"My first encounter with Philip Glass in 2011 was truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. As a harpist I feel greatly privileged to have such new experiences - not only on stage, but also behind the scenes. Collaboration with composers is an important aspect of this, and new ideas not infrequently arise through personal encounters and mutual inspiration. This was certainly the case when I met Phil, who had never before heard his Metamorphosis live on the harp. After my initial nervosity, tension soon melted away when I played the opening bars and he remarked “that sounds beautiful!”. Lavinia Meijer
Since their first encounter in May 2011, Lavinia Meijer has worked with some frequency with Philip Glass, even though he has never written solo works specifically for the harp. However, many of his piano works and piano transcriptions, after minor adjustments, prove to be well suited to the modern pedal harp. Initially, Lavinia Meijer added Glass's five movement Metamorphosis to her repertoire, on the instigation of the undersigned, the Amsterdam gallery owner Robert Malasch and the American composer himself. After a first and successful performance (in the composer's presence) in the Amsterdam 'pop temple' The Melkweg, a first official recording was made for Channel Classics in June 2011 in the Dutch town of Schiedam. Since this recording was exclusively intended for a brief national marketing campaign, it has now been followed up by this complete Glass CD for international distribution. Lavinia Meijer is recognized worldwide as one of the most successful rising stars. Besides performing the standard harp repertoire Lavinia Meijer is very keen on playing modern music. She is also interested in experiments with electronic music, theatrical performances and jazz. Her cd’s got raving reviews and awards.
“She does not push the music around too much, and the opening track from Glassworks almost announces itself with a whisper. Her playing in the Metamorphosis cycle is firmer and more restrained, but what is sometimes lost in intensity is made up in clarity and focus.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2013
“These arrangements of pieces by Glass work very well on harp, particularly in these meticulously concentrated performances by Meijer...The effect is mesmeric, if two-dimensional.” BBC Music Magazine, April 2013 ****
