Catherine White has enjoyed a wide-ranging career on both sides of the Atlantic. After winning several prestigious awards in her native USA, she toured widely presenting hundreds of solo and chamber recitals and concertos across the USA and at festivals in the UK and Europe. Her broadcasts include live solo and chamber music for the BBC, Czech Television and National Public Radio (USA). As an orchestral harpist, Catherine has performed with most of the major London orchestras for concerts, ballet, and opera, with such distinguished conductors as Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Bernard Haitink, as well as having played regularly as principal with the Ulster Orchestra . She teaches at the Royal Academy of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire. Less formally, she has entertained notables ranging from Frank Sinatra to the Prince of Wales, and has been honoured to play for British and foreign Royalty on many occasions. Catherine especially enjoyed the experience of playing for afternoon tea for over ten years at the Meridien Piccadilly Hotel in London. She has recorded a solo album, Bouquet for Harp. She now lives near Stroud and plays with many local music groups. She loves nothing better than to share her passion for the harp and put its glorious sound in the spotlight.
Cathy writes ‘I am so looking forward to my concert at Minch, I am practicing like mad, learning some lovely new pieces! My programme will include French and Spanish works by composers including Debussy and Albeniz, plus a number of less familiar names such as Salzedo, Tournier, Hasselmans and Parry who were all fine composers and harpists as well! The harp is not only unusual but such a striking visual presence and a captivating sound that audiences of all ages are typically fascinated. I also like to make a point of speaking to the audience, giving them to learn a bit more about this exotic but very beautiful and versitile instrument.’
How lucky we are to have Cathy taking part in our concert series. Do come and hear this heavenly music!!