First Wales International Harp Festival (April 2006)

The first Wales International Harp Festival held in 2006 here at Galeri, Caernarfon was a resounding success. The week long festival, the first ever, attracted over 100 young harpists from  22  countries across the world reflecting a phenomenal growth in the popularity of the instrument in recent years.

‘It has certainly been one of the most successful Harp Festivals ever held‘ said Jakez Francois, the head of French Harp Makers, Camac. 'The setting in this iconic building on the banks of the Menai Straits has been perfect.’

Geraint Lewis, one of the jury, said the standards were extremely  high.’The inspirational playing we’ve heard here this week augurs well for the future – it’s been a real  privilege to be here. These young harpists have been magnificent.’

The evening  concerts featuring Catrin Finch, Isabelle Morietti and Deborah Henson Conant were all sold out.  Masterclasses and Workshops proved  extremely popular.

Winners of the 2006 Competitions

Under 13 Competition
1st  Ben Creighton Griffiths (Wales)
2nd Artemy Izmayolav (Russia)
3rd Kzenya Karrask (Russia)

Under 16
1st Glain Dafydd (Wales)
2nd Tomos Xerri (Wales)
3rd Zahava Lever (England)

Under 21
1st Glain Dafydd (Wales)
2nd Mali Llywelyn (Wales)
3rd Elen Hydref (Wales)

The traditional Harp Competition
1st Mairi Macleod (Scotland)
2nd Mael Lhopitou (Brittany)
3rd Branka Crowder (Serbia & Montenegro/England)

Chief Musician
1st Constance Luzzati (France)
2nd Eleanor Turner (England)
3rd Eva Debonne (France)