Role

:

Composer  

Birth

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April 24, 1980 in Llanon, Ceredigion, Wales

Genre

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Avant-Garde

 

 

Vocal

 

Catrin Finch is a Welsh harpist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and innovative collaborations. Born on December 22, 1980, in Llanon, Ceredigion, Wales, Finch began playing the harp at the age of six. She was inspired by her mother, who was a music teacher, and her grandfather, who played the Welsh triple harp. Finch's talent was evident from a young age, and she quickly became a prodigy on the harp. She won her first Eisteddfod competition at the age of eight and went on to win numerous other competitions throughout her childhood and teenage years. She studied at the Purcell School of Music in London and later at the Royal Academy of Music, where she was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Excellence. In 2000, Finch was appointed the Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales, a position she held for four years. During this time, she performed for numerous high-profile events, including the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations and the opening of the Welsh Assembly. She also released her debut album, "The Harpist," which received critical acclaim and helped to establish her as a rising star in the classical music world. In 2004, Finch left her position as Royal Harpist to pursue a solo career. She has since released several more albums, including "Bridges," a collaboration with the Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita, which won the Album of the Year award at the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. She has also collaborated with other musicians, including the cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and the singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. Finch's performances are known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. She has a particular affinity for the music of her native Wales, and has worked to promote Welsh music and culture throughout her career. She has also been an advocate for the harp, working to expand its repertoire and showcase its versatility. In addition to her musical career, Finch is also a philanthropist and advocate for social justice. She has worked with numerous charities, including the Prince's Trust and the British Red Cross, and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as homelessness and mental health. Throughout her career, Finch has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Queen's Commendation for Excellence, she has been awarded the Glyndŵr Award for an Outstanding Contribution to the Arts, the Welsh Music Prize, and the OBE for services to music. She has also been named a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Today, Catrin Finch is widely regarded as one of the world's leading harpists. Her innovative collaborations and passionate performances have helped to expand the boundaries of classical music and bring the harp to new audiences around the world.

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