Cecilia has been principal harpist with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO), the Royal College of Music (Junior Department) Symphony Orchestra and the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO). She pursued her secondary education at the Purcell School of Music and in 2008 reached the string finals of the BBC Young Musician of the Year.
Cecilia is currently principal harp with the Imperial College University Orchestra and the Universities of London Symphony Orchestra.
MFY How did you get into music and what are your memories of learning music at school?
RA When I was growing up my parents always had music playing in the house. I’m not sure what drew me to the harp but I started the piano and violin at school after being inspired by my older sister. It wasn’t until some years later that we found a local harp teacher by chance and it all started from there!
I loved my music lessons at school. I had some very inspiring teachers who got us playing instruments from a young age. When I was 12 I moved to the Purcell School of Music so the way in which music was mixed into my schedule completely changed and quickly became my main focus.
MFY You currently study performance at the Royal College of Music. How are you finding this experience so far?
RA I absolutely love student life! I am in my third year out of four at the RCM and can’t believe how quickly it has gone. I have a fantastic teacher, Daphne Boden who I am extremely grateful to for all her help, patience and inspiring teaching. I have played with some incredible musicians and made great friends. I would recommend music college to all who love playing and performing.
MFY Is there anything that you have had to sacrifice for your music?
RA There are always going to be times when you have to miss out on the odd thing to get that extra bit of practice done or make it to a rehearsal. I wouldn’t consider it a sacrifice though, I chose to follow this career path and there is so much to love about it.
MFY What elements do you think go towards making a great performance?
RA I think a great performance has to be something that moves you in one way or another. As long as the performer is able to convey their energy and passion for the music in their performance then it’s great!
MFY Do you have any advice you could give to Music for Youth performers about how they can improve their performances and continue to develop as musicians?
RA When it comes to performing there can be a huge amount of pressure placed on a musician to get it 'perfect'. Rather than thinking about how many notes you are going to play right, just think of a performance as a way for you to share the music you love with others.
A lot of it is about experience and practice. Getting onto a stage in front of a large audience can be a daunting thing, so play to anyone who is willing to listen, whether that is family or friends, then when it comes to performing it for lots of people it suddenly feels much less of a challenge.
MFY Could you offer one piece of advice that might help any young musicians and composers navigate their way through to a musical career?
RA Obviously keep up the practice, but respect and listen to the teachers or musicians you get to play with and meet. There is so much to learn from other cultures, generations and nationalities. Travel as much as you can and play as many different types of music as possible.
MFY What is your favourite music venue and why?
RA I love the intimacy of Wigmore Hall in London. Playing there was amazing and I have never been to a concert there that I didn’t enjoy! The acoustics are wonderful, I really hope I will get the chance to play there again.
MFY If you could recommend one recording to a young musician, what would it be?
RA Claudio Abbado conducting the Lucerne Festival Orchestra playing Debussy’s La Mer is incredible. There is a DVD of it and it is amazing to watch. In complete contrast, I love Bill Withers ‘Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone’ from 1971. Another great one to watch.