The duo formed in 1991 and has an extensive repertoire balancing innovative new works with more familiar composers and pieces including works by Bach, Handel, Corrette, Sibelius and Moskoswki. Their first CD together: Tapestry was released on the Black Box label in 2003.
"...remarkable duo…. as compelling as it is different…..the closing “Full Moon Rising Red” is the most ambitious, and most demanding for the players to sustain, but they do so with élan, creating considerable tension and excitement. But then the whole programme is splendidly played..." Ivan March, The Gramophone
"...make their unusual instrumental combination sound utterly natural, in the process exploiting the differing string tones and sonorities of the two instruments to beguiling effect…… How fruitful this long-standing playing relationship is became evident right from the introductory sonata… The unusual nature of the duo attracts its fare share of commissions from contemporary composers and there are some immensely satisfying examples here..." Jim Gilchrist, The Scotsman (4-Star Review)
"...the two instruments reveal previously unimagined expressive qualities, helped in no small measure by the splendid musicianship of Stephens and Scott..." Mark Walker, Amazon.co.uk
"...a highly attractive disc, for both are masters of their instruments, playing with imaginative flair and technical skill..." Christopher Fifield, MusicWeb.uk.net
Duo Mandala was formed in 1991 and gave its first concert at St Martin’s-in-the- Fields in London. Alison and Lauren soon realised the potential of such an unusual but successful combination and went about persuading composers to write music for them. The result is a successful and polished duo with a wonderful repertoire mixing favourite composers such as Handel and Sibelius with beautiful accessible contemporary music. Their programmes have been met with great enthusiasm across the country. Their debut CD, Tapestry on the Black Box label (BBM1088) was released in Dec 2003 and was nominated for "Editor's Choice" in the Gramophone.
Resources For Promoters: Click on the image to the right for a PDF A5 flyer that will open in a new browser window.
Sonata in D Major by M Corrette (3rd Movement)
Sonata BMV1020 by JS Bach (3rd Movement)
SAMPLE PROGRAMME Exploring the compelling and charming sound world of this unusual but highly successful combination.
Mandolin & Harp:
Sonata in G (after Op.4,No.6) (Andante Allegro:Larghetto:Allegro)
G.F.Handel (1685-1759)
Sonata (Larghetto: Allegro Gallemberg)
G.Donizetti (1797-1848)
Harp Solo:
Siciliana
O.Respighi (1879-1936)
Mandolin and Harp:
Sonata No 1 (I:II:III)
A.Scott (b.1966)
INTERVAL
Mandolin & Harp:
Sonate in D Major - Les Jeux Olympiques (Allegro:Aria:Giga)
M.Corrette (1709-1759)
Harvest of the Quiet Eye
P.Mitchell-Davidson (b.1948)
Valser – Concerto op.241
C.Munier (1859-1911)
Romanza (H.115)
E.Granados (1867-1916)
La Vide Breve (Spanish Dance No. 1)
M.de Falla (1876-1946)
Themed programmes entitled "Far Horizons" and "La Danza" are also available.
