Rhian is originally from the Rhondda Valley in South Wales, and following an illustrious 30 year career in London and Belfast Rhian has recently relocated with her family to the North West of England. Rhian has regularly played with the UK’s leading orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, Birmingham Royal Ballet, she has also performed in the West End.
About Rhian Hanson
Favourite Experiences
Over the years Rhian has enjoyed an exciting and varied profession. There have been dozens of thrilling performances but here are a few of her most favourite experiences:
- Playing the national anthems for the Presidents of Poland and Malta at an EU welcome dinner at the Houses of Parliament
- Playing with the world renowned soprano Renée Fleming and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Opera House in Oman
- Recording two tracks on Laura Mvula’s mercury prize nominated album ‘Sing to the Moon’
- Playing Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks for Katie Melua as she walked down the aisle
- Performing Philip Glass’ 2nd Symphony with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican Hall, London, with the academy nominated composer present
- Working as associate harpist on the West End Show My Fair Lady with the Holywood star and fellow countryman Jonathan Pryce
- Performing with Father John Misty and the BBC Symphony Orchestra – a particular career highlight being a FJM super fan!!
- And probably her most favourite anecdote – meeting and chatting with Tom Cruise on the set of the Jonathan Ross show
Prizes
Rhian studied at two of London’s most distinguished music conservatoires. She is a graduate harpist of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London and received a scholarship to study for her postgraduate diploma at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London for which she received a distinction.
A frequent prize winner in her early music years, prizes include:
- Second prize in the Junior World Harp Contest in 1994
- The Nansi Richards Scholarship
- Runner-up in the Blue Ribbon Prize at the National Eisteddfod in 1998.