Camac Blog
Triquetra: Catriona Bourne and her Quartet at Sinfonia Smith Square
Latest
December 5, 2024
After the release of her new album “Triquetra,” Catriona Bourne and her quartet will wrap up their UK launch tour, supported by the UK Harp Association Creative Fund, with a thrilling performance at Sinfonia Smith Square in London. We spoke with Catriona before this much-anticipated event: Interestingly, I’ve performed there in the main hall before, but now I’m presenting my jazz quartet as part of the Jazz in the Crypt series. It’s exciting to have performed in both the main hall and the Crypt. This tour has been quite a mix [in terms of venues], and it feels a bit surreal to finish it as I realise how long I’ve been working on this project.
Catriona with her quartet at a recent appearance at the Toulouse Lautrec Jazz club (London) ©Tatiana Gorilovsky
Reaching the end of a project is often bittersweet, as you’ve invested so much effort into it. Then, you find yourself wondering, what will I do next?
This is my first album, so I’ve never experienced an album cycle like this. I have previously participated in classical chamber music competitions, often progressing through multiple rounds over a period of time, which was similarly a bittersweet experience when they were over. This album cycle has spanned about a year and a half from the initial idea to securing funding and recording.
Catriona with her distinctive Little big blue harp
Would you tell me just a little bit about triquetra?
Growing up, I did a lot of folk music, and I was also classically trained. I played in my family’s ceilidh band. So, I would say I have quite a strong folk background. The other thing to note is that my family heritage is mainly Scottish. This album, I would say, combines Celtic folk and jazz in a fusion style, with some classical influences as well, because, I’m a human being; I’m going to be influenced by everything I do.
The album engages with ideas of nostalgia, but also, to what extent should we remain present and look towards the future as well.
What of the symbolism of the triquetra itself?
“The triquetra is a symbol that is cyclical, and it represents different things in different areas of our culture, but the one I wanted to focus on for this album was past, present and future. So that’s why it’s called Triquetra”
Catriona hails from Warwickshire and read music at Oxford University. She later obtained a PGCE and a Master’s degree in Music and Education from Cambridge University. Afterward, she moved to London to study for a Master’s in classical flute at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
“I chose Trinity because they welcomed diverse musicians, including multi-instrumentalists involved in various contemporary activities, especially unusual fusion styles. Consequently, I spent half my lessons with jazz teachers and playing the harp. ”
© Tatiana Gorilovsky
And she didn’t find it hard to divide her energies between the flute and the harp?
“ I have found them to be pretty complementary. I’ve actually noticed this with a few, particularly jazz harpists; they often seem to do two things: for example, Tara Minton, who obviously plays and sings amazingly as well.”
Tara is a great friend of Camac! And she plays a special role on this album, doesn’t she?
“I asked her to produce it because no one was more qualified to help with this album; her expertise in both jazz and the harp was extremely beneficial during the recording process. I also recorded some vocals for the album; once again, she was ideally suited to provide advice. She has been an incredibly helpful figure throughout, and I can’t praise her enough; she’s brilliant.”
Share something you’re truly proud of regarding this project.
“I believe music revolves around relationships: those with yourself, fellow musicians, and, importantly, the audience. It’s been wonderful getting to know my quartet musically and building such strong, positive connections and friendships. Despite having performed this music at multiple gigs, there’s always an element that keeps it fresh: the teamwork inherent in a project like this. It’s been fantastic to see both my fellow musicians and the audience enjoying my music and I hope they continue to do so in the future!”
For more information and to book your tickets, please visit: https://www.sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk/event/jazz-in-the-crypt-dec/
Related posts
Camac’s 50th anniversary festival…in Paris!
August 31, 2022
Fifty years of passion for the harp, half a century at the heart of the harp community - it’s our anniversary year! Join our celebrations in Paris, October 21-23. Read more…
Everything in alignment: Camac Harp Days at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
June 12, 2024
As the summer begins, we will head for London! More precisely, to Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for the Camac Harp Days in conjunction with their departmental open day. Professor of harp Gabriella Dall’Olio welcomes us to the school which is situated in the magnificent environs of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Read more…