Lunchtime Concert: The Opal Duo (flute & harp)

Kate Ham is a solo & orchestral harpist, chamber musician, educator and facilitator, performing in the UK and abroad. She regularly performs with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra.

In 2018 her Austen Trio gave their debut lecture recital at Harvard University and in 2017, they performed in Winchester Cathedral (where Austen is buried) as part of the celebrations marking the unveiling of the new Jane Austen £10 bank note. The Trio appeared on radio and television throughout the Bicentennial year. The Austen Trio perform music sourced directly from the Austen Family Music Books, a fascinating collection of printed and manuscript music assembled over the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alongside live concerts, Radio 3 broadcasts and recordings for Chandos, Kate delivers community music concerts with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s outreach department. Kate founded TWANG! Harps, a group harp learning project for adults and children in Portsmouth and surrounding areas, and holds harp professor positions at the University of Southampton and Bedales School, Petersfield. Kate toured UK arenas as part of the backing orchestra for McFly's Wonderland Tour, appearing on the accompanying DVD.  She has performed on 'The Record of the Year' and on BBC One's 'Strictly Come Dancing' with Katherine Jenkins and Andrea Bocelli.

Kate was a recommended artist for Making Music Young Concert Artist Award and the only harp finalist in the ‘Gaetano Zinetti’ International Chamber Music Competition, Verona. Originally from Glasgow, Kate trained at Trinity College of Music and the University of Chichester where she was the recipient of the UK Harp Association Award and the Croydon Music Festival Concerto Prize.

Melanie White is a London-born flautist who studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London, under Michael Cox & Pat Morris. With three decades of experience, she has built a reputation as a versatile performer, captivating audiences with solo and principal flute performances. She has held the Principal Flute position for many years in a wide range of professional and regional orchestras in London and the home counties. Since moving to the South Coast, she also holds the Solo Flute in the Royal Marines Association Concert Band, and Principal flute with the Havant Symphony Orchestra. 

As a recitalist, Melanie enjoys bringing lesser-known works to light, in particular female composers such as Rhonda Larson. Her musical prowess transcends genres, weaving between the classical and electronic/ jazz styles featuring on a recording of Aisling Iris’s ‘Night Moves’ album, and on ‘Eternal Light’ with the Priory of Resurrection of New Hall on the Deutsche Grammophon label.

An experienced and dedicated music educator since 1990, Melanie is currently Flute Professor at The Royal Military School of Music in Portsmouth. She teaches students of all ages, from children to mature learners, with many gaining places at music Conservatoires and National Children’s Orchestra of GB.

Melanie loves original artwork and is planning to collaborate with other art forms and projects for future performances.