Harpist steals the spotlight on top cruise ship (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Harpist steals the spotlight on top cruise ship

9:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey

A harpist from St Albans was unexpectedly thrust into the limelight on a top cruise ship after two classical musicians missed the boat.

Geraldine McMahon was working on the transatlantic ocean liner the Queen Mary 2 playing background music in the bars and restaurants, as it sailed from New York to Southampton.

But when a pianist and flautist, from Scotland, were unable to join the ship in New York after their flights were cancelled, Miss McMahon found herself in the spotlight.

The mother-of-two, who lives in Park Street, was asked to take on the lead performances on stage in the ship's 1,000-seat Royal Court Theatre.

Miss McMahon, who trained at the Royal College of Music, was asked to perform two recitals for passengers.

She said: "It's a massive theatre.

"I was delighted to be able to help out.

"I have given many recitals before and I love performing to a live audience."

She added: "What I do is somewhat unique in that as well as playing harp instrumental pieces, I am able to sing with the harp. I perform well known pieces like the Schubert "Ave Maria " or the Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria " or "Wings of Song" by Mendlessohn as well as some popular Celtic melodies.

"I also put in a short history of the instrument and explain how the harp works."

Miss McMahon, who has a daughter Celina, 22, and son Marco, 21, has lived in St Albans for 20 years. As well as giving recitals and playing at weddings, she also teaches the harp.