Meet the Musicians #12

Meet William Nichols, one of Australia’s leading harpists, regularly plays with West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

William Nichols - Harp

Q. What drew you to the harp as your instrument of choice, and how did you start playing?

A. I saw the harp for the first time at a very young age. I was drawn to the ethereal quality of the sound and was mesmerised instantly. My first lessons were on a small harp with 19 strings when I was 4 years old.

Q. Can you share some unique challenges and joys of performing with a string quartet as a harpist?

A. I have played with string quartets many times, a challenge is always marrying the immediate sound of a plucked instrument with the sound of bowed instruments. However this contrast is what makes the combination interesting!

Q. Can you walk us through your rehearsal process with the string quartet and how you work together to interpret the music?

A. We work together by listening to each other, adapting our gestures to create a cohesive ensemble, we alternate between soloist and accompanying roles, and we all try to be as expressive as possible. Coming prepared and knowing the piece as well as you possibly can is the most important thing.

Q. What do you hope the audience will take away from our collabprative performance with the string quartet?

A. I hope they are exposed to two very different pieces that show the different colours and effects the harp can produce that they might not have previously associated with the instrument. The different effects convey a wide range of emotions, including reverence, joy, solitude, nervousness, fear and wonder.

Don’t miss this rare chance to watch chamber music with harp and string quartet!

Will is joining us in our upcoming concert on Sunday the 2nd of June, 2pm - 3pm at Wesley Church, Perth CBD.

Tickets available from the link below;

https://events.humanitix.com/beethoven-string-quartet-project-4