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Ex-royal harpist Claire helps pull strings to inspire new generation

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The woman who convinced King Charles to reinstate the position of royal harpist after a century-long gap is aiming to inspire a new generation to play the instrument.

Renowned harpist Elinor Bennett is going on a 12-stop Wales-wide tour, The Dwylo ar Dannau’r Delyn (Hands on Harp Strings) and will be joining forces with former royal harpist Claire Jones, who hails from Pembrokeshire.

The concerts, masterclasses and workshops will take Elinor, the Artistic Director of the Wales International Harp Festival, to places where she has close personal connections.

Claire Jones, who was the Official Harpist to the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, between 2007 and 2011, will be joining Elinor at Ysgol Preseli in her home village of Crymych on Saturday, November 19.

She became a household name for her acclaimed performance at the royal wedding for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and has performed over 180 times for the Royal Family.

The tour also includes dates in Pwllheli, Llangefni, Llanrwst, Swansea, Barry and Denbigh.

Elinor will also be going to Llangadfan in Powys where she has close family links and Aberystwyth where she studied for a law degree at the town’s university.

She will also visit Swansea, Barry, Crymych in Pembrokeshire along with Merthyr Tudful where she once lived and Llanuwchllyn near Bala where she spent a large portion of her childhood.

The tour, which follows a launch concert for the festival at Bangor University’s PJ Hall, will feature some her former students and colleagues.

As well as re-igniting interest in harp music following the Covid pandemic, the aim is to promote the fifth Wales International Harp Festival which will be staged at Galeri Caernarfon from April 5-11.

She will also be inviting harpists to take part in four competitions at the festival, with the aim of giving children and older harpists a platform to perform, receive comments from internationally esteemed harpists and make friends with young musicians from other parts of the world.

Harpist Elinor Bennett

The closing date for applications for the competitions is January 2, 2023.

She will be stepping down as the festival’s Artistic Director after next year’s event.

Elinor said: “At each location on the tour I will be joined by either a former pupil or someone I have worked with in the past.

“We hope local harp tutors and teachers will bring their pupils along. Each event will last for about four hours and at the start there will be workshops and master classes where the youngsters can play together and then some solos.

“To close the event there will be a concert where I will play along with the guest tutor and perhaps with some of the youngsters if they wish. The concerts, of course, will be open to the public.

“And there will also be an exhibition of harps by the Vining company from Cardiff. They sell Camac instruments and are sponsoring the festival.”

According to Elinor, one of the aims of the tour is to encourage youngsters to learn how to play the harp.

“I have heard that fewer children and young people are taking up the harp and the tour will create an interest in the harp and raise awareness of the festival itself,” she said.

She added tickets for the tour are available online at www.walesharpfestival.co.uk and some local shops but will also be available on the door.

Elinor said when she started learning to play the harp in 1954 when there were very few harpists.

Born at Llanidloes in the former county of Montgomeryshire, her family later moved to Llanuwchllyn near Bala in Merionethshire.

Harpist Elinor Bennett

Her father bought her first harp when she was just seven years of age though she did not begin lessons for another four years as her legs were not long enough to reach the pedals.

She said: “My father was very musical, as were my mother and grandfather. After we moved to Llanuwchllyn my father joined Cor Godre’r Aran. In 1949 they went to London to sing at the Dorchester Hotel, and while in the city he bought a harp for £30 and brought it back to Llanuwchllyn on the (London) Underground and the train.

After leaving school Elinor studied law at Aberystwyth but later applied for and won a scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Osian Ellis, the acclaimed Flintshire-born harpist. After graduating she played with numerous orchestras at home and abroad.

Though known mostly for classical music she has also played with some of Wales’ most renowned rock musicians. She has recorded twelve solo albums and founded the Coleg Telyn Cymru (Harp College of Wales) and helped set up Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre in Caernarfon.

Finding herself seated next to the then-Prince of Wales at a dinner, she told him of the tradition of a Royal harpist but which had not been filled for more than a century.

“He was interested and asked me to send him a proposal which I duly did. That led to the revival of the tradition with the first being Catrin Finch in 2000,” said Elinor.

The fifth Wales International Harp Festival will bring together leading exponents of the instrument from around the world to Galeri Caernarfon next April.. Organised by Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (Music Centre) it will feature concerts, masterclasses, workshops and lecture recitals.

Elinor said performances will be given by world-class artists representing various aspects of the harp spectrum.

