Raven Quartet (Original thread)

[Dean McCarten]

[Edit. This thread pre-dates the creation of Raven's sub-board - Roger]

As I couldn't find a thread for Raven,
I've started one as I think we should keep an eye out for www.ravenquartet.com/

[Edit - Not this site. Please see my post here - Roger]

Also have you heard anything more yet Roger from the conversation with Raven on Wednesday?

Cheers
Dean

[roger]

Hi Dean,

Nope. I asked the question on Saturday but I've had nothing back yet. I'll post details as soon as I hear anything.

Roger

[Joe]

Hello Dean,

I'll keep checking back when Raven have their website up and running!

Joe

[Jeff]

Just wondering why they called the group "Raven" ? Not a bird noted for its sweet song. Better than budgie I suppose and thrush would be inappropriate for a female quartet. Nightingale suggests a more pleasing sound. I'll have to ask them if I get the chance !

[Steve H]

Hi Jeff,

Whilst Roger and I were talking to Stephanie she said they were originally called something else but that the name had already been used so they had to think of a name in about ten minutes! - so they plumbed for Raven - I like it actually its very original.

Perhaps Roger will remember the old name of the group?

Steve H

[roger]

Hi Jeff and Steve,

I think Steph said it was 'Ivy' or something like that. I have to say, I prefer the name 'Raven'. It is short, memorable and catchy. I think they will officially be known as 'The Raven Quartet' as it appears on their website (still under construction).

Roger

[gordon]

Just to clarify,the name they originally thought of was indeed Ivy.

Gordon

[postscript]

As in Ivy Leagure? Interesting. Very American. Raven says to me Tower of London and British!
Peter S.

[annie]

Are the Raven Quartet managed by the same people as Hayley Westenra? When the violinist left did they audition people to accompany her? Just curious as to how "back up" is decided on for a vocalist.
Thanks

[roger]

Hi Annie,

Yes, Raven are managed by Bedlam Management, the same as Hayley. I assume the violinist to whom you refer is Fiona Pears? She didn't exactly leave. She is an accomplished solo performer in her own right but also frequently backed Hayley. It was decided that it was time for a change so the regular concert goers didn't see exactly the same line-up time after time, it gave Hayley the opportunity to work with different musicians (and therefore slightly different arrangements of her material gave some variety), and it also allowed Fiona time to persue her solo career. I am quite sure that we will see them together again at some future time.

Likewise, the Raven Quartet are hoping to become established in their own right and are sure to have concerts of their own eventually. For now, they are Hayley's backing group but have solo spots in each concert. Because they share the same manager, it was probably an obvious choice that they should replace Fiona and Ian for the current tour and, perhaps, the foreseeable future.

Roger

[annie]

Thanks Roger! I think it is really interesting to know how decisions like accompaniment etc are made. I will now go and google Fiona Pears....I really enjoy violin. I would like to know if she ever tours in the U.S. From several threads/posts I have read on this forum I take it Hayley is hardly ever over here!

[grant]

Hi Annie

There's quite a lot of information about Fiona here on the forum.

Take a look at FIONA you'll also find links to Fiona's own web site. Enjoy!!

Best wishes
Grant

(Sorry mods. know that was off topic! )

[annie]

Thanks so much Grant!

Annie

[gra7890]

Two bits of info from their Myspace.....

www.myspace.com/ravenquartet

1) Most recently Raven recorded and filmed the music for an episode ITV’s ‘Inspector Morse’ spin-off, Lewis which will be shown in the new year.

2) The girls have recently recorded their first album ‘Raven’ at Pinewood Studios.

Does anyone know more about the album

Best Wishes,

Graham

[roger]

Hi Graham,

Regretably, I haven't heard any more of the album since I saw the girls in Barrow and Newcastle. At that time, Stephanie said it would be a demo album and not for general release but that it would be available online. That is likely to be on their own website which is still not launched, and/or MySpace.

The fact that their MySpace page indicates that the album has now been recorded is a good sign of progress but it doesn't necessarily mean it has been mixed or even that the final tracklisting has been agreed. I have asked Bedlam for further information twice but, as yet, I have heard nothing. As soon as news is forthcoming, I will post it.

Roger