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In addition to the movement to convince schools and governments of the value of music in children’s development, here’s a nice news article about the benefit of playing music in later life.
Good thing I have some daytime and evening slots available to teach new enthusiasts 🙂

“Playing a musical instrument or singing could help keep the brain healthy in older age, UK researchers suggest.
Practising and reading music may help sustain good memory and the ability to solve complex tasks, their study says.
In their report, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, they say music should be considered as part of a lifestyle approach to maintain the brain.”

read the article on BBC news

The cup won by our ‘West London Young Harpers’ ensemble in 2023

The Richmond Performing Arts Festival is coming up in March, and the instrumental section will be adjudicated by Paul Harris this year.

I expect to attend with a delegation of harp students, playing both solo and in duo and larger ensemble settings.

Wishing everyone best of luck with the preparations.
NB. the deadline for registration is March 8, 2024

https://www.richmondfestival.org.uk/

with the The Guard’s Chapel singers, January 2024

I started the year on a high, playing an hour long candlelit concert with the brilliant upper voices of The Guards Chapel Choir, led by Martin Ford.

The programme:
A New Year Carol, Benjamin Britten
Six Noëls, Marcel Tournier (harp solo)
Hymn to the Virgin, Edmund Rubbra
Jesukin, Edmund Rubbra
Einförmig ist der Liebe Gram, Johannes Brahms (voices a capella)
Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, arr John Rutter
A Ceremony of Carols, Benjamin Britten

It was magical, the singers were superb, the acoustics incredible, I feel very fortunate!