Archive

"I LOVE Mulled Wine Concerts as they are so intimate.
See you soon
With gratitude, Helen"

Stories and Press Realeases

Helen Webby and Davy Stuart


Helen Webby and Davy Stuart

Helen's Website www.harp.co.nz and Davy's Website www.stuart.co.nz

Traditional and contemporary music for Celtic harp & guitar

Take an inspiring harpist, Principal Harp with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, add one of New Zealand’s best accompanists on guitar and bouzouki and you have a stunning instrumental combination. Helen Webby and Davy Stuart will play at the Paekakariki Memorial Hall at 2:30PM on 22 July, an event in The Mulled Wine Concert series which will be of interest to all lovers of Celtic music and particularly to guitarists and harpists. Their duo "String Wizardry" has a repertoire which ranges from the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland to contemporary compositions from NZ and elsewhere.
 
With an easy rapport that comes from 16 years playing together, they have enthralled audiences all round NZ and Australia, gathering rave reviews.
'Wonderful concert, very engaging performers...' ‘Fantastic musicians, great programme…'

Born in Whangarei, Helen Webby began playing the harp at the age of 12 and joined the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in 2000 as Principal Harp. She appeared recently in the Nelson Choral Society's New Zealand premiere of Karl Jenkins's "Cantata Memoria for the Children of Aberfan" in which the harp features prominently, the instrument being closely associated with Wales. She has recorded with flautist Anthony Ferner (CD 'Reverie'), with  Davy Stuart (CD 'The Golden Strand') with Davy and soprano Pepe Becker (CD 'Love's Nature) and has recently released "Pluck" featuring commissioned music from ten New Zealand composers.

Davy Stuart is a luthier with a wide range of experience in Celtic music. From Edinburgh, he toured with the pioneer Scottish band Alba in much of Europe. In his duo with fine Scots singer/guitarist Tony Cuffe, he played fiddle, bouzouki, dulcimer and harmonium. A Scots band Crannachan followed, playing clubs and festivals around Europe. He  joined the Scots band Rua, based in New Zealand from 1989. They appeared in Festival appearances around NZ and Australia, winning three Tui Music NZ awards. In addition to his recording and concert career, Davy specialises in the building of fine stringed instruments – guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis and harps.

On Sunday 22 July, expect to hear jigs, reels, Niel Gow's tunes, Carolan's Cup, Mhairi's Wedding, The Final Trawl and many more. Enjoy an afternoon of music and mulled wine!



<< Return to Press Releases