I love my job!

My stand

Neater and decluttered

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

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

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

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

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

Laura’s enticing stand

The massage balls are on my Christmas list

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

Ooohhhhh

Chocolate

Oh go on then

Open wide

I think my face says it all

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

Enjoying a well earned cup of the strong stuff

After all that ice cream

Chandelier

above some vintage suffragette artwork

Inspiral

The gorgeous architecture at Wortley Hall

Wedding Fayre - Queens Hotel Leeds

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

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

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

Margaret and Phil's wedding at The Fleece, Ripponden

Ready to play

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

The terrace

There’s an upper level too with far reaching views

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

My beautiful Camac harp

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

Arrival

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

I love my job

Incredible skyline on the drive home

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

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!”

Wortley Hall Wedding Fayre - Will I See You There?

RHIAN EVANS - HARPIST

listen to my harpbeat

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:

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

Ripon Cathedral

Pride of place - my lovely position beneath the poppies in the cathedral

I recently got back from tonight’s concert and a long day rehearsing in Ripon. The piece was Britten’s War Requiem which I mentioned a few posts back. I didn’t play very well. I feel out of sync with everything and I’m sure that’s how my playing sounded. I hate feeling like that. There was one pedalling section I was dreading which seemed to have worsened since the rehearsal. I got out with the others and got back on track a few bars later. I think what I need to focus on is right there in that sentence. I managed to recover and play most of the piece to a decent standard for a first attempt. Those who know me will know I have very high standards for myself. I pride myself on being super prepared especially for a concert of this nature, but I seem to have spent this season chasing my tail. I had to resort to playing quite loud music in the car on the way home to try and drown out the negativity. I do keep saying it though - my orchestral days are numbered. I’m just not enjoying it anymore, and I’m tired. So exhausted. That’s difficult to write - my passion for a very long time has been orchestral playing, and I almost felt that passion again once this season. Almost. Once.

Ripon looked poignantly beautiful festooned with poppies in all guises. Ceramic, fabric, paper, plastic, you name it. Walking up the path from the changing facilities, the cathedral was bathed in red light which gave it an eerie blooded quality. Seeing the crowds of people from far and wide congregated in silence to pay their respects outside the cathedral was breathtaking and humbling and there were some amazing installations in and around the building. I caught a glimpse of the thought provoking Fields of Mud, Seeds of Hope earth sculpture. At the end of the day what I need to remember is the reason I was in Ripon tonight. Remembrance. Would all those who made such unthinkable agonising sacrifices a hundred years ago have minded my pedal mishap? I doubt it. Maybe even conscientious objector Britten would have been having a laugh about it.

Festooned

The street opposite Ripon Cathedral

Wortley Hall - A Different Perspective

Wrought

The majestic former main entrance

It's been a quiet week and rather than mope around at home I decided to make good use of my time and our continental July weather by enjoying two cultural creatively nourishing half days out.  Yesterday morning I decided to do something I've wanted to do for a very long time - take time to explore the gardens at Wortley Hall, and as I was working there last weekend, what better time to make my wish come true?  I'm a little ashamed to say I've never been beyond the centrepiece of the garden, the alluring fountain which was an eye opener up close in more ways than one and really got my imagination going with its forbidding sign warning me how deep the water is.  Thanks to the maps I was helpfully handed at reception, I set off with the intention of completing a circuit and beyond, narrowly avoiding spending all my allocated time with my ambitiously packed book in the stunning tranquillity of the sunken garden.

Inviting symmetry

Sunken garden

I ambled through dappled shade in beautifully maintained woodland and soon ground to a halt when I saw the obscure obsolete wrought iron gate which had enjoyed former glory welcoming guests to the hall.  I swear I heard the excited whinnying and clopping hooves of a horse-drawn carriage with its gigantic crushing wheels.  I looked behind me and saw a specimen that would have delighted tree huggers and haters alike, a seriously old sycamore with the deep scars and indentations of the centuries ingrained in its crusty reptilian skin.  It had so many personalities that I felt I had to keep an eye on it as I dragged myself away from its arterial texture just in case it creakily upped its sleepy roots and appointed me its newly elected Frodo.

What do you see?

Tongue twister

The rippling writhing lizards of a very old sycamore

What do you see 2?

What do you see 3?

