Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Eluned Pierce is a Welsh classical harpist who has gained international recognition for her virtuosic performances and innovative approach to the harp. Born in 1981 in Llanelli, Wales, Pierce began playing the harp at the age of six and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree with first-class honors. Pierce's early career was marked by a series of impressive performances and awards. In 2002, she won the prestigious Royal Overseas League Music Competition, which led to a series of high-profile concerts in London and throughout the UK. She also won the Welsh Young Musician of the Year competition in 2003, cementing her reputation as one of the most promising young harpists of her generation. Over the next few years, Pierce continued to build her career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing at major venues and festivals around the world. She made her debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 2005, and has since performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has also been a regular performer at the Edinburgh International Festival and the Hay Festival. Pierce's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary periods. She is particularly known for her interpretations of Welsh and Celtic music, and has recorded several albums of traditional Welsh harp music. In 2010, she released an album of contemporary Welsh music, which included works by composers such as John Metcalf and Pwyll ap Siôn. In addition to her solo work, Pierce is also an active chamber musician and collaborator. She has performed with a number of leading ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. She is also a member of the chamber group Ensemble Cymru, which specializes in Welsh and Celtic music. Pierce's innovative approach to the harp has earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. She is known for her use of extended techniques, such as plucking the strings with her fingernails and using a variety of mutes and pedals to create new sounds and textures. She has also collaborated with composers to create new works for the harp, and has premiered several pieces by Welsh composers. Pierce's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2012, she was awarded the Glyndŵr Award for Excellence in the Arts, which recognizes outstanding contributions to Welsh culture. She has also been awarded the Welsh Music Guild's Young Musician of the Year award, the Arts Council of Wales Creative Wales Award, and the Musicians Benevolent Fund's Emerging Excellence Award. Despite her many achievements, Pierce remains committed to promoting the harp and Welsh music to new audiences. She is a passionate advocate for music education, and has worked with schools and community groups to introduce young people to the harp and classical music. She is also a regular performer at festivals and events throughout Wales, and has helped to raise the profile of Welsh music on the international stage.

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