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A
native of Great Ayton, She began playing the Harp at the
age of 9 with Dorothy Gilbertston, commuting to Harrogate
for weekly lessons. She made her BBC debut in 1982 at the
age of 10!
Invitations then followed to perform at the Gulbenkian
Theatre (Newcastle), Winyard Hall, Bowes Museum and at
various other venues in the North East. Winner of Young
Musician of Teesside in 1986, she became a member of the
Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra. Subsequently she joined
the Cleveland Youth Orchestra and has toured Europe with
them.
She graduated in July 1995 with a BMus (Hons) Degree after
studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with
teachers; Professor David Watkins, Charlotte Seale and
Helen Tunstall. |
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During her course she was also a member
of the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra and the London
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Some of the highlights
whilst studying were; playing for BBC Television’s
Christmas Presence (Dec. 1993) starring Cliff Richard; and
also performing in Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem at St
Paul’s Cathedral under the baton of Sir Richard Hickox. In
May 1995 she was privileged to play at the VE Day Royal
Banquet at the Guild Hall at which were present members of
the Royal family and 50 Heads of State.
In August 1996 She was Harp tutor for the National
Children’s Orchestra (11yrs & under).
In February 1997 she was honoured to form part of the
orchestra backing for Opera singer Lesley Garret. Later
that year, in May, She released her first public
recording called Harping On under the label of Huntcliffe
Recording Services.
Television credits include appearances in Mansfield Park
(ITV, March ’07) Songs of Praise (Dec. ’93 and May ’99),
Tonight (Tyne Tees Television, Feb. ’96) and Look North
(BBC Newcastle, April ’00 and July ‘ 01). In June
2000, She played for HRH the Prince of Wales during a
visit to Sir William Turner’s Almshouses at Kirkleatham.
In November 2002, She played for Brahms Requiem at
Middlesbrough Town Hall which included the guest
appearance of Sir Thomas Allen.
At present She is engaged in both free-lance work and
teaching, she has achieved a great reputation as a Harpist
in the North East playing with; Cleveland Chamber and
Philharmonic Orchestras, Durham Sinfonia, City of Leeds
Sinfonia, Leeds Youth Opera, Huddersfield Philharmonic
Orchestra, Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, Guildhall
Barbican Orchestra of York, the Orchestra of Opera North,
Carl Rosa Opera Orchestra (Britain’s oldest opera
company), Manchester Camerata, Northern Ballet Theatre
Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva and all the many local Choral
Societies and Choirs.
She owns and performs on a Lyon & Healy Concert Grand
pedal Harp.
In addition, She is also a qualified Communicator for
British Sign Language (CACDP Level 2). |
