I am always thrilled by the response to my playing as it is wonderful to hear how the music has been enjoyed. Here are a letters and recommendations of my playing from people I have worked with in the past.
Subject: Re: Harpist for your Wedding Day – 5th May 2017
Hi Shelley,
Just want to say a massive thank you for playing at our wedding. You were amazing sounded beautiful. You made our wedding extra special.
Thanks again
—Charlotte and Matthew – May 2017
Immaculately prepared and presented.
—Helen Radice, Camac Harps France
Dear Shelley,
Just a note to say thank you so much for your wonderful playing at our Wedding at Ellenborough Park. It was beautiful and everyone enjoyed it so much. I can happily recall the music played during the ceremony amongst the nerves and whirlwind of it all! The playing at the drinks reception went down really well with all our guests. So glad we had the sunshine!
With best wishes and many thanks,
—Nina and Andy – June 2016
Shelley Fairplay brings a new dimension to harp concerts. Her Three Strands Concert combines the traditional with the modern and is a truly unique evening that will appeal to harpists and non-harpists alike. A fun and ingenious look at the three strands – passion, sorrow and joy – Shelley presents a full-length concert full of diversity and a very personal look at the everyday events she encounters in her working life. Playing on several different harps during the concert it is a visual spectacular as well as a joy to listen to. Shelley’s natural, happy personality comes across as she talks the audience through her musical journey and the audience were on their feet by the end.
—Elen Vining, Camac UK
I’ve always wanted to learn to play the harp and START HARP has made it possible as it’s accessible at times that are convenient for me. The fact that the course covers learning by ear and improvisation as well as reading music from the page means that you can start to play recognisable tunes from the beginning. I’ve loved every minute of the course – even the homework!
—Kate Adams
I would recommend this course for anyone who has ever dreamt of playing the harp. The ongoing support and advice, not only from Shelley herself but from the rest of the group through Facebook and Q & A sessions, has kept me focused. And it’s fun! What more could you want?
—Pauline Jones
Dear Shelley.
Just wanted to say a ‘big thank’ you for saturday at Lower Slaughter Manor. You played so lovely, many of our guest commented on your performance.
You added to our day and made it really special. I was keeping it all together until I walked into the ceremony and heard you play, after then I was very tearful, good job Andy was on hand with his hanky!!!
Anyway, many many thanks again, you were wonderful.
Take Care, I will pass on your details to any future brides I meet.
Best wishes,
—Emma and Andy
Dear Shelley,
Once again, allow me to say a big thank you for agreeing to play your harp at the pre-conference reception for this year’s NOTA conference.
Thanks for being so flexible – I realise that we weren’t exactly sure how the evening would pan out, but your cheery willingness to go with the flow was a significant relief to a busy organiser! Actually, when choosing which harpist to commission for the event, and we did have a choice, it was your pleasant, optimistic and flexible approach that made the choice an easy one. Thanks for taking on the choice of music too; I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of pieces-from classical favourites to Leonard Cohen, superb!
Finally Shelley, your playing was a real delight to the folk who attended the event – I had comments from all sides about how lovely it was to walk into the castle library to be greeted by the sound of the harp. On behalf of NOTA – both nationally and the Wales branch – thank you for doing such an excellent job and for truly providing the icing on the cake! I wouldn’t hesitate to strongly recommend you to anyone looking for a competent, professional, cheery and flexible musician who will deliver beautiful music with a smile – thanks Shelley!
Kind regards and best wishes for the future,
—Jonny, Children’s Services Manager – Barnardo’s Taith Service, UK
Dear Shelley,
Thank you for your wonderful contribution to our Silver Wedding celebration. We had a truly fabulous evening and everyone who was part of it helped to make it a memorable occasion, none more so than the magical welcome of your harp to our guests; simply splendid.
If we are ever lucky enough to have another event to celebrate in such style we certainly know who to contact!
With our many thanks and warmest wishes,
—Katharine and Neil Tonkin
Dear Shelley,
Thank you so much for a delightful day at Bath. Everyone was so happy while you were playing and I am immensely grateful to you for helping us make it a wonderful day. I hope we can meet again.
Best wishes,
—Christopher