A few prospective brides have asked me lately what the most popular pieces are for the Ceremony. The age -old most popular piece to walk into- The Bridal March by Wagner, has now been overtaken by Canon in D , Pachelbel, as the popular processional. Both work well and sound lovely on the harp.
Quite a few brides enjoy walking in to a contemporary piece arranged for harp solo. Songbird – Fleetwood Mac/ Eva Cassidy-makes a romantic choice, and Groovy Kind of Love (Phil Collins) makes an excellent recessional. I’d normally recommend something classical for the Signing and then you have a nice varied programme with something for everyone
London Duck
We’re getting ready to head to the capital with the family for a few days. We swap houses and are looking forward to experiencing life in Muswell Hill.This time in London, we’ve booked on the London Duck tour. It’s a unique vehicle used in the D-Day landings that can traverse land and water. So we’ll be driving through the Westminster sites before plunging into the Thames. It’s hard work tidying up the odds and ends of the business before I go, but it will be good to have a break. As well as taking lots of bookings and enquiries as a harpist for weddings, I’ve been practicing the harp really hard lately and all I’ve seen is four small walls. I’m looking forward to widening my horizons.
Spring’s in the Air
Been enjoying the glorious sunshine this last couple of weeks and with the lighter days had a foretaste of spring and summer. January to March is generally a fallow time for the harpist, but a clutch of last minute bookings in February helped to keep us in hot dinners! At Cedar Court Grand, York, I played twice to celebrate their success in being awarded 5 * status. The snow began as I set out from home on both occasions earning me the affectionate nickname of Ice Queen from the concierge staff. They were a bit chilly as we struggled to pull the harp through the snow, and then the trusty Mondeo estate needed a strong push off! I was glad it was so close at hand – only 2.5 miles to crawl home at 12 miles per hour – I am very cautious in the bad weather and invoke road rage at every turn. The other interesting work that came my way was a Regimental Dinner at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. The atmosphere was lively but most attentive and at the end I received a huge round of applause along with cries of “Ruby, Ruby, Ruby…”
Ruby follows Jason Orange
At The Great John St Hotel. Ruby entertained guests at the swanky boutique hotel hired by Take That’s singer for a private party. Frequented by celebs from the nearby Granada Studios the six storey city hideaway is topped by a spectacular roof terrace. Ruby enjoyed a bird’s eye view of Coronation Street while entertaining guests with harp and mellow vocals at a chilled civil partnership reception.
Ruby Paul – BBC Radio Interview
Hear Ruby on the John Foster show, BBC Tees, talking about her work and life in the fast lane. A chance to peep behind the scenes and hear Ruby in person. Click the BBC link and slide the player to 2hr 07 where the interview starts and it continues until 3 hours with some small breaks for news, etc.
