Biography of Naiades

The Naiades Ensemble was formed in 2006. It comprises Helen Manente – flute, Nadya Larsen – viola and Paula Popa – harp. Its members have all recently graduated Masters Degrees in Advanced Performance from the Royal College of Music. A highly professional and dynamic group, Naiades Ensemble members share a keen interest and passion for repertoire written for this rarely heard combination. This has led to the discovery and performance of new pieces and the commission of two new works. Since its formation, the group has gone from strength to strength performing in a wide variety of venues including Winchester Cathedral, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Lansdowne Club Piccadilly and the National Gallery - Trafalgar Square. Having won the prestigious ‘Fossat Award’ earlier this year, Naiades Ensemble’s future plans include performances at the Romanian Cultural Institute-London, The Landmark Concert Series, Louth Concert Society, Billericay Arts Association and the National Gallery, as well as the launch of their first CD.

 

Individual Biographies

Helen Manente began to play the flute at the age of twelve. Born in Wales, Helen studied with Graham Mayger and Stuart Mcllwham at the Royal College of Music where she gained her BMus (Hons) in 2003 and MMus in 2005.Her experience is wide ranging as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player. A keen flute tutor she is teaching at the Benenden School in Kent and has been involved in education projects. She has collaborated with many of the London Orchestras. Highlights of Helen's career include a performance of the Fantasy for solo flute by Sir Malcolm Arnold at a 75th Birthday tribute concert at the RCM in October 2001; master classes with Marisa Robles, and a performance of Mozart's Concerto in C for flute and harp. She is the recipient of awards from the St. Marylebone Educational Trust and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

Nadya Larsen graduated her MMus Degree in 2007 at the Royal College of Music, where she held a scholarship for the duration of her two years of postgraduate study, supported by the HR Taylor Trust, and Frederick Johnston Award. Nadya studied for a degree in music at Royal Holloway, University of London, where she achieved a BMus (Hons) in 2005. During her time at university, Nadya began receiving viola tuition from Professor Jon Thorne and, enjoying the rich, deep sound of the instrument, decided to focus on the viola over the violin.
Nadya now divides her time between working with the Southampton Music Service and the Berkshire Maestros as a tutor on their scholarship scheme, as well as enjoying a mixture of freelance work, primarily with the Larsen Quartet and the Naiades Ensemble.