Fiona Hosford-Professional Harpist
Online
Online
Renowned for her friendly yet professional nature, Fiona has been performing throughout the UK and abroad for over 15 years. Her flexibility in not just playing the usual suspect of tunes you'd expect to hear on the Harp but also very contemporary and unusual tunes, has served her well with a wide variety of clientele.
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What do you love most about your job?
I adore playing the harp - it's tough at times, not just learning new pieces but finding new contracts and permanently thinking about how to expand my client base.
The feedback I receive is always positive and I know that my harp playing gives a great deal of people a huge amount of joy and since March 2020, my online playing has helped a great deal of people disctract themselves away from the misery of the lockdowns we all endured.
What inspired you to start your own business?
It naturally grew from having played the harp from a young age and when my confidence grew with playing to people and seeing how much pleasure it brings them, it was a no-brainer really!
Why should our clients choose you?
I'm professional, reliable, approachable and can play some cracking tunes on the harp! I treat every booking as though it was myself being the client, so no question is 'silly' and I'm one of my tag lines is "I'm here to help, not to hinder"
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I can give remote zoom concerts by appointment and have been doing more of these since March 2020 for obvious reasons!
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
I still ask if masks or Tests are applicable. I am now re-instated as playing the harp for two hospitals and always make sure when I'm moving about, that I wear a mask and adhere to any protocols that are needed of me, given that Covid is still 'very fluid' in our society.
A Brief Explanation Regarding Weddings
I always offer each client an online Zoom meeting, so that we can go through any pieces of music they'd like me to play for their wedding - and it's also nice to meet my clients beforehand if I haven't already done so!
So, here is a brief synopsis of what I can provide at your wedding:
CEREMONY
Half an hour before the ceremony I will play quietly in the background as guests arrive and settle into their designated seats.
I play a selected piece of music (as discussed beforehand) for the entrance.
During the signing of the schedule, 2 to 3 pieces of music will be played, again, the couple’s choice.
When the register has been signed and the photos are complete,
I will play while the couples makes their exit.
DRINKS RECEPTION
Classical, or more contemporary pieces can be played. Again, the musical choice is up to the couple and, I usually play a more ‘upbeat’ selection, that will continue the happy momentum from the ceremony.
Being a great focal point, the harp usually encourages guests to interact with me – which is great, as I like to entertain people!
*** Please be aware that sometimes it’s not possible to play outside, due to weather conditions! ***
WEDDING BREAKFAST
While guests settle into their places and are commencing their meal, you will find the Harp provides the perfect atmosphere.
Inevitably, you will have people who are meeting each other for the first time and the Harp is a good focal point for conversation – it’s also loud enough to be heard but won’t drown people out whilst they’re talking.
(To move the Harp between rooms in the same venue
doesn’t present a problem for me as once it’s set up, it’s usually quite portable, depending on your venue’s layout)
An explanation for Functions (non-wedding services)
I always offer a clear and concise explanation with the client with regards to being booked for a function and several telephone calls or emails might take place to make sure that everything's correct.
My arrival to the venue is at least an hour beforehand, in order to set up and be ready on time and I'm flexible when it comes to last minute changes or any other details needed.
Venues & Clients have included:
The Anassa & The Annabelle, Cyprus
The Savoy, London
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Victoria & Albert Museum
Tour de France
Lambeth Palace
HMS Warrior
Cliveden House
NEC Birmingham
American Embassy, London
Deene Park, Corby
Spencer House, London
Woburn Abbey
British Library, London
North Mimms Park – Glaxo Wellcome
RAF Venues
National Trust Venues
Royal Society of Arts, London
The House of Lords
Leeds Castle
Marlborough House, London
Institute of Directors, London
St James’ Palace, London
The GLA Building, London
Goodwood House
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Claridges, London
National Portrait Gallery
The Wallace Collection
Wimbledon Main Marquee
Company of Biologists
Aston Martin Owners Club
Tate Modern
Wiston House/Wilton Park
Anglo/American Parliamentary Group, London
