Award-winning Welsh harpist Anwen Mai Thomas studied at the Royal Academy of Music where she was awarded a Distinction and the ‘Harp Prize for the highest recital mark’ at her MA graduation in 2023, along with a DipRAM. As a dynamic, diverse performer, with professional solo, orchestral and chamber experience, Anwen was honoured to have gained the ‘Foyle Future First’ harp position with the London Philharmonic Orchestra for 2023-24. She has performed with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, including at their BBC Proms concert, Sinfonia Smith Square, as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Anwen’s numerous solo performances include a recital for the Elgar Society, Wight Proms Festival and with the Cheltenham Chamber orchestra. She won the coveted ‘Rhuban Glas’ (Blue Riband) instrumental competition at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and 1st prize scholarship at the Wales International Harp Festival. Other successes include winner of ‘Nansi Richards’ Prize for the best Welsh harpist and being one of 25 Global Young Harpists to perform at the World Harp Congress 2020. Anwen has performed with several choirs and vocal groups, including Inchant, Le Voci, The Jenny Lind Singers, Glass Ensemble, the choristers of St Mary the Virgin Merton Park, and Gaia Singers.
Anwen has worked alongside the Braintree Museum/Anglia Ruskin University and Wigmore Hall on community and participation projects. Live Music Now enables Anwen to showcase the versatility of the harp and to meet participants from all walks of life to create music together.
She was very understanding of the needs of the cohort & appreciated all involvement. She was very engaging & played beautifully. – Raleigh House
Phenomenal levels of engagement for a group that finds focus very difficult to maintain. One student was able to enter the room and managed to stay for the entire time which she never does. – Highshore School
