FindaHarpist
Classical / Popular
Paula - ID462
Styles Classical / Popular • Celtic • Harp and Voice
Counties Bedfordshire • Berkshire • Buckinghamshire • Gloucestershire • Hampshire • Hertfordshire • Northamptonshire • Oxfordshire • Surrey • Wiltshire
Biography
A professional harpist and singer, Paula is experienced at creating just the right atmosphere: whether it be for a large, formal reception, a small and intimate gathering or the performance of specially chosen music at a wedding ceremony.
She has toured Britain, Ireland and Australia, performing at hundreds of events including weddings, corporate functions, cruises, themed banquets, an intensive care ward and live television and radio.
Yet every occasion is unique and Paula prides herself on providing an individual service, tailored to each client's particular requirements and preferences.
Paula adapts her repertoire according to the client's taste and she offers two different harps to suit any occasion: for formal events, she uses a Classical Concert Harp and, to honour events with an Irish, Scottish or Welsh connection, Paula will play a traditional Celtic Harp, if desired.
Originally classically trained, Paula reads music fluently. However, she is also a natural musician, who was born with perfect pitch. This rare quality allows her to play music by ear effortlessly and she has often played special requests directly from client's recordings: ideal when there is no music score available.
"Thank you for the fantastic professional service you provided at our wedding 24th April 2004. We had a wonderful day and the beautiful music you played made our day very special."
Some people are happy to leave the choice of music entirely up to Paula. Others will specify a preference for light and graceful classical music, uplifting and romantic popular songs or favourite traditional Celtic melodies.
Then, there are other people who have something very particular in mind. Paula will go out of her way to play unusual special requests and, possessing an exceptionally good ear, she often learns pieces direct from recordings supplied by clients.
Paula has a very good memory too and can play over four hour's worth of music from memory. Most of the time she plays without music, allowing her to avoid the need for a music stand and unsightly piles of music books.
The harp has long been associated with formal occasions for good reason: no other instrument can match it for visual presence, elegance and sophistication.
Unlike the majority of solo instruments, the harp does not need additional accompaniment. Only one musician is needed, so hiring a harpist is more affordable than hiring a group and takes up less space.
Harp music is subtle and unobtrusive. It is loud enough to add atmosphere to the proceedings, but remains in the background, without hindering conversation.
The harp is ideal for accompanying singing. When appropriate, this can add an extra touch of magic, particularly if there is a request for a special song that would make the day complete.
Harp repertoire is very varied, ranging from classical to popular, so there is something for everyone.
The sound of the harp is is relaxing and helps to put people at ease. This makes it perfect for social occasions when people are meeting for the first time. Lilting airs, up-tempo jigs and reels and much loved traditional songs, all played on the Celtic harp. What could be more evocative of the Celtic lands of Ireland, Scotland and Wales?
Having lived in Ireland for three years, Paula is no stranger to performing Celtic music. Her appearances there range from an eighteen month residency at the luxury Gregan's Castle Hotel in the Burren to a children's intensive care ward in a Dublin hospital. Even audiences as far away as Australia have been delighted by the combination of Paula's Celtic harp and voice!
SAMPLE REPERTOIRE
Classical
Adagio in G Minor - Albinoni
Air from Water Music - Handel
Air on the G String - J.S. Bach
Allegro Maestoso from Water Music - Handel
Arioso from Cantata 156 - J.S. Bach
Arrival<
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