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!

LABOUR OF LOVE

Nikki and James

I haven’t had time to blog for quite a while. I attended a family funeral in Wales a fortnight ago and I’m still catching up with all the backlog after that visit. I’m nearly there and today will be spent replying to emails and sorting out some social media content. Sometimes I wish I had a PA! My laptop contracted some sort of nasty virus and it got slower and slower throughout June. Despite my attempts to cure it with help from the big G, my increasing frustration got the better of me and I took it to the MacDoctor last Friday. I must admit those hours without it were bliss. On Thursday evening I wanted to throw it out of the window and join the circus. I do try but tech definitely isn’t my forté.

I’ve taken on some extra shifts at the shop which means time has been even more scarce this week, but it’s good to be busy and out and about meeting some lovely local people. With this fine weather, I’ve been out run-walking a lot more and enjoying the scenery right on my doorstep - isn’t West Yorkshire just amazing?

Idyllic setting

with dappled shade

I played for an extra special wedding at the end of June. If you follow me on social media, you may have seen a few photos and I’ve included a few more with this blog post.

Atmospheric

The pond

I met Nikki and James at a wedding fayre last year at Wortley Hall. They were absolutely lovely and a bit quirky - my kind of people. They had quite an unusual request as exit music at the end of their civil ceremony - the main theme from the iconic 80’s movie, Back to the Future (BTTF).

Beautiful Bows

The ceremony room at Wortley Hall

You know me. I love a challenge and I’m particularly keen on 80’s music too. I think it’s brilliantly written. It’s interesting both harmonically and melodically and a lot of it works really well on the harp. I couldn’t remember how the BTTF theme went, so I listened to it when I got home. My initial thoughts were that it was fast but where there’s a will there’s a way and I’m not one to relinquish a challenge. James sent me links to some recordings as well as the piano sheet music, which I downloaded and printed off. I chipped away at the dots on the page for a few weeks, eventually slimming it down to a unique three page REH version I felt worked for the harp while retaining the features of the original music. I wanted the excitement of a whooshing DeLorean and Michael J Fox in a baseball jacket. Without his deafening guitar of course.

Labour of Love

It makes sense to me

Ten days before their wedding, Nikki, James and I set up a WhatsApp video call. They were in Cheshire while I was sat in my harp room and I was able to play them what was almost the finished version of BTTF. To my relief, it was met with approval, and I knew I still had time to make some last minute adjustments.

A long break

meant I could walk around and take in the stunning scenery. I’m no photographer but is it any surprise Wortley Hall is one of my preferred venues?

On the wedding day, I warmed up using BTTF to get me in the zone. Nikki wanted the traditional bridal march to accompany her entrance. I know that like the back of my hand, so I could focus on getting BTTF to sound good in the ceremony room. Nikki walked in with stunning simplicity and it was a very touching ceremony. Her father’s readings of two Shakespeare works made me blub a bit and I had to pull myself together! After all, I still had BTTF to play after I’d performed some classical favourites for the signing of the register and while they were having their photos taken.

Harp and chandelier

in the stunning Foundry Dining Room

I had another opportunity to play BTTF as Nikki and James had asked me to play it again as they walked into the Foundry Dining Hall at Wortley Hall where they were having their wedding breakfast. Now I know this piece works for the harp.

Do any of you lovely couples out there want me to play it, or any similar music, at your wedding? Feel free to get in touch! Click on the contact page if you have any special music requests for your ceremony.

EVERY wedding should have ice cream!

I managed to retain myself

Natural beauty everywhere you look - Wortley Hall Gardens

WEDDING FAYRES - AUTUMN 2019

Here’s a list of wedding fayres at which I’ll be exhibiting this Autumn, all courtesy of those lovely folk at Wedding Fayres Yorkshire:

15/9/2019 11am Huddersfield Town Hall
6/10/2019 11am Oulton Hall, near Leeds
20/10/2019 11am Dewsbury Town Hall
10/11/2019 11am Whirlowbrook Hall, Sheffield

Do keep checking here and on social media - I’m adding to this list all the time and I’m looking forward to meeting you. Come and have a relaxed, friendly chat about your wedding music! I’ve got some new music on my stand and a list of pieces I want to record, and another list I want to research, so if you’re looking for exceptional music for any event, do get in touch. I don’t just play for weddings either. My music can add a touch of refined elegance to your parties, anniversaries, corporate events, celebrations and Christmas too! Whatever your music requirements, come and listen to my harpbeat!

