Tanya Houghton - Harp
Originally from Birmingham, Tanya studied in Cambridge, London and Paris before embarking on a freelance career based in the UK and Ireland. She enjoys playing for a wide range of ensembles from symphony orchestras to chamber groups, playing solo and accompanying soloists and choirs. Her recent orchestral work includes appearances with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra and the RTE NSO in Dublin. Conductors for whom she has had the honour to play include Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Roger Norrington, Sir Mark Elder and Edward Gardner. As a choral accompanist she is fortunate to have worked with composers and conductors including John Rutter, Bob Chilcott, David Hill and Graham Ross, with whom she has appeared live on BBC Radio 3's 'In tune' programme. She features on the Harmonia Mundi CD of choral music by Imogen Holst, nominated for a Gramophone award, and ‘A rose in the middle of winter’ (Naxos) in which she accompanies Commotio choir in music by Bob Chilcott: this reached the top of the classical charts. In 2013 she played for Britten’s 100th birthday concert in Wigmore Hall, accompanying tenor Nicholas Mulroy, and works regularly as a recital accompanist for singers. Aside from playing, Tanya works as an examiner for the ABRSM, Royal Northern College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire, and has adjudicated the harp class at the Bromley, Bristol and Redhill & Reigate competitions. She is a qualified music teacher (PGCE and LRAM) and this year greatly enjoyed tutoring the harps on the Ulster Youth Orchestra course. Also a singer, she directs and sings in Melisma, the Belfast-based 8 voice choir. In 2015 she was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.