Since completing her studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Suzanne has been enjoying a varied and exciting career.
Suzanne’s acclaimed recording of Alwyn’s Harp Concerto, 'Lyra Angelica' has sold over 10,000 copies and prompted rave reviews “The Lyra Angelica….gives Suzanne Willison the perfect platform to display her virtuosity in what enchanted critics have termed 'a continuous web of luminous sound”, Gramaphone describes the performance as “immaculate”.
In 2005 Suzanne was appointed principal harpist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. With the RPO, as well as many concert appearances in the major London halls, she has recorded for Sony, Hyperion and Decca (heavily featured in recordings with Renee Fleming, Joshua Bell (Ladies in Lavender theme), Janine Jenson, and many others. She has extensively toured China, Far East, Europe, and the U.S. with the orchestra. Other work as principal harpist has been with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, London Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonia of London, Kings Consort, Scottish Ensemble and English Touring Opera.
Concerto appearances have included the Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto, Danses Sacrès et Profanes (Debussy), Introduction and Allegro (Ravel) at the Cadogan Summer Serenades 2007 and a world premiere by Joe Duddell at the Presteigne Festival. Suzanne has performed at festivals throughout the UK, including Spitalfields, Rye, and Hampstead and Highgate. Solo and chamber music recitals have also taken her to France, Germany, Italy and Abu Dhabi.
From 1997 to 2000 she was principal harpist with the European Union Youth Orchestra and was a finalist in The Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition, winning the Outstanding Chamber Music Harpist Award.
Suzanne is a member of The Alwyn Duo with Katherine Baker, principal flautist with the Halle. The Duo gives recitals and concertos throughout the country and has also been Recommended Artists for the National Federation of Music Societies. Of particular note have been recitals in the Purcell Room for the South Bank Centre’s ‘Fresh’ series, Cheltenham Chamber Music concerts and the Brighton Festival. Next year will see the release of the Duo’s first CD.
