Lily Neill & Vesa Norilo – Tales and Golden Histories (2023)
Harp player Lily Neill and Cellist Vesa Norilo skillfully craft a beautiful set of newly composed melodies on Tales and Golden Histories. Notably, they draw inspiration from the rich traditions of Finland, Sweden, and the Celtic music of Ireland and Brittany. With only a harp and cello, these two musical mavericks masterfully deliver exhilarating bass lines, percussive rhythms, and evocative melodies that stir the soul.
The enchanting collaboration between Neill and Norilo traces its roots back to 2005 when their shared love for a diverse array of music and a mutual desire to explore the boundless possibilities of the harp and cello brought them together. What started as a simple exchange of tunes blossomed into an adventurous exploration, pushing the boundaries of these instruments to create Tales and Golden Histories.
Lily Neill, a harp virtuosa, has enraptured audiences globally with the dynamism and breadth of her performances, fueled by an infectious passion for the harp. From playing for world leaders and ambassadors to inspiring young music students, Lily’s career began at the tender age of three when she declared her intent to play the harp, even fashioning her instrument from a shoebox and rubber bands. Her musical skill extends beyond the harp, as evidenced by her proficiency in piano and a string of accolades, including victories at the All-Ireland competition.
Lily’s teenage years unfolded with orchestral premieres, collaborations with dancers and actors, and performances alongside Irish tradiitonal music legends like Derek Bell and The Chieftains. Notable appearances for President Bill Clinton and President Mary McAleese further underscore her remarkable career. Collaborations with poets, rock musicians, filmmakers, and dancers have left an indelible mark on Lily’s playing, highlighting the vast scope of her musicianship.
Choosing the lever harp, a modern fusion of medieval Irish and Scottish harps and the pedal harp, sets Lily apart from her peers. Her deep understanding of the instrument’s history, coupled with diverse experiences and a broad appreciation for music, contributes to her wholly rooted yet distinctly modern sound. From North America to Europe and Russia, Lily’s solo performances have mesmerized audiences across various platforms, earning critical acclaim for her effortless technique and versatile style.
Lily’s academic achievements include a 1st Class Honours degree in Irish Music and Dance from the Irish World Academy and a Master of Music degree from the prestigious Sibelius Academy. As a part-time teacher at Sibelius Academy, she imparts her knowledge and expertise, also conducting master-classes globally. In 2014, she launched “The Harp Quarterly,” a testament to her commitment to nurturing the next generation of harpists.
Vesa Norilo, born in 1981, holds master’s degrees in both cello performance and music technology from the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Finland, a pinnacle of musical education in Europe. His multifaceted expertise encompasses active performances As a versatile cellist, recording artistry, and scholarly pursuits.
Vesa has been an integral part of the research team behind PWGL, a groundbreaking musical programming environment, since 2001. This involvement underscores his dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical expression through technological advancements.
Buy Tales and Golden Histories.
Author: Sonia Keller
