RHIAN EVANS - HARPIST
listen to my harpbeat
Storthes Hall Park - The Venue
It’s been a busy old week here at Rhian Evans Harpist Headquarters, what with a full day teaching yesterday followed by a flying visit to the vet (she’s been off her food - after what was clearly a hideously painful hiss-worthy steroid shot, and then a traumatic nauseating car journey, she’s back to her playful vocal kittenish self today) before a big works do last night.
Happy Llwyd
Happy harpist
Today I’m resting up and practicing, as well as working my regular Saturday evening shift, before a busy day at an exciting new-to-me venue, Storthes Hall Park in Huddersfield. Click on the link below to register and find out more about tomorrow’s event:
I look forward to seeing you there if you’re in the area. Why not come along and listen to my harpbeat?
Image by John Steel Photography at Wortley Hall
Wedding Wednesday means Wedding Fayres
Here’s a reminder of the wedding fayres and events I have coming up. Attending one of these events is one of the best ways to meet me and find out more about having emotional live harp music on your wedding day. I add events to the list all the time so keep checking this website and my social media. You can find the links at the bottom of the homepage of this website.
Sunday 31st March, 10-5 - Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Huddersfield, Spring Wedding Fayre
Sunday 28th April, 11-3, Storthes Hall Park - The Venue, Huddersfield
Sunday 12th May, 11am, Wortley Hall, Sheffield (Wedding Fayres Yorkshire)
If you’d like me to come and play at your promotional event, do get in touch, and if you’re thinking of having a harpist playing at your wedding, click on the contact page and drop me a line - I can’t wait to hear from you!
Moaning Minnie Designs
Moaning Minnie
Modelling one of her scorching hot herringbone tweed neckscarves
There are times when I really want to shout about people I meet. Moaning Minnie, AKA Julie Taylor, is one of these people. I met her when I was working on the tills at Sainsbury’s one evening and we got talking about weddings. Her pink Docs and funky individual dress sense meant she stood out immediately. I love pink. Then there’s her warm sparkling smile and her contagious laughter. She really is a ray of sunshine. We started chatting a bit more over the weeks since I started working at Sainsbury’s Local in Holmfirth, and she totally brightens my day whenever she pops in for supplies. She’s got a wry dry sense of humour. Julie rocks.
When she told me her company name, I checked her out on social media and caught a glimpse of her working world. It was like discovering a textile wonderland. Her intricate creations stand out and really took me by surprise. I’ve never seen anything like them and I play at quite a few wedding fayres. Her work is a flat-capped nod to her local roots. She crafts her goods from the finest Yorkshire tweed that’s super soft to the touch (I know, I’ve felt her coat!) in stunning unexpected colours. Not only does she bring beautiful designs to life for weddings. I’ve just seen she does bow ties for dogs! Any pussy bows in the pipeline Julie?
Another thing that makes Julie memorable is her company name. She doesn’t moan though - she does great banter with a playful twinkle in her eye.
I love supporting local smaller businesses and I shop locally as much as I can. There are some amazing inspiring creative people out there working from cosy workshops and offices in their own homes.
If you want to know more about Moaning Minnie Designs, click the buttons below:
Wortley Hall Wedding Showcase
“Playing at promotional events is key to the success of any freelance musician. Read on to find out about my latest experience at Wortley Hall near Sheffield”
Chandelier
My harp beneath
I was invited to play for the Wortley Hall wedding showcase last Thursday evening. My relationship with this warm soulful place goes back quite a few years by now and I jump at any chance to play there. The staff are brilliant! They’re helpful and friendly in an unforced natural way and they go to great lengths to ensure that each wedding runs smoothly.
My excitement escalates when I approach the quietly spectacular structure of weathered golden stone. Pulling up outside the main building, the views over the grounds and the adjacent sprawling countryside are breathtaking. This truly is a fine example of Yorkshire at its best.
