Wales Harp Festival
30 + 31 March 2021
Concerts, Classes, Workshops
Festival President: Dr Osian Ellis CBE
Artistic Director: Elinor Bennett
A Message from Elinor Bennett
Artistic Director
The Wales Harp Festival will be inspiring harpists of all ages and attainment with its annual course, as well as generating newfound interest in the harp and its music.
The Festival Concert will see harpist Gwenllian Llŷr performing a new piece by the Welsh composer Mared Emlyn, as well as her own arrangement of Calon Lân. The brilliant jazz harpist, Ben Creighton-Griffiths alongside his band, The Transatlantic Hot Club will also be performing in the concert as well as giving a jazz and improvisation workshop.
The TUDublin Junior Harp Ensemble will perform in the Course, and their tutors Denise Kelly & Clíona Doris will join harp teachers from Wales to give lessons and workshops. We are privileged to work with the Nansi Richards Scholarship Trust once again to organise the 2020 competition for Wales’ the best young harpists.


The Festival Concert
Date & Time to be Confirmed
Two of Wales’ brightest stars
Fabulous classical harpist Gwenllian Llŷr
Master of the Jazz Harp Ben Creighton-Griffiths
and his band the Transatlantic Hot Club
Adrien Chevalier (Violin) Ashley John Long (Double Bass)
Côr Telynau Gwynedd a Môn & Telynau Clwyd Hŷn
Two-day Harp Course
An interesting festival course which will appeal to harpists of all ages and attainment.
We have secured a team of excellent teachers and will place applicants in the most appropriate class according to the information provided on the registration form.
Details to follow soon.
The Latest News
Osian Ellis (1928-2021)
It is with sadness and regret that we wish to record the death of harpist and scholar, Osian Gwynn Ellis at the age of 92. He was a great friend and supporter of the work of the William Mathias Music Centre and the Wales International Harp Festival & he will be...
Announcement regarding the 2020 Wales Harp Festival
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that the Wales Harp Festival which was due to take place from 8-9 April has to be postponed due to the Covid-19 virus situation. However we are determined to re-schedule and not cancel and will be in touch with you shortly...
Former royal harpist keeps promise to festival after recovering from cancer
A world renowned harpist who was forced to pull out of a major festival last year, because she was battling breast cancer, is keeping her promise to perform at this year’s event instead. Former Royal Harpist, Catrin Finch will have a starring role at...
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The Wales Harp Festival is organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre).
Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias provides valuable opportunities for students of music at its centres in Caernarfon, Denbigh and Ruthin and through its community events throughout Wales.