Centre Stage: Two Harps

The programme centres on the unique textures and evocative resonance of two harps performing together. You will hear Salzedo’s Song in the Night, a work that explores the distinctive sound world of the instrument through various techniques. The afternoon continues with transcriptions of French impressionist staples, including Ravel’s Mother Goose and a selection of Preludes by Debussy. In these arrangements, the lush orchestral colours and delicate piano phrasing of the originals are translated into a landscape of plucked strings and harmonics. Listen for how the two instruments interact to create a rich, layered sound that retains the ethereal quality of the source material. The pacing of the hour is designed to highlight the lyrical and atmospheric possibilities of the harp, moving from the rhythmic patterns of Salzedo to the familiar, storytelling melodies of the French masters. The intimate acoustics of the setting are well-suited to capturing the subtle nuances and vibrations that might be lost in a larger hall.

The performance features harpists Katherine Thomas and Alex Rider. Both musicians are members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble rooted in the Midlands with an international profile. While the full orchestra is known for its symphonic breadth, these smaller configurations allow individual players to showcase their specialisms. Katherine Thomas and Alex Rider are regular fixtures in the orchestra's busy schedule, and here they bring their collaborative experience to a more focused chamber setting. Their repertoire often spans from classical transcriptions to contemporary works specifically written for the harp.

This performance takes place at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham. With a duration of approximately sixty minutes, it is an ideal choice if you are looking for a shorter event during the day or if you are new to chamber music. The venue provides a modern, informal environment for daytime concerts. There is no specific dress code for this event, so you should feel comfortable in everyday attire. The modest ticket price and concise format make it an accessible entry point for those wishing to experience live classical music in a central city location.