These include the Latin-American harpist from Colombia, Edmar Castaneda, French harpist Isobel Moretti, who makes a return visit to Caernarfon and jazz harpis Deborah Henson-Conant from the USA.

The festival commission is a new work, Llechi (Slate), by harpist and composer, Math Roberts, with poetry by Wales’ National Poet, Ifor Ap Glyn.

Harpist Elinor Bennett

Elinor said this has been written for a chamber ensemble and vocal soloists and will celebrate the unique culture of the slate-mining areas of Gwynedd, recently awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.

“Participants in each of the categories in the four competitions are encouraged to create their own choice of programmes and include one or two items listed in the published syllabus.

“In the Youth and children competitions, equal scholarships will be awarded for the three top performances, to help talented young harpists to receive continuing expert tuition/

“Please join us over Easter in Caernarfon for a joyful and enriching experience.,” said Elinor.

Further details about the tour, the festival and the competitions are available on the Festival website www.walesharpfestival.co.uk

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John Singer Sargent’s ‘Fashion & Swagger’ to light up the Torch

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IN an unparalleled celebration of one of the late 19th century’s most revered portrait artists, the Torch Theatre is set to host “John Singer Sargent – Fashion & Swagger” on Tuesday, 16 April, at 7:30 pm. This innovative exhibition, brought to life by Exhibition on Screen, delves into the remarkable artistry of John Singer Sargent, whose portraits are celebrated for their intricate depiction of his subjects’ persona, attire, and the subtleties of their presentation.

The event promises an insightful exploration of Sargent’s influence on modern art, culture, and fashion, featuring interviews with a diverse group of curators, contemporary fashion icons, and style influencers. Filmed at prestigious venues like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and Tate Britain in London, the exhibition unveils Sargent’s extraordinary ability to capture the essence of his subjects’ identities, social standings, and the complexities of gender through his art during a pivotal time of cultural transformation.

Phil Grabsky, one of the producers behind this compelling film, shared his enthusiasm for spotlighting Sargent’s genius, stating, “As filmmakers, both director David Bickerstaff and I have been thrilled to make this film about Sargent, someone I consider a truly astounding artist.” Grabsky further reflected on the curious case of Sargent’s fading recognition despite his once-celebrated status and affirmed Exhibition on Screen’s commitment to revitalizing interest in artists who deserve renewed attention.

The exhibition promises a fascinating juxtaposition of over 50 of Sargent’s paintings with authentic items of clothing and accessories donned by his subjects, offering audiences a unique passage into the artist’s creative realm. It underscores how Sargent’s subjects, often hailing from affluent backgrounds, entrusted him with their public images — a theme that resonates with the ongoing dialogue around the construction of identity in the public eye.

Tickets for “John Singer Sargent – Fashion & Swagger” are available for £13. Those interested can secure their spots by visiting www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contacting the Box Office at 01646 695267.

For further details and imagery, or to arrange press inquiries, please reach out to Anwen Francis (Marketing, Press & Communications) via email at [email protected] or phone at 07854 772640.

ENDS

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Breeding male sloth ‘Casa’ Nova joins the Folly Farm family

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FOLLY FARM has welcomed another sloth to its expanding zoo family, in the form of adorable two-year old male sloth, Nova, bringing its number of sloths up to four!

Linne’s two toed sloth Nova, arrived from Hamerton Park Zoo in Cambridgeshire, as part of the European Breeding Programme for the species. He was born to parents ‘Vee’ and ‘Snuffles’ in November 2021, and as a young male, he has joined young female ‘Button’, who arrived at the zoo last Summer, to make a breeding pair. So, the pitter patter of tiny, two-toed claws could be within Folly Farm’s reach in the coming years!

Nova and Button have been getting acquainted in the Sloth Forest exhibit within Tropical Trails, where they will reside alongside a variety of rare and beautiful birds. But in typical sloth fashion, their union is very much taken at a slow and steady pace. Sloths reach sexual maturity between three and five years old, and with both youngsters currently being just two years old – keepers may have to be patient for a while yet. But to potentially welcome the next generation of sloths as a breeding centre for the species in the future is a very exciting prospect for species – and for the award-winning zoo!

Folly Farm Zookeeper Kim Cartwright enthused; “We’re so excited to have welcomed a breeding pair of sloths at the zoo within such a short space of time as part of a managed breeding programme. Nova has settled into his new home really well and seems pretty chilled, enjoying some sweet potato treats and regular naps. He’s already met our breeding female Button and we’re keeping everything crossed that he’ll be her “Casa” Nova – and we’ll be welcoming some sloth cubs in the future!”

