News

String & Song recitals

The secret life of the harp is being uncovered in a series of concerts by Kathryn and her dear friend harpist Liath Hollins.  The duo are revealing how the harp works, looking at its regal history and performing a wide selection of classical and traditional harp music and song. 

Season of the Harp

The String & Song series beganin November with Season of the Harp; a programme of Christmas-themed pieces, seasonal favourites and unexpected treasures, including arrangements of the Coventry Carol and Tomorrow Shall Be my Dancing Day as well as music traditional to Britain including Calennig and the enduring English storysong Mistletoe Bough.

Season of the Harp saw the pair play at St Leonard’s Church in Blithfield, and Bethel Baptist Church in Hawthorn, in Kathryn's home town of Pontypridd. The pair were honoured to that the third concert was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas at the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness; the only place in the UK where the act of remembrance is observed on every day of the year.   Kathryn said:  “It’s really moving to see the Chapel’s plaques commemorating the musicians that have served in the Armed and Merchant Services.  This concert is also a very humble tribute to our musician colleagues in the forces.”

All three of the sold-out recitals were well received (please see some of the audience and organisers' comments on the right of the page) and Kathryn and Liath are looking forward to the next concerts in the series.

Onward and upward!

The series continues with Romance of the Harp and Land of the Harp and the concerts include Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves and Satie’s Gymnopedie No 1.

Kathryn said:  “People are genuinely curious about the harp – how it works, what sort of music can be played on it, what the different colour strings mean, what the pedal are for.  We wanted to answer all of those questions and play some great music that we hope will appeal to everyone, from hardcore harp enthusiasts and music lovers to people who would just like to hear a harp played live.”

Liath added:  “The harp is one of the oldest instruments in the world and is an essential part of the UK’s musical history.  People often associate the harp with genteel ladies in drawing rooms but it has been part of social occasions for centuries.  It is a very versatile and beautiful instrument capable of soothing or stirring and we’re looking forward to sharing our enthusiasm.”

String & Song - Land of the Harp

Chilwell Road Methodist Church, Saturday March 6th 2010.


All tickets are £7, please contact us for tickets or more information.

Wedding fayres

Wedding fayre season is upon us again!  Kathryn will be playing at these wedding fayres, please do come along to hear her play and have a chat!

 

Acknowledgements

The wonderful building featured in the photographs on this site is Stafford County Buildings. For more information visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/lifeevents/marriage/countybuildings/

Photography by Riva Barnard

Design by Natalie Ann Hinchley

Music recorded at the Music Shed and engineered by Tiger

*Music recorded at the Harp Centre of Wales and engineered by Owen Shiers

 

"What a sucessful and delightful afternoon!  We all enjoyed it immensely and the feedback from the audience has all been very complimentary indeed.  You will always be very welcome at Blithfield."
 - Robin Mathams, Blithfield PCC

"Thank you both for such a wonderful afternoon.  It was more than one could ever have hoped for - fun, interesting and fantastic."
 - Cosy

"The programme and atmosphere was both delightful and informative"
 - Lynne Barkas, The National Memorial Arboretum

"Educationally stimulating, musically relaxing."
 - Andy

"A delightful recital in every respect."
 - Sandra

"The whole evening was most enjoyable."
 - Terry & Pamela

"It was a delightful concert and I loved the info in between."
 - Cheryl

"I enjoyed the informative and amusing format."
 - Sheila

"Lovely manner with audience made it more enjoyable."
 - Marion

"We all enjoyed it so much."
 - Chris & Steve

"Excellent. Really enjoyed the music and informal information."
 - Judith

"We all enjoyed the recital."
 - Lucy, Tamworth U3A

"Found the commentary very interesting and informative."
 - Dawn

"Excellent. Lovely to hear the harp played so well and to learn more about the history and how they work. Thank you."
 - Maureen

"I really liked all the information in between and all the jokes."
 - Jessica

"Our party of 11 was united in praise of the beautiful setting and wonderful music .. all combining to provide us with a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing Sunday afternoon."
 - Angela & Allan

"A restful and peaceful afternoon with beautiful music."
 - Lesley

"A delightful concert, great atmosphere."
 - Pamela

"Good idea to mix the two harps."
 - Valerie

"A lovely recital."
 - Marian

"I enjoyed every piece. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thank you."
 - Shirley

"Thank you for a wonderful afternoon."
 - Christine

"Every note enjoyable, two lovely harpists."
 - Joy

"What a wonderful evening! Please come again."
 - Bethan

"Excellent."
 - David

"Thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon - would have liked to hear a lot more."
- Anthea

"A terrific concert. Thank you. One for the memory box."
- Jane

"Thank you for a truly uplifting afternoon."
- Alice