Voice of Old Harps

An opportunity to listen to wonderful music from the 18th and early 19th centuries played on two historic harps made in the period by renowned harpist Elinor Bennett OBE.

The programme includes music by Handel, Blind John Parry, Edward Jones (The King's Bard), Rosetti, Spohr and their contemporaries.

The story starts with the Triple harp, which was developed in Italy during the Baroque period and was played at the Royal Court in London at the time of Handel. The harp played in this programme was made by the famous Triple harp-maker, John Richard of Llanrwst, circa 1755.

The old triple harp was replaced in most European countries during the late 18th century by new, beautifully decorated mechanical pedal harps from France and Germany. The most renowned maker was Sebastian Erard, who worked in the Court of the doomed Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, before fleeing to London during the French Revolution and opening a workshop in Great Marlborough Street, where Elinor's harp was made in 1807.

This event is supported by the Arts Council of Wales 'Nightout' scheme.