Australian musicians Alice Giles (harp) and Laura Chislett (flute) released their album Darkness Into Light on May 15 on Métier Records. The album features music by composer, visual artist, and natural scientist Edward Cowie. It includes two major works for solo flute and solo harp, a duet specially written for Giles and Chislett, and the title track, a three-way fantasy improvisation for flute, harp, and Cowie joining in on piano. In a social media post, Giles describes the solo harp work on the album, Harlequin Dances, as “a display of quixotic color, energy and pathos—a sheer joy to play and wonderful addition to our repertoire.”
Giles has performed extensively internationally, both in recital and with orchestra, since winning first prize in the 8th Israel International Harp Contest at the age of 21. She was awarded the honor of Member of the Order of Australia in 2017. From 2000–2011 she was head of the harp department and associate professor at the ANU School of Music in Canberra, Australia, and is currently lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Giles has given many premiere performances for her instrument and commissioned a complete program of works for the electro-acoustic harp. She was founding director of the Seven Harp Ensemble (SHE), commissioning many new works by Australian composers.
Chislett is an internationally recognized performer, educator, and recording artist across a wide range of musical styles, especially focusing on solo flute repertoire of the 20th century and beyond.
Darkness Into Light is available via Métier Records in digital download and CD formats, and on major streaming platforms. Check out our cover interview with Giles in the November-December 2011 issue of Harp Column. Learn more on Giles’s website.