My heart leapt when I spotted my welcoming committee in the dappled shade of the yew trees:
Walking my harp through the hotel’s Ruddy Duck restaurant, I spied a pair of brass duck head bookends. Wortley Hall is a sanctuary for these feathered friends. They in turn lend an element of playfulness to their stately home.
If you read last week’s blog post, you might have detected a hint of ennui at the whole rigmarole of much of the wedding fayre business. Not so at Wortley Hall. I consistently get bookings from playing at their fayres. The harp is definitely right at home here.
I’ve played for lots of ceremonies in this unique hotel, and live harp music always goes down a treat, whether it’s for the civil ceremony and drinks reception, or the wedding breakfast afterwards in the glorious wooden splendour of the Foundry Dining Room with its ornate ceiling and gigantic chandelier. There’s a relaxed homely grandeur about Wortley Hall which I love. At the most recent Fayre in January, I had a quick look at the refurbished rooms upstairs in the heavens. They’re like little romantic nests tucked away in the antiquated eaves. Wortley Hall is the perfect place for a secret escape from it all.
Just like that - the atmospheric splendour of the Foundry Dining Room
The atmosphere at the wedding evening was peaceful and intimate. There was none of the hustle and bustle of dozens of suppliers promoting their wares to customers hungry to discover the latest wedding trends. I was one of only three suppliers. The others were Keith Woods Entertainment, who provided the floral arrangements, transforming the ceremony room into an exotic garden of paradise with the bountifully laden boughs of their blossom trees. Creative photographer Eternal Photography was the man behind the lens, or rather beside his photos. He definitely takes better photos than I do, but hopefully you get a feel for this beautiful location from my snaps.
For this event, I decided to take a slightly different approach from what I usually do at commercial fayres. I played what I wanted to play. A risky strategy? Maybe, but if I’m enjoying myself, there’s more chance my audience will enjoy themselves too. Don’t get me wrong! I love my wedding harp repertoire and I could play Mendelssohn and Wagner for a Thousand Years, or at least ‘til the ducks come home, but I was in the mood for something different that evening. And so were my audience from the feedback I got. Doing it my way could be the way forward…
Atmospheric
The gardens at dusk
Night time statue
“I’ll be recording some short sound clips (and maybe more) from March onwards. Keep checking in to listen to my harp beat!”
FAYRE ENOUGH
You cannot be serious!
Last night/this morning, I’ve had about 3 hours sleep. I’m in the throes of a creative phase and I have a billion ideas burgeoning busily and noisily in my head. I’ve had quite a frustrating time trying to get involved in more and more wedding fayres so that I can meet all you lovely brides and grooms who would like to book my wedding services but can’t find me for one reason or another. I’ve pushed beyond my comfort zone and contacted and reconnected with local venues within West Yorkshire without success. Despite several efforts I’m greeted with the reply that makes my heart sink - “We’ve already got a musician”, or a hefty charge in excess of £200 to go and work at a fayre. Anyone who knows me will know I’m not work shy and I’m happy to invest in something that will reap rewards, but after enquiring on a forum for harpists and, most importantly, within myself, wedding fayres these days aren’t the viable investment they used to be for harpists. The return simply isn’t high enough. There’s always someone who will do the work for less money in what is a niche market, relatively speaking. Understandably, everyone wants a bite of the apple. When you book me, you do get a highly personalised professional service. I have skill, experience, knowledge and expertise (I trained intensively for 11 years) - it isn’t just me rocking up with my harp and playing your favourite music. Most importantly, I genuinely care and I love my job!
I’ve experienced a fair (!) bit of interest at fayres but unless I take a deposit on the day, there’s only a small percentage of clients who actually pursue their initial enquiry to eventually end up booking. It would seem that the way forward is focusing on developing my online presence. A search engine ad? A social media advertising boost? Signing up with agencies? A sleek slick shiny brochure for clients to take home and show their nearest and dearest? New publicity photos and videos? Which one of these risky time consuming costly endeavours should I choose? If there’s something you would like more of, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - all suggestions welcomed! And if you know someone who would benefit from me playing at an event, do pass on my details!
