PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS

WHAT THEY WROTE…

“Thank you so very much for another wonderful concert. You put such a lot of time and imagination into compiling a programme sympathetic to the theme of the concert – thought provoking for the audience and at the same time giving a huge amount of pleasure. Thank you for all the research involved to compliment our Fragile Earth Season and giving us hope for the future with your music and words.”

Anita T and All at St Nicholas

“The Care for the World team, in Wheatley URC, so want to tell you how much we and indeed all the audience at friday’s concert, enjoyed your lovely harp, song and poetry evening. So many people spoke of the spirit of gentle peace, relaxation and oneness that they experienced from you. We loved your easy-going time of setting up and dismantling, and of course the choice of programme on the theme of Travellers All.”

Liz Barry – Care for the World Team, Wheatley United Reformed Church

Responses to Women in War in Their Own Words

“Important, moving and enjoyable. Deserves a wide audience.”

“Emotional and beautifully executed… Thank you, Paula, for a concert that few others would ever have thought of putting together, thank you again.”

“At Jordans Quaker Meeting House this afternoon for ‘Women in War In Their Own Words’, a performance by the multi-talented Paula Tait. Her programme explored the effects of wars, in this century and the last one, on women, who have so often been the forgotten participants and victims. She weaved together poems by these women and music from their cultures, as well as her own songs, played on a range of instruments. I found it enormously moving and thought-provoking – a real feast of food for thought.”

“This was such a wonderful and thoughtful performance, thank you, paula.”

“Incredible performance today by Paula Tait at her one woman music and poetry event Women in War at Jordans. About women’s amazing heroism in resisting war and bringing about peace.”

Review in St Nicholas Magazine

The centre piece of the Creation festival was an amazing concert given by harpist and musician Paula Tait..

Paula held an audience of about forty people in rapt silence through her two half hour performances of harp music, songs accompanied by the harp, poems and readings. She performed music on the Kalimba, Arabic flute and wooden whistle.  All Paula’s material focused on the importance trees, plants and flowers have on sustaining our lives for food, shelter, medicines, clothing, perfume and beauty. In the course of the concert, the Old Testament, the New Testament and writings from Chinese and Arabic cultures were drawn on. These were grouped with music from the time of Shakespeare, Scottish, Irish and English traditional music, South African and Arabic music performed on a variety of cultural instruments.

Wine and canapees were served after the concert when many people took the opportunity to talk to Paula and look at the instruments. The evening was a huge success and we thank Paula for the wonderful, well thought out programme she delighted us with. Proceeds from the concert are in aid of the Samaritans Well Projects in India. Thank you to all who attended, for your support and everyone who helped in any way to make the evening such an outstanding success.

“Thank you so much for all the beautiful music provided for us at our Midsummer Sunset Party. We had some really positive comments from the party and most people commented on the wonderful music. Thanks once again.”

Phillipa Fisher, The Woodland Trust

“Lots of very positive feedback from your audience of last week, some examples: ‘magical, inspiring, delightful, quality of reflective peace. ‘”

Helen Osbourn, Bedford Quaker Meeting

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful performance yesterday at Jordans. The audience loved it, as did I. You put together a very thoughtful and interesting programme and it certainly resonated with many people. Again, our thanks.”

Olivia, Jordans Quaker Centre

“Last Tuesday Paula Tait was our guest and brought her 3/4 sized concert harp (the full sized one would have been a bit much for the venue). Members of the audience seemed fascinated by the instrument and were overflowing with questions. Despite that, there was plenty of time for music and Paula managed to slip in a medieval number and a request from Tim. All in all it was a great evening.”

Steve, Organsiser of Bracknell Folk Club

“Thank you for playing on Saturday. Your playing was beautiful and really suited the occasion.”

Ruth, Gaelic Athletic Association, Ruislip

“We want to thank you very much for your wonderful harp playing and singing at our special event. People have since been commenting even now to us (as well as on the night) that you played and sang beautifully. Everyone really enjoyed the music and it was said also the choice of songs and the evening was a great success and we thank you for your wonderful contribution. Everyone loved your performance and we would definitely recommend you. You put together a wonderful set for us and the readings were perfect. We wish you all the very best.”

Kindest regards, Mr and Mrs Roberts, Amersham

“I was absolutely bowled over by your wonderful presentation. You were so well and truly alive and in touch with your creative instinct. It was really thrilling to listen to the passion in your voice and the beauty of the music on the different instruments.”

Anne Baring – Author of The Dream of the Cosmos

“On the 8th May harpist Paula Tait came to Jordans to present a history of the harp and to play the music to illustrate her talk. It was a truly memorable occasion with a very appreciative audience of about 65 in number, who learnt a lot and listened to some beautiful music. Paula is very skillful in blending information with singing and playing, in a simple and humorous way. The time passed very quickly as we were taken from early harp music through the development of this impressive instrument. Paula’s loving enthusiasm for the harp is clear and very infectious. Many people are hoping that she will come to play again. When she does, don’t miss what is a very special experience. Thank you Paula for a really wonderful musical experience.”

Chilterns Area Quaker Meeting Newsletter

“I have already had several attendees contact me with very positive feedback on the event. Olaf said that you were superb and that you contributed very positively to the atmosphere of the evening. I would like to thank you very much for your part in making the event a resounding success.”

Catherine Nicoll, Members Tasting Supervisor, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

“Thanks again for a great performance.”

Celia, Hertford College Ball, Oxford

“Exquisite, beautiful music blends intelligently with a deep knowledge of the evolution of the harp, delivered with a light and humorous touch. A very special musical experience, don’t miss it.”

Janet May-Bowles, Programme Manager, New Jordans

“Our “Music on a Summer’s Evening ” is still a topic of conversation some considerable time after the event. The melodic tones of the harp in the evening sunshine made the whole event quite magical. Paula’s choice of music, songs and anecdotes were perfect for the occasion.”

St Mary’s Church, Hurley