I continued my circuit, admiring the unusual and incongruously named ha ha in the undergrowth.  I noticed the upper part of my stroll was horticulturally less well kempt. There were more fallen trees and hewn branches lying like lopped limbs in the stinging nettles.  I took a brief time out on a perfectly placed garden seat and lapped up the views of the stunning architecture and gardens from the other side and imagined a previous life as Lady of the Hall.

Picture perfect

Yes, I took the photo, with my mobile

There was a lot to see and next on my list was closer inspection of the iconic fountain.  I spotted a groundsman and took the opportunity to congratulate him on his beautiful work.  One of a team of just three groundsmen, he was very keen to tell me the story of the gardens that opened with two telling words - Capability Brown.  I couldn't have wished for a better guide than Adrian as he guiltily offered his precious garden time to regale me with one of the most informative and entertaining guided tours I've had for a long while.  Having worked there for two years, he was unassumingly wealthy in his knowledge of the history of the hall and its rich and fruitful land (check out Wortley Hall Walled Garden and Heeley City Farm) not to mention his technical ability thanks to his hard earned chainsaw license amongst a long list of enviable skills.  I was fascinated to learn you can only use a chainsaw at certain times of day in certain temperatures, and I was unaware there was such a thing as chainsaw trousers.  I do like the sound of those.  As he told me of his background working at Chatsworth and other prestigiously grounded properties, I realised I was in the presence of a deeply passionate green fingered Yorkshire gentleman.  And a modest one too.  As I expressed how impressed I was, he told me his partner and green goddess Diane, who was tackling the long expanse of hedges I'd driven past on my arrival, knew so much more than he did about the surrounding flora and fauna. 

Ouch!

My tour started at a pond I wasn't even aware of.  What a surprisingly vast murky green beauty with its ducks and ducklings (so THAT'S where they've been hiding...), moorhens and yellow water irises.  I could clearly visualise the Earl's boats floating to and fro from Adrian's accurate imaginative depiction.  The pond's old stone walls were starting to fall inwards and he told me with urgent regret that the restoration would cost an eye watering half million.  We turned towards a tunnel in the undergrowth that led from pond to ice house where the frozen blocks used to be stored for the hall in winter months.  I wanted to linger to take photos but time was of the essence and there was a lot to see.  He proudly introduced me to yews, oaks and silver birch, pine and ash, chestnut, beech, and the promise of the deliciously named sequoia was enticingly forgotten amongst all the competing arboreal delights.  We arrived back at the geometrically immaculate sunken garden with its proper Old English Roses wafting their authentic pure pungent perfume, and the intriguing mystery filled caged cells above which there was once an orchid house.  You can see its heavily pinned steel base plates which still lay there in the old stone blocks.  Can you imagine an Orchidarium in Wortley?

I can't wait for my next Wortley Hall wedding in August, and I've already cooked up my excuse for lunch and a blissful walk to work it off.  What's your excuse not to visit?

Iron vines

In front of where the orchid house once was

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

Mister Finch - The Wish Post YSP

Prickly

Sleepy eyed albino hedgehogs equipped with pocket watches and bells

A friend suggested I check out the work of textile artist, Yorkshireman Mister Finch.   The fruit of two years' work, he has published a book to accompany his major exhibition which opened yesterday.  There was a book signing event today at YSP and, intrigued by this enigmatic character, it was the perfect opportunity for another creative top up.

When I arrived at the Visitor Centre just before the signing began, the queue was already snaking out beyond the doors.  In true un-British style I went on my meander.  It was a belter of a day and I quenched my thirst to be beside water as I took yet another unfamiliar route through dappled woodland.

Obelisk

Upper lake

Tree

Light

Appeased, I returned a couple of hours later and headed straight upstairs to view Mister's work.  I wasn't disappointed as I admired his pungent squishy toadstools adorning the ascending staircase.  I was whirled into a pinch-me wildlife wonderland.  I felt privileged at seeing his deliciously intricate and almost over-imaginative work so close.  He has taken upcycling to an exquisite level.  I feasted on the minute details of the finery of his work and was astonished at how he has injected each character with a vivid personality.  I loved the plush thuggishness of his soft moles.  His hedgehogs were delicately spiky, his rats amusingly benevolent.  I couldn't get enough of his giant buttermotherfly with it's twirly tongue alighted beside an arachnid that could've played an extra in an Alien movie if it didn't look so, well, cute.  A skilled anthropomorphist, I can easily imagine Finch engaging in lengthy conversations with his individually christened, lovingly crafted intricate creations in a candle lit studio in the eaves of an antique filled Victorian house.  I'm sure nothing could be further from the truth but allow me to indulge.