Freedom

Freedom - Just Like That! Image - John Steel Photography

It’s been another busy week here at Rhian Evans Harpist HQ. As the week has progressed, I’ve noticed I become more and more of a night owl. I’ve always been a late nighter ever since my days as an orchestral musician. It’s a job that demands that I’m at my peak between 7-10pm and I think that’s become ingrained. I’m most efficient in the evening and my best practice certainly happens at this time. More recently I’ve become an early morning person too, and I love a siesta! By Thursday night, supper time often happens after 11pm. I won’t even tell you what time bedtime is!

As a freelancer, every week is different and the past 10 days have meant that yesterday, a Thursday, was my day off. It’s usually a Tuesday but this week I had a few meetings to fit in. To cut a long story short, I find routines dull and difficult and I enjoy the variety a freelancer’s life offers. This means that occasionally, I’m unable to reply to emails and calls straight away but I always get back to anyone that’s interested in booking my services as a harpist and harp teacher. If you don’t hear back from me within 36 hours, there’s something seriously wrong!

Last night I started practicing at 6pm after another intense shift at the shop where I work part time. I hadn’t touched the harp since Sunday and yesterday I was asked to help restock the freezers. It’s one of my least favourite tasks as my hands take ages to thaw out afterwards, even with double gloves. I was feeling tired and a bit stale, so I decided to work on music I love for which I have a soft spot. After a creaky start, I felt myself free up, get into the zone and embrace the ebb and flow of the music. I could have kept going for hours. The increasing feeling of freedom was delicious and I felt reassured that I could still play. Gone are the indulgent days when I could easily rack up 4-6 hours practice without batting an eyelid. Like all musicians, practice doesn’t pay but performances do, so ideally we have to play for a minimum number of hours just to maintain the quality of sound and build confidence, and continue to play competently.

On Sunday I had a video call with a lovely couple whose wedding it is a week today. I can’t wait to play for them and their guests, and the unique piece of music they’ve chosen for their exit after their civil ceremony has met with their approval. Phew! This is a relatively new option I offer to couples if it’s an unfamiliar piece of music. It’s taken me a while to find ways to make the piece work on the harp but I’m pleased with the result. I think it’s recognisable. I might even make a short sound clip of it soon. So if you have a special request you’d love to have me perform for your wedding ceremony, go ahead and ask. Not everything works but I always try to accommodate your special requests given enough notice. And of course, the best way to listen to my harpbeat is at a live performance or wedding fayre.

The weather’s better isn’t it? And today marks the official start of Summer. Whoopee!

Wishing you a wonderfully warm weekend with lashings of delicious music!

Rhian Evans Harpist

Freedom

Deadlines

Changing Room

Victoria Baths

I must admit I’m a fan of deadlines. They seem to push me beyond the expectations I have for myself. I love the reminder that, even as I approach 50, I’m still capable of learning quite a lot of new things and retaining a significant amount of information, some of it useful and some less so. At times, I think my memory is like a sieve (a couple of weeks ago, I locked myself out of my own house - in fairness, I was preoccupied with what seemed like 50,000 thoughts going on at once and I was very tired), but when I consider how much knowledge my brain has to retain, I think I’m doing alright. Soon, I might make a list of things I’ve learnt so far this year. I think I’d surprise myself.

I’ve had my orchestral harpist head on since Wednesday evening and I’m really enjoying being immersed in that world once again. I’ve got a rehearsal and concert at beautiful Wakefield Cathedral tomorrow. I’m playing as part of the Amici Ensemble accompanying the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir directed by charismatic Andrew Padmore in two works by John Rutter, neither of which I’ve played before. I haven’t had the music for long and after an initial read through of notes and symbols that seemed to be written in a foreign language, I persevered, working as much and as often as time permitted.