I think my plan of action will become clear as I move through my year, and seeing as I’m quite an old fashioned girl at heart, word of mouth will play a major role. For now I’m focusing my energy on doing my new part time job. Did I tell you I’ve got a job? I started in January and it’s been one of the toughest learning curves of my life but I really am loving the stability and security it offers me and I can only see positives. It definitely beats almost falling asleep on the motorway round midnight after 2 or 3 days of orchestral work. The reality is that, financially, I’m probably better off doing my part time job. Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying no to orchestral playing, which I miss very very much, but I haven’t found a way for it work for me yet this season. My focus now is on developing my presence locally. That and getting a few hours practice in. This week, I’ve managed a deliciously giddy hour. I thrive on four hours a day which is unrealistic nowadays, but I’m very optimistic there’ll be a quieter week in the near future when I get on top of learning and digesting so much new information.
“What’s your new job Rhian?” I hear you all ask? Check in during the next month to find out more. There are some exciting events coming up which I would never have imagined and which I can’t wait to share with you…
Behind the scenes - getting creative. All images - John Steel Photography. With heartfelt thanks to Wortley Hall for their generous support in allowing me use of their spectacular hotel
The Fun of the Fayres
Rhian Evans Harpist having fun. Image courtesy of John Steel Photography
The atmospheric ceremony room at the Manor House
I’ve had great fun playing at three separate wedding fayres recently and I’ve met some really lovely people. The first fayre was at the Manor House in Lindley, a beautiful bijou boutique hotel on the outskirts of Huddersfield. It was extremely well attended and I was provided a prime position in the ceremony room so that potential clients could see the impact the harp could have as they walked through the main doors and so they could visualise their ceremony. I was really pleased that the level of interest was very good. Wedding fayres can be tough, tiring and unrewarding if there’s no engagement and this hasn’t been the case at all in either of the fayres I’ve exhibited at so far this year. My music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and the services I offer could be considered niche, but I know there’s a demand for wedding harp music and 2020 is already looking healthy. It’s a question of finding my clients, and my clients finding me.
The Foundry Dining Room at Wortley Hall
It can take months for clients to contact me again as they sort all the other wedding details out. Occasionally, I can get bookings on the day. This was the case at the last fayre I did at my beloved Wortley Hall. I just can’t get enough of that venue. There was a warm relaxed atmosphere and I was in a great position next to two other gorgeous suppliers who made it a fun fayre. Check out Lara Croft Photography and Posh Petals Flower Preservation. I took advantage of the mid afternoon lull and went for a stroll upstairs. The rooms are lovely and there’s just such a gorgeous feel to the place. If I got married, I would do it there. Except I probably wouldn’t as I wouldn’t want any fuss, so it would have to be Vegas (I’d settle for somewhere nearer too) with a small ice cream party and a virgin Bloody Mary to celebrate the tying of the proverbial knot. This is my blog and I’m allowed to be as imaginative as I like! I met a gorgeous quirky couple who found each other online. They’ve thrown down the gauntlet with a weird and wonderful request for their exit music. Game on!
I would like to clarify that I’m unbiased. I love all the venues I work at! It’s a question of finding a venue that ticks your boxes and you’ve usually done that way before you meet me anyway. Live music is so important though. I felt a bit intimidated when I found out the Manor House had an Ibiza saxophonist exhibiting. She had wonderful exotic publicity photos and some amazing video clips. She’s called Ellie Sax and she’s a really lovely girl. She does what she does brilliantly with such enthusiasm. I have no idea how she can coordinate playing, dancing and maintaining such a genuinely radiant smile all at the same time. I’ve tried (not the dancing obviously) and it isn’t a look that works for the wedding service I offer. She’s also a DJ! Between us we agreed on how we could make our music work within adjacent rooms. When she blasts that sax, boy is it memorable! I asked her if she spends much time in Ibiza, and she goes there regularly. Ibiza harpist anyone? In any case, I had nothing to worry about as we both provide totally different services within the same sector of the industry. It was interesting to discover that we trained at the same establishment, the RNCM in Manchester.
