Multi-instrumentalist Alex Cronin trained as a lutenist in Australia and Holland. As a lutenist and guitarist he has performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Brandenburg orchestra, Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, among others. He also enjoys playing the Irish fiddle, working the pubs and clubs with bands such as The Ragged Band, Skewiff, Stringybark, The Furry Animals and Clean Phil and the Bush Rocks. In 1990 he formed Pastance, an ensemble dedicated to performing medieval, Renaissance and folk music.

When Alex took up the harp he began writing his own music. the original pieces on A Valley Fair were inspired by landscapes and memorable pieces along the eastern seaboard of Australia visited while touring with Pastance.