To my relief, it finally started making sense last night. I started to breathe as I was able to bring longer passages together to form coherent intelligible lines and phrases. It’ll still be to the wire as there’s a lot of everyday busyness to be dealt with. The devil is in the detail and I’ve reached one of my favourite stages during which the music gets its technicolour finishing coat. The music sounds so very different by this stage with much more refinement. I kick myself gently yet firmly at something that proved so challenging that now seems a whole lot simpler once I’ve identified the cause of the difficulty. I’m almost enjoying the adrenaline that comes with my slightly augmented stress levels. In moderation, it’s a useful natural substance.

Pre concert

The stage is set

It’s been rather a musical week all in all and I really love how the focus has shifted to my passion, one of my main “raisons d’être”. Music. I attended a really inspiring concert at the stunning Victoria Baths in Manchester last Friday. It was given by the Juniper Project, a duo created by harpist colleague and friend, Eira Lynn Jones and her flautist partner, Anna Rosa Mari. Sitting in the waterless pool, we were quite literally immersed in music. It’s one of three pools in this spectacular building. It’s under renovation and thank goodness for that. I love the juxtaposition of old and new buildings but it’s all too easy to resort to demolition rather than reviving our architectural treasures.

Well loved

Indoor picnic

These two accomplished musicians regaled us with their stunningly simple musically sensitive interpretations of varied repertoire with an aquatic theme flowing throughout. There really was something for everyone, including a little bit of Rutter, funnily enough. His works certainly are popular and he always writes satisfyingly substantial harp parts.

Talking of deadlines, I’ve got 10 good minutes left before I fall into a sleepy stupor. I’ve got another deadline for Sunday evening, but more about that in another blog post.

Have a super smashing weekend with some wonderful music. I know I will, because, let’s face it - I love being in harpist mode!

Kiss me quick!

A slightly bizarre scene in one of the pools

It’s Down to Business - A Clean Slate

Rhian Evans Tourist

It’s all go here at Rhian Evans Harpist HQ. I had a great holiday and although it was all too brief, I’m still feeling inspired and stimulated by my time away in Sardinia. It’s said that a change is as good as a rest and I’ve returned reverberating resonant ideas around my business. The day before my departure I had a positively fruitful meeting with mentor, business advisor and friend, Gareth Boot. A man of many talents, he’s just the person to help me gain some much needed clarity, focus and motivation. Find out more about Gareth here:

Technically challenged

Gareth putting his creativity to good use on my first video shoot

Drop him a line if you need help with your challenges, be they professional or personal. Our meeting helped get me on point and get my priorities straight for the next trimester. It’s with this meeting in mind that I’ve decided I need to streamline and simplify the many facets of my offerings as harpist, educator and writer. I’ve tidied up my website and you may have noticed I now have a News/Blog page.

This may well be the last blog post I write here for some time. I’ve reached the conclusion that I simply must devote more time to practicing and learning new music. Writing has to take second place for the time being. I have some musical projects lined up for the next few weeks that won’t go well or happen at all unless I sit down and do my work. As you might know, I love writing so this isn’t an easy decision, but I love making music and playing my harp more and I genuinely miss time sat studying my scores and exploring my instrument. It’s my haven and my therapy and I need that as much as I need food and water!

My aim now is to use this page to let you know about any engagements, performances and promotional events I’m doing so you can listen to my harpbeat! I’ve left the most popular creative blog posts up as well as a few posts that are close to my heart. Most importantly there’s still a lot of information about weddings.

If you’ve enjoyed reading my blogs, do let me know, especially if you know someone who might even pay me to do some writing for them!

Thank you for reading and have a great Summer!

Rhian

La Dolce Vita

Enjoying being in holiday mode. I really could get used to it! Anyone need a travel writer?

Bagden Hall Wedding Fayre

Elegant Eagles

in Yorkshire, not St Tropez

BAGDEN HALL

DENBY DALE, HUDDERSFIELD

SUNDAY 9TH JUNE FROM 11AM

I’m very excited to be playing my wedding favourites at Bagden Hall, a new venue to me a mere 20 minute drive away. I’m looking forward to meeting all you lovely couples interested in having beautiful customised live music tailored just for your wedding. I love to add a personal touch to any wedding celebration and Fayres are the ideal opportunity to meet me and see and hear what I have to offer.