Never far from a chandelier (and a dance floor) if I can help it
The other fayre I played at was Bertie’s, another local venue between Huddersfield and Halifax. It was meticulously organised by those lovely people at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire. I’ve played at a couple of weddings and a private function here and it’s another great venue. It was fairly quiet (Football? Weather?) but I had some interesting conversations with couples, some of whom were researching suppliers for their weddings in 2020 and even 2021. I like that level of preparation! I met a lovely Irish lady and her fiancé. She was quite overwhelmed when she heard my music. I think it touched something inside her and she started crying when I played a particular piece of music. I don’t like making people cry but these were good tears. I’m reassured when my playing moves people because it means I’m doing my job, that I’ve played music that resonates for them. At each fayre, I made one woman cry. That emotion is what it’s all about and it’s what keeps me doing what I do. I get a buzz when my music touches someone and I really don’t think that’s something that can happen by watching a video or listening to sound clips. It has to be a live experience. It must be visceral, otherwise the impact isn’t the same.
My stand in the Foundry Dining Room at Wortley Hall
If you’re thinking about having harp music at your wedding, please do follow my Facebook and Instagram pages (you can find links on my homepage) to keep informed about the fayres I‘m playing at, and come and say Hello and find out more about what I can offer you on your wedding day. Oh, and do ask me about your favourite music - you never know…!
Wortley Hall
Idyllic
Well stocked gardens
What's the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Wortley Hall? The spectacular gardens of course. Tucked away in the picturesque sleepy village of Wortley about halfway between Huddersfield and Sheffield, you may already be aware that it's one of my favourite workplaces in Yorkshire. Weddings are satisfyingly hard work and this venue makes them a joy. My only complaint is that I never have enough time to explore the Hall and its grounds to their quietly spectacular sprawling extent.
Artichokes!
In the foreground. Nude statue in the fountain to the left
My first experience of Wortley Hall was around eight years ago when I was invited to play at the wedding of my former next door neighbours' granddaughter. I think it might even have been my first time playing at a wedding this side of the Pennines. I wasn't disappointed, and having been based in Manchester and in North Wales before that, my wedding clientele were primarily Cheshire folk and city centre dwellers and had clearly seen and heard a few harpists. More often than not, there was no sense of novelty or specialness when I made my guest appearance with my harp. At Wortley Hall I found the complete opposite. The staff were warm, relaxed and friendly, and generous in their welcome, and I got excited at any inquiry that involved my new secret discovery.
Congratulations
The fabulous dining room, beautifully bedecked for a wedding
I remember playing for a wedding years ago just after my return from South Africa at a very grand residence on the outskirts of my home town Denbigh. Having been asked to meet the homeowners, the bride's parents, prior to the wedding to discuss arrangements (with hindsight maybe also to see if I was the type of harpist that would nick their family heirlooms), I remember my sense of excitement at working locally and at such an exclusive venue draining gradually throughout the day. The first thing the bride, a beautifully haughty expensively bronzed brunette, asked me to do was move the heavy water-filled plastic base of the cheap tatty parasol they deemed to provide me. I felt the upwards surge of my indignation as I lugged this ridiculous object along the gravel outside their luxury abode. I felt embarrased for them that their budget didn't stretch to something more chicly adequate than this pathetic umbrella with its garish 1970's design that would barely provide enough shade for me let alone my harp in the midday sun on a hot July day. I also felt embarrassed that the bride would ask me to drag a heavy weight that left a trench-like trail through the stone chippings just as I was about to a play a long set of music. I should have told her to do it herself in her exquisite designer dress. Needless to say, I ended up playing in the hot and sticky open fronted marquee. If I'd played under that parasol I'd have been sunburnt within half an hour never mind the sun damage to my harp. To this day I don't play outside at weddings, although marquees are ok. It just doesn't work in this unpredictable climate even if I had the inclination to have one of those big fancy iPads, which I don't, and somebody to put all my music on it. Anyway, I digress. It was a memorable day for all the wrong reasons. I even got road raged as I desperately tried to leave their posh property - they had altered the access to accommodate their guests' swish and swanky convoy of prestige cars and SUVs in their extensive grounds.
