Harp Concert

About

We are delighted to welcome Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform in Brantwood's Drawing Room as part of our afternoon concerts series.
The ambience of Brantwood's drawing room affords the opportunity to meet the musicians and observe at close quarters the technique, interpretation and expertise of their performance in this most exquisite of venues. Performance begins at 2pm.
Seating is limited to forty so booking early is recommended
Tickets £20 (includes an interval drink).

PROGRAMME

Alphonse Hasselmans – La Source, Op. 44

Marcel Tournier – Quatre Preludes, Op. 16

Sally Beamish – Awuya

Esther Swift – Time Spinner

Alberto Ginastera – Sanatina for Harp I. Allegro II. Aria III. Toccata

Interval

Marcel Grandjany – Colorado Trail, Op. 28

Jean Cras – Deux Impromptus I. Lent II. Anime

Mared Emlyn – Perlau Yn y Glaw I. Spiritoso II. Giocoso e ritmico III. Espressivo e licenza IV. Vivace

Eleanor Dunsdon – Home

Savopurna Stevenson – Emily's calling

Dernard Andres – Duke

BIOGRAPHY

Elinor Nicholson is an accomplished and award-winning harpist whose career has taken her to stages and venues across the United Kingdom. With a wide-ranging performance portfolio, she has appeared in solo recitals, chamber concerts, orchestral settings, and as a featured soloist at weddings and private functions. Her artistry and versatility have made her a highly sought-after musician for both live events and broadcast performances.

Among her notable career highlights are appearances at the world-renowned BBC Proms, where she performed with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. She has also been featured on the BBC's Songs of Praise Christmas and New Year broadcasts, sharing her music with audiences nationwide. In addition, Elinor toured internationally with the acclaimed rock band Evanescence as part of their Synthesis Live tour. Her reputation has led to collaborations with celebrated artists including Nicola Benedetti, Alfie Boe, Katherine Jenkins, and Russell Watson.

Elinor trained at the Royal Northern College of Music, where she achieved both a first-class honours degree and a Master of Music with distinction. During her studies, she gained recognition through prestigious awards, including winning the RNCM Concerto Competition. She was also twice a finalist in the RNCM Gold Medal competition, the institution's highest performance accolade.

Alongside her solo and orchestral work, Elinor is deeply committed to chamber music. She is a founding member of the Polaris Duo, an ensemble pairing harp with saxophone. The duo is dedicated to expanding the repertoire for this unique instrumental combination, commissioning and premiering numerous new works. Their debut album Illuminate received national attention and was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 through the BBC Introducing scheme.

Elinor also performs with CLOUDS, a harp quartet known for pushing musical boundaries. The group specializes in folk-inspired original music by composer Esther Swift, and their album Up She Rises showcases their distinctive sound and collaborative energy.

Beyond the concert stage, Elinor is committed to sharing music in community and educational settings. She is a fellowship musician with Live Music Now!, the pioneering outreach initiative founded by Yehudi Menuhin. Through this programme, she has brought live music to schools, hospitals, care homes, and community centres. She also completed a year-long placement in a special educational needs school, where she supported children's musical growth and personal development.

Elinor's career reflects not only technical excellence and musical sensitivity but also a passion for bringing the harp to diverse audiences, both in traditional concert halls and beyond.