Catrin Finch is leading the artistic team for the World Harp Congress which will be staged in Cardiff from 22 – 28 July 2022. The world’s leading harpists will be in Cardiff for a full programme of recitals, concerts, lectures, masterclasses, and workshops – plus, for the first time in the events history, tickets for some of the biggest concerts are also available to the public.
The 14th World Harp Congress is led by Wales’s leading harpist, Catrin Finch, who takes on role of Artistic Director alongside its Chair, Caryl Thomas, Head of Harp Studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The event celebrates the versatility and ingenuity of the harp. Catrin Finch said “With a harping tradition that dates back to the 11th Century, Wales has always been very proud of its rich musical and cultural heritage. The harp scene today is very much alive and flourishing, making Cardiff an ideal host city for this event.”
She continued “Cardiff is a thriving and cosmopolitan capital city. Since I have lived here, it has been completely rejuvenated, and today regularly plays host to international cultural, political, and sporting events. I’m really looking forward to welcoming the World Harp Congress to Wales and I hope that visitors to the event will see from themselves the rich cultural offering that we have in abundance here in Wales.”
The World Harp Congress is making its first ever visit to the UK and is being hosted at the Royal Music of College and Drama in Cardiff with support from the Welsh Government.
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said: “It gives me very great pleasure to welcome participants to Wales for the 2022 World Harp Congress, now taking place in our capital city following its rescheduling from 2020. Welsh Government are pleased to be able to acknowledge our association with this World-class cultural event, which attracts interest from around the globe. Here in Wales we have a proud history of supporting keynote musical events, on both a large and a more modest scale, nurturing home-grown talent and showcasing the best that visiting international contributors have to offer. I wish the Congress well for the week and trust that you will enjoy your celebration and exploration of this truly magical instrument, with which Wales has a particular and long-standing affinity!”
Four publicly accessible concerts take place on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 July at leading venues including St David’s Hall, St Fagans National Museum of History, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama – with each event featuring a range of the harp world’s leading and most innovative performers.
An avid supporter of the harp, HRH The Prince of Wales is the event’s Patron. HRH The Prince of Wales restored the position of Royal Harpist in 2000 to foster and encourage young musical talent in Wales and the UK and to raise the profile of the harp. And, as part of the World Harp Congress all six Royal Harpists to The Prince of Wales will perform in the closing concert.
World Harp Congress Concerts 2022
Monday 25 July 7.30pm
A WORLD OF HARPS – ST. DAVID’S HALL
Features Calan, Maya Youssef, Sura Susso, Leonard Jacome, Rachel Newton and Hiroko Sue.
Tuesday 26 July 7.30pm
LIVING HARP – ST. DAVID’S HALL
Features Emily Mitchell, Gabriella Dall’Olio, Catriona McKay, Mercedes Gomez, Lucretia Jancsa, and Liucilė U. Vilimaitė
Tuesday 26 July 6.30pm – 11.30pm
JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA – ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC & DRAMA
Features Ben Creighton-Griffiths, Pia Salvia, Amanda Whiting, Rossitza Milevska, Ophelia Grimm.
Wednesday 27 July from 5pm
THE HARP & MUSIC OF WALES – ST FAGANS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Experience unique access to this award-winning National Museum after hours, featuring the inaugural performance of 60+ Harps in the Ensemble Telyn Cymru, along with Welsh Storytellers, Performers, Dancers, Local Food & Drink, and a traditional Twmpath (Ceilidh) led by Cats Claw.
- For tickets and further information about the World Harp Congress 2022, visit www.whc2022.wales/whatson