I created an ongoing project to keep me busy in my sixth decade (2013-2023)
Analysis of the harp string–all motion is curved -and all curvature is spiral
Sioned’s Spiralling Sixtieth
An exploration around the number six delving into different elements of my life. Strands evolve, and new elements are added throughout the decade
The exploration began on my 60th birthday, 1st July 2013, with a Wagner rehearsal for the Prom season, and so the spiral continues..
1/6 Orchestral As Former Principal Harpist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra for over a quarter of a century, I celebrate the diversity within this unique harp position with stories and lectures abut the amazing composers and conductors I worked with, and the projects I undertook with the orchestra.
2/6 New music including the premiering of 6 solo works for harp by distinctive English composers at my 60thbirthday concert; Anthony Bolton; Michael Finnissy; Dominic Murcott; Paul Patterson; Andy Scott; Michael Stimpson ; collaborations with other composers, the renewal of works composed for me during the 20thcentury, and new ventures..
3/6 Research which has developed into written articles, recitals, illustrated lectures and workshops on subjects including John Thomas harpist to Queen Victoria (this work continues to develop as I am now Honorary Research Scholar at the RAM), Blind John Parry; Benjamin Britten, Innovation and Collaboration, Ruskin’s thoughts, and others…
4/6 Retrospective Recitals including extensive repertoire from all periods, Concertos… best-loved as well as unusual; UKHA (as President); Connections; British; Persian; Recordings; Publications and more…
5/6 Educating mentoring; lecturing; teaching; workshops; writing articles; interviewing.
6/6 Charitable In connection with my rare glycogen storage disorder, McArdle Disease, to raise awareness, and funds, and to celebrate a rich and colourful life, I present ‘A SPIRAL OF DISCOVERY AND ADVENTURE‘ a miscellany of music, words, exhibition, and a life-story revealed