Welcome
Historic Yorkshire architecture
Not so at Wortley Hall! After I arrive and set up, I'm always offered a hot drink even though I usually bring my own. None of this silver platter nonsense, it's a mug from the kitchen and I love that. I'm treated as an equal. Time flies past way too quickly and I often feel a pang of guilt when my five minute break stretches to eight as I get engrossed in my thoughts either sitting outside on the peaceful patio as my guests enjoy their dinner or, weather depending, tucked away in one of the quiet boardrooms with their bountiful bookshelves. When I'm not distracted by those blissful views, the ample reading material or the last resort of my mobile phone, I get lost in my inner conversations and find myself musing that if I ever got married, it would be here, except that it will be in Las Vegas or some quiet registry office with my cat as my witness! Boy, she'd love it here. Maybe I could go on honeymoon to one of their lovely looking holiday cottages? Or a couple of nights' stay in one of their cosy looking rooms? The beds look enticing as I walk past the open doors of the rooms being prepared for the next lucky guests. Then there's the ducks which have quite rightly set up residence at this perfect pick location. They're more often than not my quirky quacking welcoming committee and it doesn't feel quite right if I don't see them during my visit which always feels too brief, even after the longest wedding. The aromas emanating enticingly as I wheel my harp through the thoughtfully named Ruddy Duck restaurant get me salivating and planning a trip for Sunday lunch. Their Yorkshires look like flying saucers.
Hidden
Peaceful corners
I often wonder with some relief why this hidden gem isn't heaving with guests. Maybe its comfortingly retro vibe with the disappointingly reassuring wood chip wallpaper amongst a host of intriguing vintage features hasn't elevated it to the five star status it deserves and hopefully doesn't get. Don't get me wrong. It makes me think of a wonderful curry house I frequented in Manchester which had similar decor. When it underwent its stark slick neon facelift I swear the food tasted different, as though its warm flavour and convivial soul had been sucked out of it. When I imagine the maintenance and upkeep of this place, my eyes water. How do they do it? The ceiling in the exceptionally beautiful dining room must take a fortune for it to retain its intricate original stained glass glory along with its characterful painted flora and fauna. The heating bill in the cooler months must be eye watering too as all the windows are original sash, thank goodness. I can't imagine it has many ghosts as there is always a good energy there and a healthy feeling of history which makes me feel a bit nostalgic whenever I leave.
Breathtaking
Far reaching views
Love seat
with just a bit of a view
Glorious
Shadow and light
Sunday to Friday - Catching Up With Myself
Mess
Can one burgle oneself?
I realised this morning I wasn't feeling quite right. I haven't written for a while and my thoughts felt a bit blocked up - I'm back! The weekend was full on in a good way and Monday was a bit of a rollercoaster. Sat in my sunny yard yesterday evening in contemplative contentment with Llwyd and a cup of tea, I felt at last I was "getting there". I often think busyness is a way of avoiding something. I also felt I had a lot to sort out in my house, my head and my heart before moving on in this transition phase in my life. I looked at the chaos around me, reflecting the events of the last month and felt I'd scarcely had a moment to just let my thoughts come and go apart from my routine of meditation, Pilates and pool activities. I started to reenact some of the experiences I'd had.
That's shoe business
Exploring new looks for wedding fairs, silky (silly?) happy trousers and fishnet pop socks - why not?
