St Albans News
Harpist steals the spotlight on top cruise ship
9:00am Friday 10th February 2012
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.