DUO MANDALA
With Lauren Scott - Harp
“…..remarkable duo…. as compelling as it is different…..the closing “Full Moon Rising Red” is the most ambitious, and most demanding for the players to sustain, but they do so with élan, creating considerable tension and excitement. But then the whole programme is splendidly played…..” Ivan March, The Gramophone
Duo Mandala was formed in 1991 and gave its first concert at St Martin’s-in-the- Fields in London. Alison and Lauren soon realised the potential of such an unusual but successful combination and went about persuading composers to write music for them. The result is a successful and polished duo with a wonderful repertoire mixing favourite composers such as Handel and Sibelius with beautiful accessible contemporary music. Their programmes have been met with great enthusiasm across the country. Their debut CD, Tapestry on the Black Box Label (BBM1088) was released in Dec 2003 and was nominated for "Editor's Choice" in the Gramophone. The project is close to their hearts and features four of the works written for them. For concert dates go to the diary page. You might also be interested to check out our My Space page which has more sound samples on.
...the two instruments reveal previously unimagined expressive qualities, helped in no small measure by the splendid musicianship of Stephens and Scott.
Mark Walker, Amazon.co.uk


.....a highly attractive disc, for both are masters of their instruments, playing with imaginative flair and technical skill. Christopher Fifield, MusicWeb.uk.net
SAMPLE PROGRAMME
TAPESTRY
Mandolin & Harp:
Sonata in G (after Op.4,No.6)
(Andante Allegro:Larghetto:Allegro)

G.F.Handel (1685-1759)
Dance of Limewood, Smile of Ash

P.Mitchell-Davidson (b.1948)
Harp Solo:
Chanson dans la Nuit

C.Salzedo (1885-1961)
Mandolin and Harp:
Romanza op.134

R.Calace (1863-1934)
Waltz Op.85
Mazurka Op.85

J.Sibelius (1865-1957)
INTERVAL

Mandolin and Harp:
Sonate in D Major - Les Jeux Olympiques
(Allegro:Aria:Giga)

M.Corrette (1709-1759)
Mandolin Solo:
Allegro from Sonata No.2 in A Minor

J.S.Bach (1685-1750)
Mandolin and Harp:
Ballade
Autostrada Waltz

S.Lalor
Harvest of the Quiet Eye (sound sample)

P.Mitchell-Davidson (b.1948)
Danses Espagnoles, Op.12, Nos.1,2 & 3

M.Moszkowski

Other programmes are available. Please ask about the rest of our repertoire and other programme options.

Solo Recitals Concertos In Duo with Guitar In Duo with Piano School Presentations