Cardiff Camac Harp Weekend

Logo for the Cardiff Camac Harp Weekend, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Telynau Vining Wales.

I was thrilled to be invited to take part in the Cardiff Camac Harp Weekend, not only as a performer and teacher, but also to witness all the hard work of Elen Vining and her family over the past 25 years.

As a student in Cardiff, I was so lucky to have a fantastic job, working for Elen at Telynau Vining and able to practise the harp in the quiet periods - win:win! I learned so much in the role, and also gained a friend for life.

Gwenllian with several harps set-up behind her for a workshop.

As many a parent, I have found it very difficult to balance being a mum with my working career. Attending concerts is a luxury that, to put it simply, has been so far down the list I could barely read the writing. So I was particularly happy to manage to squeeze in 3 concerts, as well as my own performance and workshop.

I was particularly excited to be sharing my concert with one of my most advanced students, Sigal Nachshen. Following her competition and exam successes, Camac wanted to invite Sigal as a rising star to join the festival, and she performed beautifully under a captive audience. It was a very proud moment for me to share the stage with her, as well as sharing my own music again with more audiences.

Every time Elen manages such a spectacular event, she promises it might be the last!! Well, like many others I’m hoping she will eat her words as it was such a musical and sociable treat for everyone. Let’s hope for another one day soon!