Eleri Darkins (harp) and Gwenllian Davies (oboe/cor anglais) met in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The Celtica Duo was formed later whilst both were studying for post graduate performances in London. Since then, they have performed widely in Britain and live on Channel 4 Wales (S4C) several times. Recent recitals include performances at the Ripon International Festival. Vale of Glamorgan Festival. Lower Machen Festival, St.David's Hall and Millennium Centre in Cardiff. University of Wales Colleges of Aberystwyth and Bangor, and the Warehouse, Waterloo for the UK Harp Association.

' ..... the combination of the harp with the oboe is a winning formula - sweet and witty
.... under the captivating spell of these players the time flew too quickly for us.'
Cardiff Post - St. David’s Hall, Recital.

The Celtica Duo hopes to expand the oboe and harp repertoire and many composers have written works especially for the duo. They gave the first performance of Three Songs Without Words by Huw Watkins at the National Eisteddfod, Anglesey in 1999 and Telyneg by Enid Luff at the Beaumaris Festival in May 2000. In 2001 they commissioned a new work by Mervyn Burtch entitled ‘Three Welsh Portraits’.

The duo was part of the late Lord Menhuin’s ‘Live Music Now!’ scheme which takes live music into the wider community. They have performed to various audiences in hospitals, special schools day centres for the elderly and adult learning centres.

'Excellent performance - our residents thoroughly enjoyed it!’
Alne Hall, Yorkshire.

'Live Music Now!' always produces a winner - this was one of the best!'
Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery Recital.

This is the first recording that Deuawd Celtica Duo have produced.