Lisa Friend
Leading UK flautist Lisa Friend releases her debut album Deep In My Soul in March. An enchanting and sumptuous collection of romantic classics and new arrangements, Deep In My Soul also features renowned violinist Rodney Friend.
Born into a revered musical family, Lisa first picked up the flute at a mere five years old and her passion and developing talent was evident even at this young age.
At just sixteen, she took the brave step of moving to New York to study with her childhood idol Renee Siebert of the New York Philharmonic. She was then awarded a scholarship to the renowned Royal College of Music studying with Susan Milan. She later continued her studies as a recipient of a Martin Music Scholarship with the late Alain Marion at the Paris Conservatoire.
As Lisa explains: "Growing up in a musical surrounding, I was spoilt by listening to the most incredible music and musicians. I was always drawn to the flute - it’s a very haunting and seductive instrument, like a voice without words. In a sense, it allows the listener his or her own lyrics.
"I also have a love for film music and remember as a child , my father, who was Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic recording as the solo violinist on Woody Allen's film ''Manhattan', as well as featuring on films such as Hitchcock's 'Psycho' and Lawrence of Arabia.
Proving to be the building blocks of a burgeoning career, Lisa has appeared as a soloist with the Liverpool Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra and Prague Philharmonic as well as touring throughout the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Korea and China.
She has also performed for the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, with the late Yehudi Menuhin, and for Steven Spielberg after writing and performing a track for his foundation SHOAH. Other solo appearances include performances for BBC ChildLine, the White Rose Ball alongside Liza Minnelli and chamber music at the Britten theatre with the late Sir George Solti.
Her versatility as a performer, composer and arranger has led her to write original string parts for Skunk Anansie's 'Squander' as well as her own arrangements of Ennio Morricone and Leonard Bernstein's themes featured on her album.
She has also recorded as a soloist on Morricone's 'Once upon a time in America' for Silver Screen Records.
Her own album was the next logical step and with Deep In My Soul, Lisa delivers something truly original and beautiful. As she explains: "I've always had a passion for romantic film music and wanted to write my own compositions and transcribe themes that I adored.
"Deep in My Soul was written with the intention of creating something classical, yet easy on the ear, with a romantic film-like edge."