Harpist Brings Happiness to Harringay

The Wool Merchant and the Harp – A Review

“Oh dear!” I thought.  Just as I was about to leave, the snow began to fall. “But hey” I thought to myself. “We are talking a 400 yard walk, and you are a noted winter survival expert. So get your thermals on and get on the road” So, anyways, I head to St Paul’s and seconds after arriving I realise that the trek would have been worth it, even in a blizzard.

“When I tell people I’m a medieval harpist, people give me funny looks,” said Leah after her first piece. I really can’t think why, because all she would need to do is play and they would understand, because local musician Leah Studdart is a musician of phenomenal skill.

In this concert, harpist Leah looked back into the world of wool merchant and amateur musician George Cely and played the songs and pieces that he learned to play 500 years ago. Interspersed between each piece was Leah’s commentary on George’s life and the music of the time. This, together with her sublimely skilful playing made for a hugely enjoyable evening, what was well worth a walk in the snow for.

I only learned of this concert while looking on HOL in the afternoon and decided to go along entirely on an impulse. I am sure glad I did because this was a top draw event that would not been out of place at The Wigmore Hall. Seriously, this was a concert of PURE CLASS.

Afterwards Fr. Philip, the vicar of St Paul’s - a stunningly beautiful example of modern church design - announced that this could be the first of a series of concerts entitled ‘Music on the Ladder’. Now, that’s an idea I like very much indeed. And, if what you have planned in future is half as good as this evening’s event, then I think dear Fr. Philip that you are onto a very big winner indeed.