(no subject)
when I read this I thought I have to express some Mancunian pride
Olympic violinist is strung up on Becks
03 Sep 2008
A University of Manchester violinist has told of her admiration for David Beckham after playing next to him at the Olympic handover ceremony in Beijing.
Virtuoso Elspeth Hanson appeared on the top of a red London bus next to the football superstar, Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page and X Factor singer Leona Lewis.
The appearance of the bus at the Bird's Nest stadium was designed to show off the best of Britain to a world-wide audience.
Scot Elspeth, who lives in Reading, graduated from The University of Manchester in music in July.
"It was such an honour being asked to perform; an awesome experience - and I'm a real fan of Beckham, Page and Lewis.
"But I must admit, playing next to Becks was one of the highlights - plus he's a lovely man and really down to earth," Elspeth, 22 said.
"We had a laugh up on the bus and chatted about all sorts of things.
"He's a very nice man and I'd like to meet him again one day."
The musician told how she's still getting over the shock of being chosen to take part in the ceremony by Musical Director Philip Sheppard.
Elspeth who plays both Celtic and classical violin, was exactly what he was looking for.
"I had about five months to get ready for the performance, but nothing prepares you for when the lights go down, the noise drops and the whole world is staring at you.
"Before it started we were all shaking with nerves - even Becks.
"But we had a bit of time before the performance to get out off the bus, chat with the crew and cyclists and get some air. Then we all took a deep breath and got on with the show."
After the Bird's Nest performance, Elspeth was invited to a reception at London House in Beijing where she met members of Team GB, including fellow Scot - Chris Hoy.
Cyclists Hoy, Jamie Staff and Victoria Pendleton are all based in Manchester.
"It's not everyday you meet with such superstars - it was great to work with the Team GB cyclists as part of the handover and it added to the unforgettable experience. It was a real honour.
Her eight minute performance in China has topped a successful musical career: she was a regular on the Manchester music scene with her traditional Irish bands.
And now she's fine-tuning her skills at the Royal Academy of Music where she started studying for a Masters this week and hopes to a record a solo album this coming year, fusing both classical and folk music.
Though based in London she will be returning to perform in Manchester and she'll be playing with singer Dot Allison at the World famous Queen Elizabeth Hall in London on Sunday 14th September.