Simon Mayor is one of the world’s foremost mandolinists and composers for the instrument. Hilary James’ “elegant singing” (Daily Telegraph) is quintessentially English, but easily crosses the great musical divides from British ballads to blues and Berlioz. Together they perform a truly diverse array of music with respect and affection, held together by Simon’s famed amusing introductions. Their shows include a Vivaldi concerto, Scottish, Irish and English ballads, Gershwin, Berlin, ragtime and originals. Captivating and experienced live performers, they have toured the globe from Seattle to Singapore, taking in a truly diverse roster of world, folk and classical festivals.
Four-piece Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) perform sparkling and unique arrangements of traditional British folk songs and tunes as well as their own compositions. Their multi-instrumental show comprises harp, cello, fretted instruments, whistles, and female/male vocals. Their live shows are informative, full of musical variety and suitable for all ages (“startlingly talented”, Oxford Times, "exquisite sound", BBC). Included in the show are ancient mystic ballads, beautiful lyrical tunes, and joyous chorus songs. The band’s prolific recorded output has received glowing reviews from the music press (“The real deal”, The Living Tradition; “Wonderful arrangements”, RnR Magazine; “Uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes” FATEA magazine). Their music has been used for the BBC television series ‘Beyond Paradise’, Radio 4 and numerous local radio and podcast shows.