Global harp event set for Gwynedd

The Prince of Wales' former offficial harpist Catrin Finch is among those appearing

Harpists from all over the world are expected in Caernarfon next April for Wales' first International Harp Festival.

Details of the event were announced on Monday, and include competitions and master classes for young musicians.

Featured artists include Isabelle Moretti, professor of harp at the Conservatoire in Paris, Catrin Finch, and Deborah Henson-Conant from the USA.

Festival director Elinor Bennett said she was "delighted" with the line-up.

"We want to see as many young harpists as possible registering for the festival," she said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for harpists of all ages and abilities to come together in a beautiful location to make music," she added.

Prizes

Entries so far have come in from Singapore, Russia and Serbia but organisers are keen that musicians from Wales and the UK will take part.

Small festivals and harp workshops have been held in Wales over the past 25 years, but this will be the first week-long international festival.

The event will be held at the new arts complex at Galeri, Caernarfon between 16-23 April.

Prizes worth more than £25,000 - including two brand new harps - are being offered to competition winners.

Closing date for registration has been extended to 30 January 2006.