Fantastical

Curious cabinet of motley mothly delights

I looked down at the dwindling queue and saw my opportunity to meet the man behind the dreamlike creatures.  I observed patiently while he charmed his audience with his warmly charismatic easy personality.  Bearded and dressed in a white shirt, an inappropriately hot looking wool waistcoat, snappy tan leather shoes and with a lively twinkle in his eye, he was a genuine gentleman and gratifyingly quirky.  I couldn't help but be fixated by his finger candy - a topless thimble.  How very apt!  He told me the story behind it.  What a warm open gentle soul with a mischievously dry sense of humour and devoid of artificial airs and graces.  In my brief research I noted he was a cat lover so I knew he couldn't be bad and we would at least have something to talk about, but we didn't dwell on the subject and I sensed he'd been asked about felines before.  I told him I noticed all but one of his pieces had been sold (I wish I'd written a wish post) and he was modest in his pleasure.  Although he had a brace of vigilant attendants, I sensed he didn't really need them.  I asked if he wouldn't mind signing a card for my friend and he also patiently signed one of his beautiful flyer posters for me (sorry K if you're reading this, with hindsight I should've gone with his flyer suggestion...)  As I spelt out my name I told him I was Welsh and went on to say I was a musician too.  In my playful mood I asked him to guess which instrument.  Groan.  No wonder the poor bloke struggled to write my name with my barrage of chatter.  Flute? *?!?*  Ummm, triangle? *?!?!!*  Ummmmmmm, guitar? *?!?!?!!!****  Somewhat disappointed at his admission of defeat, I gave my childish game away.  I took my leave of this unique authentic character with a heartily firm handshake.  Afterwards I felt a strange sense of being okay with being how I am, being quirky, being me.

Long eared rabbits

or are they hares?  With hatpin joints

Pond

Formal gardens, with waterlilies, moorhens and chicks

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?

YSP - Sculptures

Shiota taken from the peaceful gallery

Shiota - Belonging.  Again, and why not?

Penone, above and in the background here.  Perhaps it was a mercy that my phone ran out of battery

YSP - nature

You can take the sheep to water...

A swan with four herons perching, and heron island in the background

Baby heron with its companions.  Jaume Plensa's giant beautiful head is just across the water

Crowd pleasers

YSP-oignant (some words with lots of photos)

Belonging

Chiharu Shiota

Yesterday I was in serious need of a battery recharge so off I headed again to my number one place of choice, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.  As I often do, I made a beeline for the spirituality of the Chapel past the now imperceptible Skyspace obscured by leafy growth.  I've seen the Shiota before and wasn't disappointed this time either.  It is still breathtaking, ponderous and wondrous and heavy in its lightness.  I watched a bit of the video of her bare sleeping body with bloody intravenous support with fascination.  As I walked in, facing me in the interactive pack for young people was a book that stopped me in my tracks.  My Dad used to invent bedtime stories for my sister and I way back when we were little girls based around an imaginary little blue bird.  I swear my Dad is in the Chapel.  In the park.  In January, when I didn't know what to do with myself on the anniversary of his death, where did I go?  I lit a tea light outside, then I carried him with me all the way round on my memorial walk, it was the most fitting way I could find to deal with that uncomfortable day.  He was in the organ pipes too.  Every time I go to the park I take a slightly different route and yesterday was no exception as my senses were deliciously stimulated at seeing familiar sights from a new perspective.  I'd never seen the organ pipes.  I didn't make them sound.  An excuse for my next visit.  I sat several times on my jaunt on benches that were conveniently placed to help me let my thoughts come and go.  It was a thrill to see the herons up close and fearless, like a counsel of grey grandfathers, and what an argumentative cacophonous racket they made!  It was inspiring to see all the different species rub along together in some sort of mysteriously taciturn hierarchic accord.  

