Helena Bowen Harpist Versatile and classically-trained Harpist

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Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.

About / Biography

Hi I'm Helena, a freelance Brummy harpist and 2021 graduate from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where I studied under the tuition of Rita Schindler, Ruth Faber and visiting tutor Catrin Finch. Over the past 10 years I have had the pleasure of performing throughout the UK and Europe in venues such as St. Philips Cathedral, Centrala, Eastside Projects, Symphony Hall, Royal Albert Hall and HfMDK's Frankfurt Lab. Throughout my career I have also premiered numerous pieces and continue to work with composers on new and upcoming projects, as well as creating my own.

I am available for hire to perform at a variety of private events, including weddings, engagement parties, drinks receptions and corporate events, always ensuring the music is tailored specifically to you and your guests. I have a wide range of repertoire to suit everyone's taste and I am constantly discovering and learning new music and genres.

If you would like to add a special touch to your event, please get in contact!

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Location

Based in Birmingham, West Midlands

Will travel up to 100 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 100 miles)
pink circle = free travel (up to 50 miles)
Please note that the circles shown on the map are calculated "as the crow flies". By road distances may vary, so please get in touch for an accurate quote.

Pop & Ballads:

Perfect (Ed Sheeran)

Little Things (One Direction)

I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)

No One (Alicia Keys)

Shape of You (Ed Sheeran)

Photograph (Ed Sheeran)

Shut Up & Dance (Walk the Moon)

Love on Top (Beyoncé)

POV (Ariana Grande)

Halo (Beyoncé)

Rather Be (Clean Bandit)

All Of Me (John Legend)

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Whitney Houston)

Happy (Pharrell Williams)

Marry You (Bruno Mars)

Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

Cheerleader (OMI)

Latch (Disclosure)

Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran)

Hey Jude (The Beatles)

Video Games (Lana Del Rey)

Classical:

I Giorni (Einaudi)

Comptine d'été no.3 (Yann Tiersen)

Je te laisserai des mots (Patrick Watson)

Aspen Acres (Dan Barton)

Primavera (Einaudi)

La Dispute (Yann Tiersen)

La Valse d'Amélie (Yann Tiersen)

Grasshopper Waltz (Enzo Corne)

September Song (Agnes Obel)

Quiet Music (Nico Muhly)

Comptine d'un Autre été: L'Après-Midi (Yann Tiersen)

Video Game and Film:

Far Horizons (Skyrim)

Ancient Stones (Skyrim)

Secunda (Skyrim)

Journey (Destiny 2)

Lost In The Storm (Ori & the Blind Forest)

Drustvar (World of Warcraft)

James Bond Theme

Skyfall (James Bond)

Married Life (Up)

Concerning Hobbits (Lord of the Rings)

In Dreams (Lord of the Rings)

Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Lion King)

Alternative:

Cosmic Love (Florence + the Machine)

The Only Exception (Paramore)

Sweater Weather (The Neighbourhood)

Everlong (Foo Fighters)

Dissolve Me (Alt J)

Where Is My Mind? (Pixies)

​Life On Mars? (David Bowie)

Jazz:

What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

I need a performance space of at least 1.5 x 2m space for my harp, stool and stand. I also require a parking space within short walking distance of the venue entrance.


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

No


What information do you require about a venue?

I need to know any directions that will help me find the venue and which entrance is the most accessible. The pedal harp is very heavy and whilst it can be moved up and down stairs, this is not preferable and I will need to know in advance if your venue isn't wheelchair accessible for my harp. In some circumstances, I may have to charge extra if there I have to move my harp up or down a large set of steps.

I will also need any additional information such as if I will need to move the harp throughout the day. The more information you can provide, the better for a smooth running event.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

No


What area do you cover?

I am based in the West Midlands and available for hire throughout the UK. Depending on your location additional travel costs may be charged, however I will discuss this with you prior to your event.


General Accessibility and Stairs

If your venue has a large or particularly steep set of stairs that I would need to climb with my harp in order to perform at your event, please make me aware of this when making your booking with me. A few steps is fine, however if your venue does not have a lift or an accessible way of me transporting my harp throughout the venue then please make me aware of this as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever played at?

The best gig I've ever done was a performance consisting of 6 harpists walking around with their harps and performing at a new music gig. The piece was called 'She plays angel music (where people might die)' composed by Michael Wolters and was a really unique and exciting piece to be a part of premiering!

The best venue however has to be the Royal Albert Hall. It is such an iconic, beautiful venue and it was unforgettable experience to perform there!


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

As a classically trained musician, my musical influences are massively varied in genres. I love video-game and film music and also often play rock and pop covers.


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

I've been playing the harp since I was 8 years old and followed my dream of being a professional musician by studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where I gained my undergraduate Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2021. Throughout nearly 20 years of playing the harp, I have performed at numerous weddings, performed solo recitals, collaborated with composers to create and perform new music and have even recorded music for a video game!


What's your favourite type of event to play at?

I love playing all types of events but wedding are my favorite! It's always a joy making people's big day extra special and seeing how happy everyone is to celebrate.


What music do you play?

I perform a variety of different genres and I love discovering new music to learn and explore. I have a large and ever-growing repertoire that ranges from classical, romantic and folk to rock, pop, film and video game music. I am always expanding the genres I cover and I am currently working on expanding into Irish folk and Bollywood.

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

I normally arrive 1.5 hours before the performance to set up and soundcheck. Depending on what your event is e.g wedding, drinks reception etc. the performance times will vary to suit. This is something we can discuss prior to your event and agree upon what performance times will be best for your event, audience and plans.


Are you happy to perform outside?

Yes, I am more than happy to play outside (weather permitting) however I will need a flat surface for myself and the harp (1.5 x 2m) and must have an accessible route. If you would like me to play outside for your event, please specify this prior to your event date so we can discuss this further.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

I can learn specific songs before the event however I usually limit this to 2 songs. Clients are welcome to pick a set list from my repertoire or I can tailor a set list specifically for your event with the genres and mood you desire.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

Previous clients would describe my performances as beautiful, memorable and a special touch to their event.

A recent wedding bride said:
"Our day would not have been the same without your beautiful music, our guests were buzzing about it all day. We can’t wait to see the videos so we can relive it."


Do you need a break?

Yes, I require a 15-minute break for every 45 minutes of performance. This is flexible and for example, if I'm performing for a 2 hour drinks reception, this can be taken as a 30-minute break in the middle, therefore providing you with 2 - 45 minute sets of live music for your event.

Breaks are something I will always discuss with you prior to your event and are within my contract.

Recent Clients

Helena Bowen Harpist has performed for these clients:

Kat and Dominic Bias

Michelle and Steve Brace

Margaret Cooper

Young Composers Project

Jessica Miles

Helen Chapman

Miranda Burton

Doug and Lila Garcia

Lindsey and Kim Baldwin

Marcus and Sam Daniel

Sam Medina

Taylor Becker

Venues

Helena Bowen Harpist has performed at these venues:

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

The Mill Barns

Council House Birmingham

St Pauls Church Birmingham

St. Philips Cathedral

Centrala

Eastside Projects

Symphony Hall

Royal Albert Hall

HfMDK's Frankfurt Lab

St Alphege Parish Church

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