Sloth Keeper at Hamerton, Cathy Evans said: “Nova has very much inherited the best of both his parents with mum Vee’s good looks and dad Snuffle’s easy-going nature. He’s been a firm favourite with visitors and keepers whilst he’s lived here at the park, especially as he often enjoyed napping on his feed dish at the front of the enclosure right on view! This lovely character will be missed by his keepers but we are delighted to hear he’s settling into his new home well and we wish him and Button all the best in their future pairing.”

Folly Farm is also home to elderly sloth residents Tuppee and Lightcap who are enjoying their twilight years in their more peaceful enclosure in Tropical Trails, away from the youngsters. Tuppee is around 30 years old and Lightcap is one of the oldest sloths in European zoos at around 41 years old! So not only is the zoo providing care for the older residents at its sloth ”retirement home”, it’s hoping this new breeding pair will bring a new lease of life into Tropical Trails with a “sloth nursery” for the species!

For more information on days out at Folly Farm, visit the website www.folly-farm.co.uk, search Folly Farm on Facebook @FollyFarm. Check out Instagram or X @FollyFarmWales and follow @follyfarmwalesofficial on TikTok.

You can adopt sloths at Folly Farm via their website at:
https://www.folly-farm.co.uk/adopt-an-animal/sloth-adoption/

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How to spend your weekend in the UK: Fun things to do 

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EVERY avid tourist or explorer should visit the UK at least once. Why? This region is home to some of the most coveted sites in the world, ranging from Stonehenge to Buckingham Palace. Each year, millions of people visit the UK just to explore these exceptional places. You should do the same—the experience will provide you with memories you’ll cherish forever. 

As you also know, visiting different hotspots scattered across the UK can expose you to boredom and exhaustion. But you can keep your spirits up by visiting reputable online casinos with the best slots and welcome bonuses. The freebies you’ll receive from these platforms will allow you to play thrilling games and stay entertained, especially when traveling for extended periods becomes unavoidable. 

Here is a list of a few activities that can make your UK trip worthwhile. 

  • Visit the Best Land-Based Casinos 

The UK is home to many glamorous gambling establishments. The biggest, and arguably the most popular, is the Hippodrome Casino. Before becoming a casino, this establishment was a comedy theater that later transformed into a nightclub, circus, etc. You should check out this historic landmark. 

Other casinos that you should consider visiting include Rialto, Grosvenor, Empire, and Bally. Visit them and play one or two of your favorite gambling games. While doing so, prioritize responsible gaming to avoid negative consequences like immense financial losses. 

  • Explore the Giant’s Causeway 

The Giant’s Causeway is a marvel of nature. It was formed by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption that happened over 60 million years ago. The process started when Ireland and North America were still attached. As of today, The Giant’s Causeways is made up of approximately 40,000 interlinked basalt columns. 

Your trip to the Giant’s Causeway should cover a few must-see spots. First, if you are a massive Game of Thrones (GOT) fan, stop by filming hotspots like the Cushendun Caves, where the Red Priestess and Davos Seaworth came ashore. Don’t forget to check out The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbor, and the Old Bushmills Distillery. 

  • Pay Reverence to Stonehenge 

Stonehenge is an infamous tourist destination in the UK. Locals and tourists often visit this place because it’s associated with many exciting myths. Some believe Merlin, a powerful wizard prominent in Arthurian legend, created it. Others believe Stonehenge is a teleportation port that can be opened with magic spells. 

Don’t conclude your UK trip without visiting the infamous Stonehenge. And don’t limit yourself to the popular stones alone. Check out other hotspots in this region, including Bluestone Vineyards and The Salisbury Museum. 

  • Check Out Buckingham Palace 

The prestigious Buckingham Palace was built in 1705 and has acted as the official residence for UK sovereigns since then. Countless revered figures have lived in this location for many years, from Queen Victoria and Edward VII to King George V and George IV. 

If visiting Buckingham Palace isn’t included in your itinerary, add it today. Once you get there, ensure you explore the Front Façade, view the Queen’s Gallery, and see the changing of the guard. 

Conclusion 

A complete UK trip should include visits to infamous destinations like Stonehenge, the Bucking Palace, and Giant’s Causeway. You shouldn’t ignore glamorous establishments like the Hippodrome and Bally, which have made gambling a thriving industry in the United Kingdom. 

If you have yet to go sightseeing in the US, add it to your bucket list. Remember to include the destinations reviewed here on your list of must-visit places. Happy travels! 

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