Breathtaking setting

Bagden Hall

So if you’re getting married and you’re considering having live music on your special day, I do hope you’ll pop in to say Hi and listen to my harpbeat!

Duck!

I didn’t see any on my last visit though I’m optimistic about next Sunday…

Choosing Your Wedding Music

“Are you feeling confused about your choice of wedding music? Perplexed at the overwhelming array of options available to you? Here are a few tips on one of the most important aspects of your celebrations which sets the tone throughout your day”

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 relationship.  Over the years I’ve played at countless ceremonies and weddings and I know first hand the powerful impact the right piece of music can have.  My role is finding out which piece of music makes you tick and then adapting it to make it sound great on the harp.  To do this well and to give my own unique spin on a piece of music you love can take a while. From first listening to it to downloading a printed version online to making the piece yours can be a pleasantly time consuming process.  This means that you get your very own version of the song that has such significance for you.  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 know it’ll work 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!

Thanks to technology and the internet now, the possibilities are endless.  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, putting me in a slightly awkward position with the 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.  My lovely client was delighted with the end results! If you can’t meet me at a fayre, there are ways around this.

It's worth bearing in mind not everything works well on the harp and I'm happy to guide you in your choice of music.

If you're considering having live harp music at your wedding, here are some of the options I can offer:

Civil Ceremony

I’m set up and ready to play from 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 while you have your photos taken, and finally I play a piece of your choice for your exit together.  

Registrars and venue staff are always delighted when you engage 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 your drinks 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. The heavens could open either way at any moment and the worst things for my harp are direct sunlight or water.

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.

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 perform your hymns. Usually the church organist plays them - 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 options, although I don't do more than 2 elements. 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 prices start from £250.  If you think this sounds like a lot, bear in mind the basic running and development costs of my business - website construction, hosting and updating, advertising, publicity photos and promotional materials, transport costs, harp strings, insurances and maintenance, buying sheet music, appropriate clothing and footwear, practice and training time, the dreaded tax bill, the list is long...  These expenses all contribute in providing you with the best wedding music experience I can possibly offer.

The easiest way to find out more about your choice of wedding music is by attending a wedding fayre, showcase or event and I do as many of these as I can.  If you have any questions you can get in touch by using the link to my Contact page above.  

I have plenty of wedding pieces in the Music section on this website and I update these on a regular basis. You can also view my videos here:

and listen to other sound clips here:

If social media is your thing, you can find out more about wedding fayres and my work on these platforms:

And if you see me looking quite intense and focused as I play at an event, do hang around for a chat - I occasionally come up for air and I'm much friendlier than I look when I play!

“I look forward to meeting you soon at a wedding fayre near you!”

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

Creative unblocking

Playing

Today is Thursday, and it’s music day! Thursdays are usually free days and I try to fill them with as many notes as I can fit in. Today, dear readers, I just haven’t been in the mood. I’ve succumbed to several seductive distractions and I’ve felt very tired, a feeling I’m convinced is down to the meteorological conditions. The weather outside is frightful, don’t let it snow. (There’s almost always a tune or twenty going on in my head!) I try to fight my fatigue by urging myself to practice. This usually follows a walk, or a bit of a run or some sort of time spent outdoors, but I don’t like getting wet and cold! Jumping in the pool for my aquafit classes ticks that box and provides the bracing boost I need to infuse my day with positive energy. I don’t have time to go to the pool every day, so I can’t wait for some sunshine so I can feel the embrace of the great outdoors again.

I have a busy weekend ahead with more playing than I’ve done for quite some time and my fingers are a bit sore. In an instinctive mood this morning, I played through two steadfast cornerstones from my solo repertoire slowly from memory to warm up and was reassured that it didn’t all sound hideous. Interestingly, the pieces sounded quite fresh. A note to my students reading this - practice has a knack of doing that! You can work like the devil and it may feel like your playing’s getting worse, but great music takes time to mature. I can convince myself that I’m the worst harpist ever if I haven’t racked up a certain number of hours’ practice during the week, which can lead to a downward spiral of no practice at all or a negative approach. Cultivating a healthy sense of responsibility is a useful tool here. So for example, I’ve got a performance/lesson coming up - how do I want to feel and what’s the process I need to implement in order to feel that way? Used well it can provide a healthy motivation. Used poorly it can be a tool for self flagellation and guilt. It’s our choice.

