Catrin Finch, the acclaimed international harpist and former Royal Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales, will return to Fletching for an exclusive solo concert in the church on Saturday,December 6.
Known for her work within the community and with the younger generation, Catrin is committed to promoting the harp and classical music in general to a new and wider audience.
The concert will include works by Bach, Debussy, Albeniz, Piazzola, and, of course, a selection of Christmas favourites.
“Catrin has done more than anyone in harp history to bring her instrument to a wider public,” said Andrew Wright, project director. “She is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon who has such a mastery of her instrument, combined with deep musical insight, that others pale in comparison. I know many people will share my delight in welcoming her back to Fletching.”
Catrin received the highest mark in the UK for her Grade VIII exam at the age of nine. She was the youngest member of the orchestra to perform at a BBC Promenade Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, when aged ten. In 1999 she won the Lily Laskine International Harp Competition in France, one of the premier harp competitions in the world. Since then, she has performed extensively throughout the world, appearing with a number of top orchestras. Catrin has appeared on all the major television and radio networks in the UK and many abroad. Recent TV appearances include BBC Breakfast and the Andrew Marr Show.
Proceeds from the concert will go to ‘Project Refresh’. The project will fund substantial improvements to this ancient Grade 1 listed Church, including cloakroom facilities in a new extension to the north of the church. The project will cost a total of £168,000, of which over £100,000 has already been raised by an appeal and other events.
This will be Catrin’s fourth visit to Fletching. Her earlier concerts quickly sold out and organisers are expecting a high demand again.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £18, to include a glass of wine and a canapé in the interval, can be obtained from Andrew Wright, 01825 712803 or wrightag@sky.com, or (if still available) at the door for £20.