Astar | Theatr Mwldan | Galeri | Theatr Brycheiniog Co-Production

Tour dates: 27 February – 19 March 2009

This extraordinary, exciting and high-profile harp-based international music project combines the remarkable talent of Catrin Finch (Cymru/Wales), with vibrant Colombian band Cimarron. Regarded as one of the world’s leading harp players and HRH The Prince of Wales' Royal Harpist from 2000 to 2004, Catrin Finch has already enjoyed a phenomenal career, and has considerable classical crossover success through her collaborations with fellow Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. She was recently nominated for a Classical Brit Award. Seven piece band Cimarron are the most accomplished llanera group in Colombia, and have performed worldwide during a 20 year career. Led by harpist and composer Carlos Rojas, and drawn from the Mestizo people that inhabit the savannahs of the great Orinoco River, their joropo music is a fiercely virtuosic display of rippling melodies played on a harp, bandola and cuatro accompanied by bass, maracas and high-pitched voices reminiscent of Andalusian gypsy roots.

Catrin Finch and Cimarron first met each other in Caernarfon, Wales in November 2007. During an intense four days, they exchanged and developed tunes and songs from each other’s native culture, each being led by the other’s harp tradition. Traditional Colombian rhythms saw the injection of Catrin’s stunning virtuosity, whilst traditional Welsh melodies became infused with a vibrant Latin identity. Catrin and Cimarron went on to tour Wales to sell-out audiences, standing ovations and an ecstatic response that enveloped both artists and audiences. Now they return to further develop this stunning collaboration from two extremely rich musical heritages. In a true celebration of the versatility and beauty of the harp, a captivating, unique and uplifting evening is in store!

Tour Venues:

Torch Theatre, Milford Haven / Aberdaugleddau

Theatr Stiwt, Rhosllannerchrugog, Wrexham

Theatr Hafren, Newtown / Drenewydd

St David’s Hall, Cardiff / Caerdydd

Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan / Aberteifi 

Theatr Felinfach, Felinfach 

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon / Aberhonddu

Park & Dare, Treorchi

Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea / Abertawe

The Welfare, Ystradgynlais

Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan / Aberteifi

Galeri, Caernarfon

Theatr Harlech, Harlech

Ammanford Miners Theatre, Ammanford

Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon

Supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council Of Wales through the Arts Outside Cardiff Scheme.