St. Thomas à Becket Church
The Friends of St. Thomas a Becket are delighted to welcome Jemima Phillips as the centre-piece of their 2017 events. She is winner of numerous awards and accolades, with an impressive list of qualifications; Jemima is one of the outstanding harpists of her generation. An exciting, versatile and innovative performer equally at home on acoustic and electric harps she is in great demand because of her creativity, musicianship, unique style and friendly personality.
Jemima graduated from the Royal College of Music with a BMus(Hons), an MMus(RCM) and by the age of nineteen had gained Fellowships of Trinity College London and the Royal Schools of Music. She has performed extensively throughout the UK and has been featured on TV by BBC, GMTV, ITV and S4C Wales. Internationally she has played in Japan, France, Russia, Switzerland, Spain and the U.S.A.
Appointed official harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales in 2004, her three year tenure ensured several memorable highlights, including performing at his wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall, playing at the reception hosted by Her Majesty the Queen for the 2012 Olympic Bid, featuring in the first public concert recorded by Classic FM which was broadcast following the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day and premiering the Salvi 'Royal' harp at the Llangollen International Festival.
One of the few harpists able to offer full-size concert harp, full-size electric harp and small electric harp, her repertoire spans classical, contemporary, jazz, rock, pop, soul, metal, electro, ambient experimental, film, TV, shows and Bollywood. Her own eclectic taste in music has also enabled her to play, improvise, song write and experiment with a variety of musicians, bands and DJ’s.
Following this evening, which promises to suit all musical tastes as above, the evening will conclude with the usual garden party reception in the grounds of Huntington Court, (by kind permission of William and Fiona Shone), where guests can meet and enjoy Jemima’s company, as well as meeting many other friends from all over the area. There will, as usual, be free wine and canapés served.
The following reviews are from some previous performances:
"You could have sold out Thurlston Long Gallery twice I reckon, and in addition to a fantastic performance I would like to thank you for your part in the the post-concert discussion - everything I wished it to be and enlightening for the audience." Toby Smith, Cheltenham International Festival
"Jemima Phillips, was a revelation. She was fun, entertaining and perfection." Dr David Mathias, Orpheus Male Voice Choir Concert
"It’s taken me most of the weekend to come down after Friday, but I just wanted to say thanks again for making the concert at Oaklands so special. It far exceeded all my expectations, and I so appreciate all the energy, enthusiasm and hard work you put into it. I’ve been quite overwhelmed by all the positive feedback I’ve had from those who attended, and I do hope you were delighted as I was with the way the audience responded on the night. We just loved you! Again, huge thanks and very best wishes!" Paul Manning, Concert Co-ordinator at Oaklands Park
"I just cannot thank you enough for your part in the concert last week. The reaction to the harp has been quite extraordinary. I think everybody who has written or called me has mentioned how much they loved your playing. I hope your ears are burning." Diana Cawdron, Home-Start Carol Concert, Guards Chapel
"Your harp playing was so beautiful, we couldn't stop clapping. Me and my family would like to see you playing again so please could you send me your concert programme." Monika Szedaer
You really are a fantastic and talented musician – I love to hear you play and think that you enabled the local people of Aylesbury the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a style of music that they may not have heard before in a modern and approachable environment. Your talent shines through and your lovely personality makes it a true pleasure to work with you. Thank you for helping to make our St George / Shakespeare celebration a great success. I look forward to working with you again in the future!" Ruth Mayhew, Events and Communications Officer, Aylesbury Town Council