Harpyness Blog

I recorded a short concert for the Harp on Wight Festival which you can watch below. It is introduced by Eira Lynn Jones and it also includes a short concert by Anne Denholm.

I was due to be performing at the opening concert of the festival on the Isle of Wight this year, so a huge thank you to the festival team for making the virtual festival happen.

I'm looking forward to going to the Isle of Wight in 2021 when we can (hopefully) all take part in the festival in person.

It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly 10 years since Alison Stephens died. She was the leading exponent of the classical mandolin in the UK, working at one time or another with most of the country's major orchestras, but she also did much to popularise the instrument too, through contributions to popular films (most notably Captain Corelli's Mandolin), live performances, teaching and composing.

I wrote an obituary about her for The Guardian at the time and it seems appropriate to share it again here as it lists her extraordinary career and achievements.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/oct/28/alison-stephens-obituary

Ali was a grafter and everything she achieved was from sheer hard work. Whatever life threw at her, (and boy she didn’t have it easy) she tackled with grace and determination. She was passionate about music and life and always put her full energy into everything.

As well as a colleague, Ali was a good friend and 10 years on, she is still fondly remembered and much missed by all who knew and worked with her.

Alison Stephens back catalogue https://open.spotify.com/artist/4o9Jpn6cctDuD93hUYpPQH

Comments

Harp on Wight Festival

Remembering Ali

CLICK HERE to sign up and receive the very occasional email when new harp music by Lauren Scott is available

Archives