Catrin Finch: Harpist and composer visits Welsh-speaking area of Argentina

Have I died and gone to music heaven?

You may have. Or, if Catrin Finch is playing, Patagonia… the Welsh harpist and composer has just visited as the Welsh-speaking area of Argentina with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales to mark 150 years since Welsh settlers arrived.

What did she find?

The musician, who lives in Cardiff, has heard for herself that the Welsh language is as strong now as it ever was down there in South America.

Did she enjoy her visit?

The internationally acclaimed harpist said it was "incredible" to visit Ysgol yr Hendre, a bilingual Welsh-Spanish school in Trelew, where all the pupils speak Welsh, and sang all the songs – in Welsh, naturally – “almost better than we do”.

So it’s as Welsh as rarebit?

Well, as close as you can get, and Ms Finch believes its thanks to music which, she says, is helping to keep the Welsh language alive in among the Gauchos.

So how long has Ms Finch been strumming her harp?

Ms Finch first took a shine aged five, and within four years achieved the highest mark in the UK for her Grade Eight examination. Since honing her skills at The Purcell School and the Royal Academy of Music she has played with orchestras across the world.

Music to her fans’ ears?

I should think so – and among their number are more than a few VIPs. From 2000 to 2004, Ms Finch held the position of Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales, reviving the ancient tradition last held in 1873.

Must one be a Royal to appreciate her work?

Not at all – in fact, Ms Finch is keen to engage new and wider audiences in the harp and classical music in general. In Patagonia she has held workshops and performances in schools and also participated in activities with community choirs and amateur orchestras.