Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Alice Giles is a renowned Australian harpist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born in Sydney in 1954, Giles grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a composer and her mother was a pianist, so it was only natural that she would develop an interest in music from a young age. Giles began playing the harp at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She went on to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Award for Excellence in Music. After completing her studies, Giles continued to hone her skills by studying with some of the world's leading harpists, including Susann McDonald and Alice Chalifoux. Throughout her career, Giles has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. She has also performed as a soloist at major music festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Ravinia Festival. One of Giles' most notable performances was her debut at Carnegie Hall in 1982. She performed a program of works by Bach, Debussy, and Ravel, which was met with critical acclaim. The New York Times praised her "virtuosity and sensitivity," and noted that she "played with a rare combination of technical brilliance and musical insight." Giles has also been recognized for her contributions to the world of classical music. In 1997, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her services to music. She has also been awarded the Centenary Medal and the Australian Music Centre's Award for Services to Australian Music. In addition to her performances and awards, Giles has also made significant contributions to the world of harp music. She has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers, including Peter Sculthorpe, Ross Edwards, and Nigel Westlake. She has also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete harp works of Debussy. Giles is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at several prestigious music schools around the world, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London. She has also conducted masterclasses and workshops in countries such as Japan, China, and Australia. In recent years, Giles has continued to perform and record, and has also become an advocate for the harp as a therapeutic instrument. She has worked with hospitals and hospices to bring the healing power of music to patients and their families. In conclusion, Alice Giles is a highly accomplished harpist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her performances, recordings, and commissions have helped to expand the repertoire for the harp, and her dedication to teaching and advocacy have helped to inspire a new generation of musicians. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence the world of classical music for years to come.

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