This Toronto International Harp Festival concert celebrates John Thomas—born in Bridgend, Wales on St. David’s Day, 1826, and appointed Official Harpist to Queen Victoria in 1872. Known by his bardic name Pencerdd Gwalia, Thomas composed over 200 works and was celebrated for his virtuosic arrangements of Welsh folk melodies and his championing of the modern pedal harp.

Huw Boucher, a promising young Welsh harpist and both 2nd and 3rd prize winner at the prestigious USA International Harp Competition, stands as a uniquely authentic voice in reviving the music of John Thomas. Drawing on a deep cultural connection, he brings this repertoire vividly back to life. This concert is made possible with the generous support of Toronto Welsh.

Adding a vibrant dimension, the concert features a vocal quartet led by Ukrainian Canadian soprano Mira Solovianenko, whose radiant and powerful voice lends new life to this historic music.

Tickets from $65 available at iharpfest.com. Toronto Welsh members can use discount code Welsh10 before June 20.