Hire Florence Astley | Harpist in Dorchester

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Florence Astley

Florence Astley - harpist. Mikhail's Glinka's 'Nocturne' in Maiden newton church

Gini & Florence Film 1 Max Gate Dorchester

About Florence

Florence Astley performs regularly within Dorset, at weddings,at National trust properties and for special occasions in Dorset & Somerset

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Harpist

Dorchester

Florence began her studies at the age of eleven at the junior department of the Royal college of music, where she studied the piano and the harp. At the age of 16, Florence was awarded a prize in the Angela Bull Memorial Competition.. At eighteen, Florence went onto study an undergraduate degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. For the last 14 years, Florence has done many performances at weddings, National Trust houses, and for private parties. Florence has also frequently provided background music on the harp at various functions. Florence is a very skilled and versatile musician, having had much experience providing classical as well as folk performances.

Florence

5 out of 5

1 verified review

Florence's Reviews

5 out of 5

You put on a delightful show for us again at Barrington Court (National Trust). You spent some time arranging and checking with us a suitable programme for the varied audience -- a lovely mix of serious and fun pieces, all the right length for visitors to enjoy as they passed through. Visitors commented that the sound creates an air of magic. We'd like to acknowledge the professionalism of your approach. We've invited you back for several years running not just for the music but because we can rely on you completely, even when you have to accommodate last-minute alterations.

'You two are great to work with. Calm, kind, professional & musically astute - the programme was spot on. And of course it sounded enchanting.'

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7th Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 7 years

Florence's Song list

Classical solo harp Repertoire:

Ground bass in F major - Purcell

Canon in D - Pachelbel

Bach - Prelude no. 1

John Thomas - Watching the Wheat

Delibes - flower duet

Bizet - Carmen 'intermezzo'

Glinka - Variations on a theme of Mozart

Glinka - Nocturne

Strauss - The blue Danube

Nadermann - selection of his Etudes

Stanley Myers - Cavatina

Spring Vivaldi

Autumn - Vivaldi

Romance - Parish Alvars

Soupir and Offrande Renie

Petit Valse - Hasselmans

Au bord du Ruisseau - Renie

Angelus - Renie

Nadermann - Studies 2 and 3

Songs:

Moon River

All the things you are - Jerome Kern

I will always love you - Dolly Parton

Where is Love - Oliver

Memory - from Cats

My Heart will go on - from Titanic

Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen

Here comes the sun - Harrison

Yesterday - John Lennon

Somewhere over the rainbow

Einaudi - Le Onde

Einaudi - due Tramonti

All the things you are - Jerome Kern

Moon River

For Flute and Harp Duo :

Delibes Flower Duet

Gluck - Dance of the Blessed Spirits

Winter Vivaldi

Bach - Sonata in E flat major

Bach - Badinerie

Ashokan Farewell - Phil Coulter

Believe me if all these young charms - Coulter

Faure - Song without words

Greensleeves

Danny Boy

Canon Lan

Over the sea to Skye.

The Keel row

Plenty Irwin - O'Carolan

Myfanwy

Mozart - The marriage of Figaro

I can also perform requested pieces.

Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I would always try to be as flexible as I possibly can be. If your timings are going to change prior to the event, please just contact me to let me know.

How much time do you need to set up?

I always like to have 45 minutes to set up, This gives me sufficient time to set up my harp and music, and to tune.

Is the transport of your harp included in your quote?

Yes, it is. I have included all the travel costs, which are for the cost of fuel to and from the event I am to perform at.

Do you need any equipment provided to play outdoors?

I do not need any extra equipment. But I can add my own amplification (which I can bring to the event)if needed or you wish: my instrument is played acoustically, so I don't need any equipment as rule. If it is raining then I will need full cover or to perform indoors as my instrument could be damaged.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

My set lists are put together from numerous performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, I would be happy to chat through this, and make sure we find what works for your event.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If a song isn't included in my repertoire list, there may still be a possibility we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £25 for this service to take into account rehearsal times.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Clients will tend to comment on the musicality and sensitivity in my performances. Clients also like how I am accommodative of their particular wishes, for example where I am seated in the room or venue, and perhaps performing pieces that they request me to play.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Montacute House Somerset Barrington Court, Somerset Max Gate House, Dorchester (Dorset) Athelhampton House, Dorchester, Dorset. The Royal crescent hotel, Bath. Chantmarle Manor, Dorset.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Bach and Mozart. I've also been very influenced by the harp music of the Harp composers: Hasselmans, Mikhail Glinka and Renie.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

The most high profile gig I've performed at was at the Seachange Festival, in Totnes, and at Beaminster Festival (in Dorset).

Musicianship

Genres:

Traditional church music, Classical, Baroque, Classical crossover, Renaissance, Folk, Irish rock, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Pop, Ambient pop

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Instruments:

Harp, Piano

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Event types:

Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve

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Other skills:

Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Fluent sight-reader, Perfect pitch, Accompanist

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