiff last weekend”

Oval Sculpture (Delos)

Barbara Hepworth, 1955

Last Saturday lunchtime I drove across the Severn Bridge for the first time. When I drive to Cardiff, I usually take the inner more “scenic” route (name a route in Wales that isn’t picturesque) but for some reason, this time I stayed on the motorway. The bridge’s sprawling telescopic steel limbs funnelled me into Wales like a minuscule spider scuttling home. Whooping as I drove excitedly over the monumental bridge, I gained the momentum I needed to keep going for the remaining hour of my journey. Cardiff’s a fair old drive from West Yorkshire.

I got lost here half an hour from home

In my defence, I’d taken an alternative route to get to the motorway to avoid a traffic jam, soon after having my car door slam on my shin, driven by strong winds. I heard a crack. I swear that cursing profusely for 5 minutes definitely eased my pain

The main reason for my trip was to get my harp serviced by those fantastic Camac technicians. Wrench wielding recent recruits Guillaume and Louis did themselves proud and my harp sounds great. Thanks guys! The after sales service Camac Harps provide is just brilliant and I know my harp is in the best hands.

I received a customary warm welcome from lovely Elen of Vining Harps, who were organising the harp weekend. Apart from having my harp seen to, I was very excited about the recital to be given by Isabelle Moretti that evening in the Impressionists Gallery at the National Museum of Wales. That all sounds a bit heavyweight doesn't it? And yes, it was, but effortlessly so. I felt like a VIP, granted permission to the museum after hours. My heart started racing walking past Rodin’s bronzes and, would you believe, some works by Yorkshire lass, Barbara Hepworth. You can take the girl out of Yorkshire… The intimate room was full to capacity and I couldn’t quite register how I was to be treated to such a sumptuous feast for my eyes and ears. I let it all wash over me like an exquisite wave, sweeping away the staleness from my business and my scant unenthusiastic solo practice.

The Clouds

Auguste Rodin

I’ve heard Isabelle perform many times and I can genuinely say I’ve never heard her play better. She performed with character and charisma, grace and elegance, and I forgot about my life for a couple of hours. I was whisked away to another universe, where music and emotion dominated. I can still hear her opening piece, the Sonatine by Marcel Tournier, played with an extraordinary palette of colours. Tears welled up as my soul was soothed. One minute my ear was drawn to the definition given to a phrase by her left hand, the next it zoomed in on her right hand, deftly negotiating a jump with élan and sparkle. To call her playing perfect is false. Isabelle’s playing is beyond that. When I listen to her, I don’t hear a harpist. I hear a musician, an artist, a human being, and I have no questions.

The best photo I got

of Isabelle’s spectacular Canopée harp with Monet’s work. The door looks nice doesn’t it?

In the first half of her meaty programme, she played famous pieces from the harp repertoire with a freshness that made me believe she hadn’t played them countless times in public over the years. After the intermission, we moved from Monet’s hazy impressionistic mood to Spain. The smooth transition came in the form of her own intricate arrangement of La Soirée dans Grenade by Debussy. After a marathon programme, her finale by De Falla from his opera La Vida Breve catapulted me straight back into the pit. The orchestral sounds flowed organically from her fingers. I could hear flamenco guitars and imagine swarthy bronzed hombres arrogantly blowing cigarette smoke in the faces of their sultry señoritas, their heels click-clacking noisily in a hot airless tapas bar.

Unlike my vivid imagination, there was no excess, no indulgence in Isabelle’s performance, one that will stay with me for a very long time.

What Isabelle played, by heart

Walking into the museum, I bumped into Ceri Wynne Jones who I hadn’t seen for years, possibly not since a Gregynog harp course. Remember those? It was great to catch up with her and compare stories from our freelancing endeavours. There was a post concert reception at the intimate Kooywood Gallery. Even more art! Wine was flowing freely. This was one of the first social events I’ve been to since I stopped drinking a year and 3 months ago. Despite feelings of inadequacy and shyness, I think I managed alright. I wasn’t a butterfly and neither was I a wallflower. I left with a clear head filled with notes and no anxiety about how I was going to get back to the hotel. It was reassuring not to feel a looming sense of dread in anticipation of the morning after.

Victor Hugo

Auguste Rodin

There’s never enough time to fit everything in at this type of event. I heard promising sounds from Claire Jones and her ensembles rehearsing and doing their sound checks, but I had to head back up North before the closing concert. And yes. I went over the bridge again with the exact same excitement. You can take the girl out of Yorkshire…

Hands on

Shoes off - a masterclass with Isabelle Moretti. It was, for me, a reminder of the importance of the rhythmic feeling within the bar

Colour full

Rhi-sabelle!

“See you next time for a blog post about Comic Relief!”

Camac Harps

Passion à la Française!

I have recently rediscovered the video clip below and it reminded me why I chose Camac.  Which other harp makers would have the imagination, creativity and vision to take two prestigious instruments into the jungle?!!  Their website is pretty impressive too: https://www.camac-harps.com/en/

They are my favourite harp makers.  They are fervently passionate about what they do and they're lovely, warm, professional people.  As well as their innovation in producing outstanding harps and pushing the boundaries of harp making, they are so supportive and they care about their harpists - their after sales service is second to none!  One of the many things I love about their harps is that each one has a personality, it's own unique voice, and when I found my harp, I knew immediately - it was love at first pluck!

Me with Camac's lovely knowledgeable head technician Enric after my recent harp service - happy harp = happy harpist!