I had a great time at the fair organised by Wedding Fayres Yorkshire at the Holiday Inn Garforth. It was lovely to meet another two members of their like-minded genuine caring team and I was so well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble and I'm really looking forward to working with them again at some fairs after Summer. I had some interest from a bride having a church ceremony next year - I do hope she books as I love playing in church. I got chatting with a lovely guest at the hotel who said he was going to make me famous! He was over from Australia looking for his long lost brother, and having recently celebrated his 80th birthday and 57 years of marriage, he had some fascinating tales. His health concerns gave an urgency to his quest, as did his 48 hour deadline for finding his brother before his return down under. If you're reading this David, do let me know! I got talking with a mature couple who had been married 55 years and clearly still had that cheeky spark, gorgeous to witness that and it renewed my faith. I dedicated a new tune I wanted to try out to them. They were never going to book me and it didn't matter! It was great to be out playing and sharing my music.
Concierge - "Where've you been?"
My welcoming committee as I got back - she climbs in the car window and makes herself at home. I would take her with me to work but she gets car sick after 10 minutes
I am becoming something of an iron maiden with my current four hour sleep quota, and Monday morning was no exception ahead of our debut trio performance at Leeds University. The concert was our flutist Jo's final recital and I was unpleasantly surprised at my gut reaction on seeing two examiners sat behind their desk. It's been a while since I felt this kind of scrutiny but it soon passed as I remembered I wasn't the one under the microscope. I felt slightly unsettled all morning and throughout the performance. It was freezing in there and my hands just refused to warm up. Due to time constraints we hadn't actually performed the programme in public in its entirety and could scarcely get through it in our last two rehearsals without needing to stop and analyse and tweak, especially in Debussy's monumentally complex Sonata. Jo's husband David had lovingly and laboriously made an interesting arrangement of the viola part for bassoon and I admit I found it hard to get used to hearing the string element played on another wind instrument. I'm still digesting the experience and watching the online streaming will help. Anyway, Jo did herself proud and she seemed pleased and that's the main thing. It was a tiring and challenging programme and I haven't played chamber music for quite a while. We have to start somewhere. We could have played for some concert organisers but we wouldn't even have received travelling expenses. Chamber music is an indulgent luxury that very sadly doesn't pay the mortgage. We have another performance in October and I'm looking forward to assessing our project with a different audience in a less formal setting and with the addition of a piece written originally for our instrumental combination.
Thank you
Even more stunning flowers for playing - lucky me!
Peony
My beautifully perfumed gentle giant
After my sculptural jolly on Tuesday, I got to grips with my jungle-like garden and realised with mild horror when I walked into my pungent sweaty shed that I'd forgotten to take the entire contents of my garden to the tip from my last horticultural cull about 10 days ago. Whoops! Zooming round my lawn, I took in the annual display of peony show-offs while they brazenly flaunted their unruly pastel peony heads and wafted their delicately alluring perfume. I really think they're my favourite flowers. The bees were having their wicked way with my geraniums and I felt slightly holier than thou as I left the blessed dandelions well alone. After having my tree pruned last year, I felt some excitement as I spotted the promising nubbly nuggets of fruit on high - what tree will it be? The sense of satisfaction I felt at 8pm when I completed the task I'd set myself as I sat on my back step absorbing the swift screeches brought that sense of peace I was craving. I love a bit of gardening although getting that job done took me nearer the mounting pile of tedious admin I'd been finding every excuse to avoid.
Bee Friendly
Simple geraniums
Aquafit was AMAZING yesterday afternoon! I went at the unusual time of 2pm and impatiently joined my pool sisters and brother as we queued with eager anticipation to get in while the other class finished. There was something about the class yesterday. I chatted with two ladies, one of whom had recently had her second hip replacement and was pain free, I reckon down to Aquafit. I wish I could get Mum to overcome her dislike of water. I've seen women leave their canes along with their towels and shampoo bottles and their bodies take on new life as they're supported by the gentle waves and their joints are anointed. I vigorously punch kicked the water to the left then the right to the strains of Jamiroquai (this is Holmfirth) and 1-2-3 shook my body down as we revelled in the physical expression. I was glad I'd been to the loo before diving in as I attempted to sink the float I was ordered to sit on, and cackled along with my poolmates as we exchanged looks of bemused frustration as the floats disobediently popped up. The reflection of the sun's rays on the water through the obscured glass completed my spiritual sporting experience. The pleasantly painful stiffness in the lower half of my body and shoulders this morning is an indication that it's a damn fine workout. My posture is infinitely better and I'm developing a core with my four and a half pack.