I have a LinkedIn account and I get email notifications from them on a regular basis. This morning’s email opened like this - “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. Those words fill me with sorrow and I’ll be deactivating my account as soon as I have time. I genuinely believe the best advertisement is word of mouth and from recent experience, the word of the mouth of the moment, social media, is no great shakes, at least not the way I’m doing it! There has to be a better way and I’m working on it…

I gave an interesting lesson on Monday. It reminded me how fortunate I am to have an abundance of knowledge and experience, and I’m determined to put my skills to good use. I have a very creative mind which can run riot if I’m not careful in channelling it. I think most creatives are wired similarly. The trick is harnessing that energy by becoming attuned to its ebbs and flows.

I played for an ultra chic wedding last weekend at a spectacular venue. It was like something out of a luxury bridal magazine. Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos to show you here as I had quite a lot on my mind. My car exhaust broke late on Friday afternoon, and I got it back just in time for my departure on Saturday morning. My Satnav won’t update so I was trialling an app on my mobile while carefully keeping half an eye on my Satnav, switched to silent, for some form of visual guidance. Needless to say, I arrived at my destination with plenty of time to spare - I’m always aware that incidents like the M62 drama yesterday can happen at any time. It reminded me of a wedding I was playing at a few years ago. I went to pack my car which looked lopsided. I soon realised I had a flat tyre. With the clock ticking, I called my breakdown company, and the mechanic came quite quickly considering it was a Sunday morning. My tyre was fixed and I got to the wedding just in time. I’m often criticised for leaving super early for professional engagements and this is precisely why. I’d rather be there with time to spare for a nap in my car and a coffee than be rushing or, heavens forbid, be late. There ought to be a name for this phenomenon, like Freelancer’s Fear. There probably is, I just don’t know about it. If I’m late or I don’t arrive, I won’t get paid!

This weekend I’m climbing back into the old orchestral saddle and although I feel underprepared by my standards, I’m really excited about playing a beautiful orchestral work and being part of a bigger group of musicians again. Preparing for it has reminded me of my love and passion for orchestral playing and I do feel some sorrow and regret that fewer opportunities come my way these days. I’m on an exciting journey! I’ve enjoyed the discipline of the preparation and the immersion into the music that’s required for a solid performance. I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be with it but I know it’ll be more than good enough. Like one of my teachers Germaine used to say, “On ne peut pas être au four et au moulin”…

Wishing you a great weekend, hopefully with a few more radiant rays of sunshine. Perhaps I’ll see some of you at the Wortley Hall Spring Wedding Fayre on Sunday. I can’t wait to share my harpbeat with you!

Me, Rhian Evans Harpist

at Wortley Hall. Image - John Steel Photography

Wortley Hall Wedding Fayre - Will I See You There?

RHIAN EVANS - HARPIST

listen to my harpbeat

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

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

Anneleen Lenaerts

Image - Marco Borggreve

Anneleen Lenaerts is one of the major names in the harp world today. A laureate of numerous major international competitions, she truly is at the forefront of a sparkling generation of harpists.

Imagine my delight when I saw she was coming to the RNCM in Manchester to coach Eira Lynn Jones’ Young Harps project, give a public masterclass and recital, and finally teach a class. I haven’t heard Anneleen play in public for at least 10 years. Dark, demure and petite, she’s still the unassuming, gentle, warm person she was back then. Her prestigious title, Principal Harp of the Vienna Philharmonic hasn’t gone to her head - gracious is a great word to describe her.

She delivered a relaxed informative masterclass with ease and generousity, offering valuable pearls of advice. I can’t wait to massage my strings, words she spoke to all 3 students who were fortunate to work with her.

When improvement is noticeable to an audience, the teacher has truly done her job, and the change in each student’s playing was evident in a remarkably short space of time.

After over 2 hours’ coaching, Anneleen went on to play 4 demanding solo pieces on an unfamiliar harp. I’ve had a lot of lessons on that harp, and like countless other RNCM graduates from Eira’s firmly established department, I’ve spent hours sweating blood, and the odd tear or two, over that instrument. Believe me - it’s a real challenge to make it sound well. A conservatoire war horse having survived thousands of hours of relentless rigorous plucking and pedalling, Anneleen coaxed and cajoled from it a surprising spectrum of soundscapes.

