Rita Schindler and Jessica Wilkes met as concerto competition finalists in 2012. They were so inspired by each other’s playing that they formed Naïades Flute and Harp Duo before the winner of the competition was even announced. Both musicians have a wealth of experience as active professionals who share a passion and enthusiasm for making music.
Naïades Flute and Harp Duo is available to book for weddings, corporate events, private engagements, and celebrations. The exquisite combination of flute and harp creates a unique and unforgettable experience that transforms any event into a celebration!
Please click here for a list of Naïades Flue and Harp Duo's extensive list of repertoire, which can be tailored to fit your occasion.
Naïades Flute and Harp Duo
Rita Schindler - Harp
At the young age of twenty five, Hungarian harpist Rita Schindler is establishing a reputation as a notable musician, who’s playing has been described as being ‘beguiled with a broad range of colours’. She has given solo and chamber music recitals for a wide range of audiences and has provided entertainment for British and foreign royalties including HRH the Prince of Wales. Rita has performed professionally in and in front of numerous orchestras, in Britain and across Europe, working with the highly acclaimed City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Chamber Orchestra, Central England Ensemble, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Thallin Ensemble, Sinfonia of Birmingham to mention a few.
Rita began her undergraduate harp studies in 2007 with Catherine White at Birmingham Conservatoire, where was awarded a scholarship. During her undergraduate years, Rita played with many symphony orchestras and ensembles around the West Midlands, and became a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's youth orchestra. In 2008 Rita was selected to be a Young Artist of the Royal Philharmonic Society and also became a Sir John Barbirolli recipient. In 2010 Rita won first prize with distinction in the chamber music competition at the North London Festival of Music and Drama, and in 2012 she won the Concerto Competition of the Central England Ensemble.
At 15 Jessica was invited to play to Sir James Galway in his master class at Cadogan Hall, and subsequently was awarded a scholarship to his international master class in Switzerland, where she won the Hayne’s Flutes head joint. Sir James Galway invited Jessica to participate in his master class at the NFA Convention in New York, 2009, and she has since played in his master classes in Milan.
Currently principal flute of the CBSO Youth Orchestra, she has played co principal flute with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Chamber Orchestra of Great Britain and Halle Youth Orchestra, including performances at the BBC Proms.
She was a regional winner in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2008, winner of the Winifred Miklam first year prize and was awarded the Woodwind Prize at the Chandos Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musician Competition in 2008. She has played recitals for The English Speaking Union, The English Music Society and Ensemble Cymru amongst others, including a solo performance at the Bridgewater Hall for the Halle’s Elgar Centenary Celebrations. In 2012 she was awarded a Junior Award by the Hattori Foundation.
Jessica Wilkes - Flute