As I sit here in my attic I'm feeling reassured that my energy and focus is shifting back to the harp and music again. I can't wait to uncover my harp and reveal its vibrant wooden beauty once I've addressed this morning's chores and I'm looking forward to my online quest for new dots on the list I've been keeping since the end of last year. Watch this space...
Goo
Spot the umlaut from my post busyness treat - surely that should read moüsse? It was intense but I could have taken more intensity
Sweet!
Another moment of weakness
Irresistible
Marketing win, how could I say no?
Choosing Your Wedding Music
Image courtesy of Sarah Brabbin captured at Huddersfield Town Hall
I really love playing for weddings and it's a privilege to be closely involved in your special day. Music is such a vital part of any celebration and especially the celebration of a loving partnership. Over the years I have played at countless weddings and ceremonies and I know first hand the powerful impact the right piece of music can have. My challenge is finding out which piece of music this is and then adapting it to make it sound great on the harp. I find that to do this well and to give my own unique spin on a well known piece of music can take a while - from first listening to it to downloading a printed version online which inevitably mostly gets scribbled out as it's a piano arrangement, to making the piece my own. This means that brides and grooms get their very own version of the piece which has so much significance for them. This could be the first song you danced together to, or a song that was popular at the time you met. I recently met a couple at a wedding event who liked my playing and my music and they want a reggae classic for the bride's entrance music. Intrigued, I asked if they could send me a link to the song to see if I could make it work. Having listened to it I'm pretty sure I can and I feel quite excited about it. With great lyrics it's a lovely loving tribute from bride to groom and most importantly I think it will sound gorgeous on the harp!
With thanks to technology and the internet now, most things are possible. I played for a civil ceremony in March and the bride was due to come and hear her request at a wedding event. I was disappointed to find out at the last minute that the venue had decided to have a pianist instead without letting me know, which put me in a slightly awkward position with this bride-to-be who had planned to come and hear me play. I got my thinking cap on and arranged a video call with her. To my delight and relief she was pleased with the end results!
It's worth bearing in mind that not everything works well on the harp and I'm happy to guide you in your choice of music.
If you're thinking of having live harp music at your wedding, here is what I can offer:
Civil Ceremony - I am ready 30 minutes before your ceremony and I play soothing background music from my repertoire list while guests await your arrival. One of the key moments musically is your entrance. It's important to get this one right so have a good think about this. You may have a specific piece of music in mind or you may need some ideas - either way I can help you choose the right piece for the mood you want to portray. I then play for the signing of the register and the photos, and finally a piece of your choice for your exit together. Registrars and venue staff are always delighted when you have Iive professional musicians - it takes the pressure off them having to press that button and it ensures the smooth running of your ceremony.
Drinks Reception (1 hour) - After your ceremony I can provide background music for you and your guests as you all enjoy yourselves and have your photos taken. Please note that due to the unpredictable British weather, I don't play outside. Some harpists do, I don't.
Wedding Breakfast - having live music can make a world of difference to the atmosphere while you have your meal, and again I can play from my broad selection of tried and tested pieces.
Other options -
Church Ceremony - I love playing in the sacred and slightly more solemn setting of a church. I set up well in advance of your ceremony time and I can play while your guests congregate. A bridal march is appropriate and I have also played other requests in church. I can play the hymns depending on whether you have an organist - usually they do play the hymns and it goes with the setting and tends to rouse more singing! I can play suitable background music while you sign the register and have your photos taken. I can also play your exit music, or again you could have the organist play. It all comes down to your personal preference.
(I can offer a combination of the above, although I don't do more than 2 elements, so for example Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast is fine but I wouldn't play for your Ceremony, Drinks and Wedding Breakfast - you can have too much of a good thing in my opinion!)
