Pencerdd Gwalia Festival 2013
to remember the centenary of
JOHN THOMAS 1826 - 1913
to celebrate and appreciate
his inheritance, in a
Festival and Competition
in April 2013
One hundred years later, the “Pencerdd Gwalia Festival” will be organised by Coleg Telyn Cymru (The Harp College of Wales). Two competitions and a concert will be held to celebrate and appreciate his enormous contribution to the repertoire of the harp and share his inheritance. CompetitionsApril 13th 2013 - Final round in Bridgend, South Wales Junior Competition - under 17 years of age 1. Mared Emyr Pugh-Evans Senior Competition -
under 25 but with no lower age limit |
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| Coleg Telyn Cymru is grateful for the support given by the Arts Council of Wales towards the John Thomas Festival Concert. |
John Thomas, Pencerdd Gwalia (lit.
Chief Musician of Wales) was born in Bridgend on St David’s
Day, March 1st 1826, to John and Catherine Thomas. His father
was a tailor by trade, and a talented amateur musician. John,
their eldest son became a professional harpist, was given the
title of Chief Musician of Wales and became Harpist to Queen
Victoria, and to her son Edward V1. John Thomas died in London
on March 19th 1913.