Alis Huws

Harpist

Harpist. Following her undergraduate studies, Alis graduated with an MMus in 2019.

Former Official Royal Harpist Alis is part of a long tradition of royal harpists with links to the College: Fellow, graduate and artistic director of World Harp Congress 2020, Catrin Finch was the first harpist to hold the re-established tradition, Hannah Stone was a graduate, and current King’s Harpist is graduate Mared Pugh-Evans.

Named on Classic FM’s ‘30 Under 30 Rising Stars’ list for 2024, she regularly gives recitals across the UK and internationally, having toured to Japan, Europe, the US, Hong Kong and the Middle East. She is an exclusive Decca Classics recording artist, having collaborated with Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jess Gillam.

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Alis was asked to perform at His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation, ‘in recognition of The King’s long-standing and deeply held relationship and affiliation with Wales,’ performing Sir Karl Jenkin’s arrangement for solo harp and strings, as well as being part of the prestigious Coronation Orchestra, formed specially for the occasion and including several other RWCMD graduate musicians.

She regularly gives workshops and recitals in schools and hospitals, as well as interactive concerts for dementia patients, working with community-based charities Live Music Now, Lost Chord and Music in Hospitals & Care.

‘The same week I finished my Master’s, I was appointed as the official harpist for the then Prince of Wales, which was incredibly exciting. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to perform globally, and I’m thrilled with the variety in my working life. Like many of my colleagues, I lead a portfolio career, doing a bit of everything - from orchestral playing and solo recitals to chamber music, outreach, and events.

I’m passionate about bringing music into the community, a cornerstone of my work that started at College and has since snowballed into collaborations with various charities like Live Music Now. I remember the workshop leadership module in my third year, which opened doors to school and community music. Currently, I’m a musician in residence at a special needs school, and I absolutely love it. It adds a wonderful balance to my work life, full of contrasts.

I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities I had as a student at the Royal Welsh College, which set me up for the amazing experiences I’ve had since graduating. The most important thing for me is the feeling of being part of a supportive family. Even now, I know I can reach out to people for advice, guidance, or just general support. It’s special to be part of that family, and the friendships I made here will last a lifetime.’
Alis Huws