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The Prince of Wales, a long-time devotee of the Welsh harp tradition, has given a harp to the Wales International Harp Festival. The international event takes place next month in Caernarvon. The harp is the national instrument of Wales.
The Telynau Teifi harp made by Llandysul based harp makers and crafted by chief harp maker Allan Shiers, will be awarded to the harpist who places first in under 13 or under 19 category. Along with the harp the winner will receive a scholarship. A scholarship is being awarded to the top three in each category as well.
“The Prince of Wales has long shown his support for the Welsh Harp tradition, and continues to retain an Official Harpist drawn from the pool of young talent emerging from Wales. This gift to the Festival again demonstrates his support for the musical craft as well as for Welsh craftsmanship and small social enterprises such as Telynau Teifi, who do so much to generate employment, develop sustainable skills and raise Wales’ profile internationally,” Elinor Bennet, the festival director commented to the Daily Post Wales.
“His Royal Highness is delighted to donate a harp as a prize to the Festival. For many years, The Prince of Wales has sought to encourage appreciation of the harp and its importance to Welsh culture and tradition and, at the same time, give support and recognition to young Welsh harpists, so that they may continue their passion,” a spokesman for The Prince of Wales commented.
The Festival will take place throughout Galeri, Caernarfon from 20 April until 26 April.
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I want to commend the Prince of Wales for donating a HARP to the harpist in Wales. This is very nice of him. I did not know he was so involved with this group in Wales. I will also have to say that this deed has change my view of the Prince completely. I know that he has had influence with many of the musical happenings in London, and he also attends many of then. With his artistic abilities, the musical side of him would have been revealed also. Again, Thank you, Prince Charles for your gracious gift of a Harp to these young children. That is the time to teach the children music, art, and many of the things that stay with them all their lives.