ali stephens

[andrew burnside]

With Alison Stephens’ death on 10 October (funeral last Thursday) the mandolin world is the poorer.

The quality of her musicianship was there for all to hear, but it is perhaps her qualities as a person that made her so special. She seemed to be without vanity. Her immense energies and enthusiasm were concentrated on doing the best by the music she performed and in displaying her beloved instruments’ to best advantage. She was at the service of the mandolin and mandolin music.

And, as this particular mando mutt knows, she was always full of encouragement for people’s efforts - while pointing out how they could do better!

The photo is of Ali and Craig Ogden at what had become her trademark Edinburgh Festival Fringe concert in the St Andrew’s and St George’s Church this August. We know she was in pain; she gave no hint of this; and her playing was as bright and vital as always

All – even those who knew her only from concerts – had the greatest affection and regard for Ali.

[andrew burnside]

Sorry, I should have said funeral was last Friday (5 November)

[Eric Renshaw]

Alex has just posted on Mando Cafe the video of the "Rêverie de Poète" by Giuseppe Manente (1867-1941) that Het Consort performed as their tribute to our dear friend Ali at their 20th anniversary concert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHMsj1Cgets &feature=player_embedded#! [remove the space]

The music says it all.

With many fond memories of my dear friend and teacher,
Eric

[John Kelly]

A very beautiful piece, Eric. Thanks for posting the link. They really have an amazing sound.

[andrew burnside]

Eric

Thanks, I hadn't thought to check up on Het Consort and their 20th anniversary celebrations - that Ali had been billed to grace - and which we toyed for a time about attending in both Zwolle and Amsterdam.

Their rendition is perfect, everyone's tremolo smooth and sweet throughout. I don't know if it's just my imagination, but they seem to have played entirely from the heart, with Alex Timmerman's conducting every bit as poetic as the title of the piece.

I stumbled upon their recording of the same piece from 2007. The surroundings then were splendid, but this autumn's recording transcends the work-a-day setting in which their tribute was offered

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50oV5oLis...er&list=UL

[Eric Renshaw]

Mitch has now updated the home page of Ali's website. The words brilliantly reflect her wonderful personality, her immense talent, and her incredible contribution to bringing the mandolin to the forefront of the concert platform. Two links point the the Memorial Concert in Greenwich on Friday March 11th and the new Memorial Fund.

http://www.alisonstephens.com/

Eric

[Morayharper]

As a humble harper I was greatly inspired by hearing Ali and Lauren (Duo Mandala) play at Fringe Fest 2009.

Listening to truly gifted performers can influence us and sometimes help us change direction. Ali and Lauren I believe this has happened to me, over the last 15 months, because of you. Thank you.

Ali, I can still see your lovely smile and hear your music. You live on in my heart.

[andrew burnside]

Well said, Morayharper!

I think I got the bug when I had the chance to hear the duo at Ross Priory on Loch Lomond a year. I'm attaching the flier for the event.

Quite far into a Friday evening, and after their audience had been amply fed and watered, the pair gave a thoroughly professional peformance -around a well designed programme.

The next morning I encounteed a little figure at Waverley Station, carrying a guitar on her back, pulling a suitcase with one hand and holding the tell-tale white mandolin case in the other. Ali was through to take part in an evening performance in Edinburgh - and I think eventually got home on the Monday - unsurprisingly exhausted

And so from the sublime to the - - -- . I should let it be known that a harp and mandolin duo, by name Linkwood, will be playing a short set of pieces as part of Sangstream's winter concert on 28 November. The event is "St Giles (Cathedral) at 6" that Sunday evening

[andrew burnside]

I remembered another thing about Ali recently when – briefly, but terrifyingly! – I lost my favourite pick.

Ali –when she saw my pick last year – said that it (and most other people’s) was guitar-size. As result, it was larger and less “pointy” than the shape best for the mandolin. So, she observed, my pick was being “bitten”. And so it was. Not by me, but by mandolin strings as the pick’s excess material part way up the sides of the pick scraped against them in play.

The great thing about this advice was that Ali didn’t say use a thick or thin pick – taste, largely. But, greatest of all, it worked. After sanding down and re-shaping my favourite pick, then “stropping” it until all scratchiness was gone, I got a pick that gave much better tone. There was none of the “hiss” you can get with a larger, “flappy”, pick.

An utterly practical piece of advice, accessible to all!

[andrew burnside]

As snow covers the land Christmas and its Victorian snow-bound Christmas cards come to mind.

And so does “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, There is a new production of this old favourite at the Scottish Story Telling centre, Royal Mile, on 10 and 11 December.

The story is narrated by Mike Maran. The show as a whole was devised by him and Alison Stephens.

As the Centre’s ad says:

” Oh what delightful music – it makes
the narrative sing and dance! Oh what a good story –
how Scrooge looked into the past, the present, and the
future, turned away from his miserly pursuit of wealth
and learned to love his neighbour! Oh what a wonderful
transformation in Scrooge, such marvellous entertainment
and such a fabulous treat for the whole family! God Bless
Us, Everyone!”

It should be a fascinating show – even though it must sorely miss Ali’s personality and musicianship