Biography
Diana Tayler is a composer, arranger, performer (harp, voice), musical educator and fibre artist based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan / ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, Alberta). Diana turned to composition as a medium for her artistic expression after spending many years travelling across the country and abroad, engaging and performing with diverse musical communities in Asia and Eastern Europe. In her compositions she uses extended techniques and deconstructs sound to explore resonance and tonal colour and bring the listener inside the sound worlds she creates. Diana writes music for choir, chamber ensembles, dance, and solo instruments, and has a fascination for creating acousmatic works that exist perpetually. She delights in introducing children of all ages to non-traditional sound art and approaches to making music, and incorporates this into her pedagogical compositions. Diana has completed graduate studies in composition and linguistics at the University of Alberta, and an Associate diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT). She is active in community music as a clinician and adjudicator, in local arts organisations, and in Edmonton’s vibrant choral, new music, and Ukrainian dance communities. Diana is co-founder of Sound Sculpting, a composition workshop program that explores the creation of contemporary music and sound art through non-traditional notation. In her spare time she can be found indulging in the delights of fibre arts, exploring nature and making creations of all kinds with her children, writing fables and fairy tales, and dreaming about future projects.
Lullaby (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) - by Jaako Mäntyjärvi (arranged by Diana Tayler) and performed here by Dawn Bailey (soprano) and Diana Tayler (alto, harp)
Água e Vinho – by Egberto Gismonti (Arranged by Francisco Fernández and performed here by Francisco on guitar and Diana on harp)
The Sparrow and the Maiden – by Diana Tayler (performed here by Francisco Fernández on Quena and Diana Tayler on harp)
Stay Tuned for Solo Performances!
Weddings
Planning a wedding or special event? Live harp music may be just what you need to add a touch of magic to your special day.
All wedding ceremony bookings include a free consultation between myself and the bride and groom, or other family members / friends. As follows is an outline of how live harp music is often incorporated into a wedding ceremony. I have a large repertoire of wedding music, and am also happy to take special requests.
Prelude
Soft background music is played as your guests filter into your wedding ceremony venue and take their seats. Depending on the preferences of the bride and groom, the selections can be classical, celtic, contemporary, or a combination.
Processional
Bridal Party Entrance
Music is played for the entrance of the bridal party
Entrance of the Bride
Signing of the Register
Background music is played while the bride and groom and their witnesses sign the official marriage documents.
* If requested, soft flourishes can be played throughout the ceremony as guests walk to and from the podium for readings.
Recessional
Many couples wish to have more vibrant upbeat music played to mark the joyous occasion of exiting the room for the first time as a married couple!
Testimonials
“Absolutely wonderful… Thank you so much it was beautifully perfect.”
—Dawn and Dale, Bride and Groom
“Your music was beautiful. Thank you. It felt angelic. I am deeply grateful.”
—Charlotte, Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton
“Just wanted to send you a quick message to thank you for the beautiful music at the ceremony! Many people had positive comments about your music!
Thanks so much for adding to our wedding day!
All the best!”
—Eleni & Rey, Bride and Groom
“Brad and I just wanted to thank you for playing at our wedding. Your music was truly beautiful, we had many guests tell us the same thing and what a nice touch it was to the ceremony. The music carried nicely through the pyramid too which was great.
Thank you so much!”
—Bradley and Victoria, Bride and Groom
'“Thanks once again Diana for your beautiful harp playing. The little bit we heard when we arrived was so wonderful, and everyone said they really enjoyed your playing. We even overheard one guest remark that he was sure that’s what heaven must sound like! Thanks so much for helping to make our special day so memorable!
We hope to be able to have occasion in the near future to use your talented services again, and we will definitely recommend you to any others looking for a harp player for their events!”
—Olga and Darcy, Bride and Groom
“Thank you for being exceptional at our marriage! It was a success, thanks to you. A big big thank you!”
—Catherine and Jonathan, Bride and Groom
“Thank you for your delightful performance this past Saturday. From your first few notes I believe you had mellowed every heart in the place, and I look forward very much to having you back for a future event.”
—Sean Isaacs, Alliance Coin & Banknote
“Thank you for helping to make this day special, and thanks especially for your reassuring words to a nervous bride.”
—Jocelyn and Ian