The Money Question! My fees start from £250. If you think this sounds like a lot, I hope you'll bear in mind the basic running and development costs of my business - website construction, hosting and updating, publicity photos and promotional materials, transport costs, harp strings, insurance and maintenance, buying sheet music, appropriate clothing and footwear, practice and training time, the dreaded tax bill, the list goes on... These all contribute in providing you with best wedding music experience I can possibly offer.
Of course, the easiest way to find out more about your choice of wedding music is by attending a wedding fayre or event and I do as many of these as I can. I have lots of wedding standards in the Listen and Watch section on my website and I update these as often as possible. I also have a Facebook business page - Rhian Evans Harpist - this is where you will find the most up to date information about any wedding fayres and events at which I'm performing. You can also get in touch by using the link to my Contact page above. And if you see me looking quite intense and focused as I play at an event, do hang around to have a chat - I occasionally come up for air and I'm much friendlier than I look when I play!
Huddersfield Town Hall Wedding Evening
I'm quite excited about playing at the Huddersfield Town Hall wedding evening. The event was supposed to take place in March but unfortunately snow stopped play, so I was delighted to get an email from the organiser last week confirming the event is going ahead. I love Huddersfield Town Hall - it looks fantastic when it's done out for weddings and it feels quite special to be playing at this stunning historic local venue. I have quite a history with it having performed at many concerts and recordings there over the years.
One of the stunning rooms at Huddersfield Town Hall
So if you're in town tomorrow evening and you'd like a chat about harp music for your event, come in and say hello!
Weddings, Fairs and Background Music
Performing at a wedding earlier this year
I love performing at weddings and I feel lucky to be part of a very special day in a couple's lives. I get to contribute in a way that can be quite visceral, that's what music can do, stop you in your tracks, take you back to a magical time and bring a tear to your eye, and make your heart beat that little bit faster.
I do as many wedding fairs as I can - I have almost always been told how delighted clients are to have found me (the joys of the internet...). Wedding fairs are hard graft - it is a full day's work and an important one in finding new clients. I admit I find them challenging as I have to play, talk to people and have the occasional break! It's quite a balancing act with 47 strings and 7 pedals to manage!
I used to get quite low at fairs especially when future brides and grooms walked straight past me and my beautiful harp, and I know that what I offer won't appeal to everyone. My strategy now is to enjoy my playing and anyone who is serious about my services will linger until I notice them as I'm so busy concentrating (that frown doesn't mean I'm grumpy!), or contact me after picking up a business card.
I am committed to improving my web presence during the coming months, and you probably won't find me on agency websites. There are some wonderful agents out there who do it seriously and very well, but I recently heard of an agent who took a fee of over 50%... We musicians have all been stung by agents who have collected their fee and been left high and dry when the client has cancelled.
So keep typing Rhian Evans Harpist Yorkshire (or a similar combination) into that search engine, and one day...
Clothes!
A very important part of being a performer is clothing and I always try to dress appropriately for any occasion at which I'm playing, whether it's background music for a wedding or an outfit for an orchestral concert. This isn't as straightforward as it may seem as a harpist! Add to that the fact that I loathe clothes shopping and lose interest after 20 minutes and it's a potential cocktail for stress. There are several factors I have to consider, the main one being comfort and ease of movement. I could spend a considerable amount of money buying smart functional gear, and we musicians aren't generally renowned for our wealth! I have lately become a huge supporter of a budget high street store that will remain nameless and I visit at every opportunity for a 20 minute trawl. Due to its affordable prices I am able to experiment with different styles that I wouldn't have considered before. I am venturing more and more towards colour and pattern. A recent highlight is the dress pictured, and yes, the price tag says it all. I'm not sure I can play in it yet (where there's a will there's a way) but at that price I will find an occasion to wear it, though maybe not to go out clubbing! Book me now to see it "live" (on a harpist with a great sense of humour!)
The fabric is gorgeous and it feels lovely and luxurious
I know, I couldn't believe it either!