Y Deryn Bach Glas

The first thing I saw when I went into the Chapel

It was time for coffee number 3 so I headed back toward the visitor centre and tried not to get distracted by all the alluring enticing pulls.  Boosted by the potent kick from my only drug of choice these days (apart from the occasional sugar hit), I went back out into the sun's embrace to see the recently opened Penone exhibition, A Tree in the Wood.  How appropriate for the park!  As is always the case, no photo ever does the works justice and I was in awe of the spectacle laid out in front of me.  Perhaps fortunately, my phone ran out of juice so I was forced to do the opposite of the person in that old story who missed the Pope passing by as she was so busy taking photos.  I covertly entered the Underground gallery after my external circuit.  Greeted by the keenly discreet young woman who was available to offer just the right amount of information and interaction, I marvelled yet again at the familiar green-eyed potatoes that had ears and even lips, and we both expressed relief that they were periodically refreshed to avoid that stale iodine bin odour.  The smell throughout the gallery is still with me.  It's not just about feeding the visual senses.  I was intoxicated by the addictive heady hit of freshly carved wood from the epically enormous creaking tree that accidentally spanned the split rooms.  Curiosity overcame me as I craned to see a sticky puddle of sanguine sap in the depths of a hollowed out rectangular trunk.  I allowed myself to be momentarily hypnotised by Penone's trance inducing fingerprint pulsating outwards, and intrigued by a wall of aromatic leaves.  I watched some of the silent video about the sculptor, who didn't look how I thought he would from his exotic name.  I thought "hell, I could do that" as I watched him dip his paintbrush into vivid blue and gold pigments in awe of the resulting textures he produced with his hands in the white clay, and thought again.

I wanted to buy the Shiota book from the shop but it was £45.  As I reeled a bit at the price tag (worth every penny for the quality) I remembered my birthday's coming up, and then thought I didn't NEED to have the book, her work was already growing inside me from my visit.  I asked about the poetry reading by Yorkshire poet Simon Armitage tomorrow night and my heart sank a bit as I was told it was sold out.  Of course it was sold out, he's meant to be amazing and I was disappointed to miss that opportunity to witness him reading from his own work.  Maybe he could read every night for a week?  Or a month?

I reluctantly decided to call it a day as my body was screaming at me to rest and although I felt sated for the time being, I could have gone round once more had I not booked Aquafit, and anyway the park closes at 5.  One of the amazing things about this extraordinary place is everything feels so personal in such a vast space.  The exquisite artistic orgy of culture and nature feels like it's put on just for me.  I don't know how they do it!

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

I missed the first organ pipe for some reason

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

Six Mourners and the One Alone - Amar Kanwar

Harrogate

Tom Moore giving me his best Stevie Wonder impersonation.  It was a mistake to leave my sunglasses on top of the organ for a few minutes, or was it?

I had a great day in Harrogate yesterday.  The weather was most favourable and I like going to Harrogate - I inevitably see a red kite or twenty punctuating the heavens around Harewood.  Their rufous enormity and forked tail makes their appearance  unmistakeable and their strong Welsh connection means they're a comforting sight for me here in Yorkshire.  As I enjoyed my drive through the lush countryside I had a thought that filled me with dread - I'd forgotten the organ was very flat, probably lower than A336.  If you're a non musician, this just means I have to retune my harp which I keep at A441.  It takes a while for my harp to settle, and again as I tune it upwards after the concert.  The lower pitch makes everything feel and sound a bit depressing and the singers struggle too.  As I got into the church I spotted my mate Tom.  I've worked with him a few times and he's a pretty cool bloke, a bit quirky.  He's the kind of guy I can walk up to and tell him to stop fiddling with his organ.  To my relief, he was making friends with the hired organ, so no tuning issues.  Like me, Tom has specific shoes for negotiating all his pedals.  He's Director of Music at Wakefield Cathedral and we've played Chichester Psalms there before with the same choral conductor, the lovely colourful Andrew Padmore.  As well as being a bit of a whizz kid on the old keys, Tom always wheels out a pretty spectacular short solo that shows off his prowess and last night was no exception.  He wowed us with a quirky piece by Charles Ives in keeping with the American theme of the concert as well as his personality.  Alongside his organ duties Tom is a great educator and he was responsible for training the chorister who featured in the second movement of the Bernstein last night.  I always look forward to this stunning spiritual movement and I wasn't disappointed listening to Charlie last night.  A shy red head, the silence was spectacular as he sang with the purest of voices and our reaction as he humbly and innocently accepted his acknowledgement made him blush!  Gorgeous!  The choir were on top form as was Andrew, and he always makes me chuckle with his selection of themed waistcoats.  Imagine my glee when I spotted harps on the one he wore for the first half of the concert!

