Elen Hydref is a great interpreter and ambassador for her instrument. The sound is warm, melodious and resonant and Elen is a gifted performer who produced great power and beauty from her harp. The programme was well chosen to show the changes of mood the harp can encompass and began with an engaging rendering of a C.P.E. Bach Sonata, followed by a complete contrast with Caroline Lizotte’s Suite Galactique, full of ethereal sonorities not usually associated with the harp. Mathias’ Santa Fe Suite ended with a Sun Dance full of toe tapping energy, which contrasted well with Britten’s Suite for harp which followed after the interval. Elen gave this a sensitive performance, full of the colour and light which Britten did so well. The Hindemith Sonata was more austere but full of interesting ideas and Walter-Kuhne’s Fantasy on themes from Tchaikowsky’s Eugene Onegin was a wonderful ending to the programme, with the well known tunes given the sort of brilliance and virtuosity which a harp in the hands of a great performer can do so well.

This concert was supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, which helps so many music societies around the country to promote good concerts.