Her wisely chosen warm up piece was Fauré’s Impromptu, which elevated her to her comfort zone. She breezed her way through a juicy programme, bringing frissons of delight to an audience entranced by her musicality and the intricate refinement in her playing. The piece that stood out for me was Joseph Jongen’s Valse, a work that isn’t performed very often, at least I wouldn’t describe it as a stalwart of the harp repertoire. It really was an inspiring colourful performance of a well written work by the Belgian composer. Anneleen is of Belgian origin, which might explain her natural affinity with Jongen.

Anneleen is a prime example of what’s expected of a professional harpist at the apex of their career. She’s an exemplary role model. A tireless traveller, she had just come over to the UK from the States, and I’ve seen on social media that she was in France following her visit to Manchester. She’s also recently released a CD of music by Nino Rota, including some heart wrenching music from the classic film, The Godfather.

I get the feeling Anneleen will waltz onwards to become one of the godmothers of the harp world. Catch her performing in public if you can. And you can check out her musical activities and her whereabouts here:

Reflections, Shadow and Light Manchester Art Gallery

“I was in Manchester recently for a much needed dose of musical inspiration. One of my favourite things is combining business with pleasure which I did with great joy by visiting a very special art gallery indeed.”

Torso

With its angular swoops and curves, this was one of my favourite works by Halima Cassell. Her exhibition was warm, engulfing, immense and poignantly beautiful

You may be justified in wondering why a harpist is writing about an art gallery. I’ve always harboured a fascination with these peaceful places, embellished with a humbling abundance of creativity.

Flow

Halima Cassell

I feel invigorated, stimulated, inspired when I see the wondrous result of months and maybe years of painstaking work. My imagination runs riot pondering the process that’s gone on behind the scenes with vivid clarity. This reflects my journey in music and my own personal artistic creative process with its pretty and not so pretty moments.

Ironic happy face Torture chair

Slice Chair - Matthias Bengtsson

Manchester was my stomping ground for many years on and off and I have a love hate relationship with the city. I love the green spaces that can be found in the most unexpected places, dotted haphazardly in and amongst its concrete architectural confusion of buildings. It’s a hectic city, rendered rabid with busy people clamouring to reach their destinations with critical urgency. I feel like a fish out of water when I’m there, jostled by elbows competing to get on malodorous buses, in lack of my bucolic country comforts. On the day of my visit, I managed a personal best of over 13,000 steps. Go me, and Take That, public transport.

Doves - Barbara Hepworth

Part of “And Breathe… Exploring the relationship between art and mindfulness”

I’ve started taking hundreds of photos in galleries, and mobile phones with gargantuan gigabyte memories make that a snap. I sometimes think I’m missing the point but I forget to have my specs to hand and I can’t absorb all the detail and information in a two hour splurge, so one of my favourite things is getting home to gleefully review what my eye didn’t quite capture. The images add a deeper perspective to my visit.

Phoenix

Halima Cassell

Galleries fascinate me. Why am I irresistibly drawn in by certain works and repelled by others? I used to feel a sense of inadequacy and inferiority about my lack of knowledge and I ridiculed the fact I homed in on details most people consider banal and insignificant. Take Sunday for example. There was a to-do about Da Vinci’s drawings which I didn’t even find. “How could you miss the major exhibition?” I hear you ask. Manchester Art Gallery has so many rarities shrouded in the protective dark chambers of its luxurious Farrow and Ball painted interior that it’s easily done.

Sema

Halima Cassell

Then there’s the allure of evocative trophies from the gift shop, not to mention the café. The waiter and I oohed over the cascading blossom tree confetti we could see through the elongated windows in front of the gallery, providing lush natural contrast to the smooth sandstone building.