The drive home was blissfully quiet and pensive and the golden fiery sunset was a blessing, as was the solitary lapwing bidding me farewell as I took my leave of  Harrogate.  Yesterday felt like a short day and I was lucky to be home by 10 and get a head start on preparation for today and tomorrow's exciting events.  Brides - come and see and hear me and have a chat at the Holiday Inn in Garforth!  I'm looking forward to seeing those lovely blokes Allan and Grant from Wedding Fayres Yorkshire as well as meeting some talented suppliers.  It's great to be busy again and I'm feeling good-tired, and despite two catnaps in my car in my long break yesterday I'm looking forward to some serious chill and duvet time on Wednesday...

The beautiful setting at St Wilfrid's

Maybe the organ Tom was meant to be playing?

The peaceful hall where I did my brief Pilates session - look at the geometric detail in that ceiling

Beautiful roses for playing

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!

Creativity 2 - having my cake and eating it

My cake baking process started by shelling 350g pistachios.  As enjoyable as it was, it is a labour of love, and that's what cooking is.  As I had quite a lot to do today, the process went on and off all day.  Baking had been on my mind since last week so I knew I had to listen to that voice.  I carefully measured out my ingredients, zested and squeezed my lemons, greased my tin and separated 4 eggs.  Finally I had a fragrant pale green speckled batter to put in the oven.  When the cooking and cooling time was over, I carefully unmoulded my long awaited lovingly cosseted prize, and this happened:

Imperfection

You can imagine my disappointment!  I was reminded why I hadn't baked for quite a while - if it wasn't perfect, what's the point?  How was I going to give THAT to people?  Then I got creative again, I could dot the leftover pistachio halves on top along with a few blueberries, maybe some slices of orange - make a feature out of a **** up and all that.  

As soon as my cake came out of the oven, I threw in some chicken with garlic, honey and lemon, made an orange salad, cooked some asparagus, it was definitely a cook fest and I've got that out of my system for now.  I didn't get my practice done, this felt more important today, a reminder of how many parallels there are between cooking and music - one false pinch and it's ruined, or maybe that's where genius lies, in that extra accidental pinch.  There is also an element of taking care of myself.  As I read the recipe I noticed it was Moroccan influenced and that was when I realised the underlying theme.  A couple of years ago I had a thing about Spain and had to eat Spanish food.  A lot.  For about a month.  Tapas, pimentos, chorizo (how DO you say that?  At the moment I'm saying "chorit-zho" and not "choreeeee-zo") and I experimented with a variety of paella recipes. I listened to Flamenco music and watched Almodovar films.  I needed a holiday.  I couldn't get to Spain so I brought Spain to Yorkshire.  Soon I might make a tagine and get some preserved lemons, harissa, rose water...

Anyway, I just scraped the (best) bits from the bottom of the tin and it tastes absolutely amazing!

A Magical Place

I recently spent a morning combining a bit of business with pleasure at one of my favourite inspirational places, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.  It was a busy week and I was feeling a little burnt out and as soon as I see those rolling hills and creaking trees, I always breathe a sigh of relief and my batteries start to recharge.  It's a place of great tranquillity and serenity.  After three brief but meaningful business meetings I headed towards the Chapel, a very special spiritual place where I always find some peace.  A new exhibition has opened recently which I was really looking forward to seeing - Beyond Time by Chiharu Shiota.   I gasped and got goosebumps as I walked in. I could have spent 3 hours in there, her work is so quietly beautiful, fascinating and calming.  I was spellbound.  I don't want to write about it, my words wouldn't do it justice.  I urge you to see for yourselves.  And if you go to the Chapel, please speak quietly!

YSP is a national treasure and I feel so lucky to have it on my doorstep.  I go there for inspiration and to dust off the cobwebs as often as I can.  If you haven't been, I can't emphasise enough what a feast it is for ALL the senses.

Tranquillity

Some words from the exhibition booklet that resonated strongly with where I'm at on my journey