Hazel Askew As the child of two morris dancers, Hazel grew up surrounded by folk music and dance. She eventually gave in and began playing and dancing herself, and now works as a professional musician and singer, playing the melodeon, flute, harp and bodhran. Hazel studied English Literature with Folk Music at Newcastle University, winning the Harry Clews Prize for highest mark in a final recital. She has been a semi-finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, a winner of the New Roots Competition and in 2011 she won Best Female Singer at the Spiral Earth Folk Awards. She currently plays in a variety of bands, including her duo with Emily, The Askew Sisters and vocal harmony trio, Lady Maisery. In 2010 she was chosen as a soloist for Brighton Early Music Festival's world première of DeadHead, a specially commissioned work by Orlando Gough and poet John Agard. Last summer, Hazel composed the score and musically directed a production of King Lear for Shakespeare in Styria, as well as a production of Antony and Cleopatra for London's Hampstead Players. Hazel is very into her fashion and has a particular interest in helmets! |
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