City centre safety

Scraping the sky

I found a partner in crime when I confessed to the waitress I was having cake for lunch. My hedonism reined in, I curbed my enthusiastic selection to two fruity numbers, and my tangy orange and almond cake (no ice cream (sad face)) washed down with the best flat white I’ve had in ages fuelled me for one last zing through the galleries. From top to bottom in twenty minutes, now there’s a challenge. I even did the survey on a tablet for the survey curator, albeit slightly begrudgingly, but a promise is a promise. I’d have rather seen the Da Vinci.

Airy lobby

Enwreathed in ingenuity

If you’re in Manchester, I can’t recommend Manchester Art Gallery highly enough. Even if you’re not in Manchester, find an excuse to visit! Here’s another handful of heartfelt memories:

Blue Loop

Rasmussen

Redolent of an amoebic ashtray

Halima Cassell

Top floor

Covetable curios

Open space

Nordic craft and design

“Have you been to Manchester Art Gallery? Which is your favourite gallery? What did you see, and how did it inspire you? Go to the Contact page to get in touch and let me know!”

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!

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!!

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:

Make 'em laugh? Comic Relief 2019, Sainsbury's Local Holmfirth

I’m often told my playing makes people cry. I think this is a good thing. In an age where many of us are numb to an environment in which we’re bombarded with stimulation, having the ability to stop people in their tracks with my music can feel liberating and empowering. With music, I can help people slow down and take a few moments out from their day to pause, listen, hear and watch. And maybe feel. Escape. Music is therapeutic. It’s healing. It feeds the soul.

This was my experience last Friday. I was invited to play for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day activities at Sainsbury’s Local in the idyllic town of Holmfirth. I started working there part time in January. It’s a great little supermarket with a lovely team of staff who have welcomed me as one of their own. Although it’s been a steep learning curve, I derive immense pleasure from being able to help customers and I love taking a few moments to engage with them if they have time. The shop gets busy very quickly and by the same token, the quiet lulls in traffic are blissful oases to catch my breath during my shift.

I decided I’d use this opportunity to test out a few pieces I’ve been learning to gauge audience reaction. They went down well so they’re keepers and are coming soon to Soundcloud or a similar platform. Apart from a 30 minute break, I was “on duty” from 11-5. It was a long shift. I had a bit of a slump at 3.30 and HAD to sample just a little bit of the shop’s incredibly appetising array of chocolate. I plumped for 2 bunny shaped goodies which gave me a much needed bouncy boost of energy. I rarely eat very sweet chocolate preferring small amounts of the extra dark stuff. I discussed the merits of veganism with one of my students this week and we both concurred that vegan is all very well but sometimes, you just need a bacon sandwich.

I was delighted and relieved at the positive public reactions on Friday. I didn’t know what to expect and there were some magic moments. One man told me his daughter would be disappointed to have missed my playing. He told me he was Welsh and did I happen to have Calon Lân? As chance would have it. Off we both went, me sing-playing along without a worry in the world. It was reminiscent of carefree times in chapel.

I’ve included a couple of video clips if you want a clearer idea of events on the day. There’s another clip of me playing the theme from Love Story. “For Comic Relief?” I hear you ask. Well, yes. I decided this year that I’m going to play music I love and enjoy playing at promotional events. I mean, if I’m enjoying myself, there’s more chance my audience will, right? Yes, I play all the standard wedding music, the Ed Sheerans and Twilights, the Disneys and the Yourses. Is that the music I listen to at home? No it isn’t, and the customer is king so for weddings, if it can be played on the harp and I can get paid, I’ll play it!

Some of my lovely Aqualadies came to support which was fantastic. I’m surprised they recognised me in my ruddy disguise. A colleague told me I looked like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. “Nice!” I thought to myself. She then reminded me what Julia’s job was in the movie. Anyway I’ve checked and her wig was blonde, so no resemblance whatsoever. Phew. I tried wearing the nose but that together with the wig was a step too far. I’d asked my photographer friend John Steel if he’d come down to take a few of his fab photos, which he did in his own unique quirky invisible giant photographer style. Soon after John turned up, I was pleasantly surprised that Allan and Grant, the men behind ace wedding fayre organisers Wedding Fayres Yorkshire made a special guest appearance. I reckon the three of them were after a bit of pie.

I was touched by the support everyone showed and I have some great content for my website and social media for a while. After the tot up, there was £107 in my box. That definitely made me laugh!

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!”