The Sound of Wales: The Welsh Harp

On 17 June 2026, the Welsh Government at the British Embassy in Berlin will host The Sound of Wales: The Welsh Harp, an evening dedicated to the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Welsh harp tradition.

The Welsh triple harp is the most distinctive symbol of Welsh musical culture. Combining lectures and concerts, this event brings together leading scholars, performers and instrument specialists from Wales and Germany to explore the history, craftsmanship and continuing vitality of the Welsh harp.

The programme opens with The Harp in Wales, a lecture by Dr Rhian Davies, one of the foremost authorities on Welsh music. She will trace the harp’s central role in Welsh cultural life and highlight the musicians, traditions and repertoires that have shaped its legacy.

Instrument conservator Heidi von Rüden Shakibi will speak about the history and restoration of the Welsh harp made by John Richards in the collection of the Berlin Museum of Musical Instruments. During both lectures, historical harpist and researcher Maximilian Ehrhardt will perform examples from the Welsh harp tradition.

The evening concludes with a concert by the internationally acclaimed triple harpist Robin Huw Bowen. Widely recognised as one of the world’s leading performers of the Welsh triple harp, he has dedicated his career to preserving and revitalising Welsh folk music traditions for audiences around the world.

The Sound of Wales: The Welsh Harp highlights the cultural connections between Wales and Europe while celebrating a musical tradition that continues to inspire.

Made possible by:

The Arts Council of Wales

Senatsverwaltung für Kultur und Gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt

Welsh Government in Germany

Société Lunaire

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Host or Publisher Welsh Government Germany