Dame Shirley Bassey presents the RWCMD Brooch for Harp Excellence

Congratulations to harpist Bethany Coggon who was awarded the inaugural Royal Welsh College Brooch for Harp Excellence by RWCMD President Dame Shirley Bassey at the College’s annual dinner last week.

The brooch, formerly used by the Official Harpist to The Prince of Wales, has been given on permanent loan by The King, who is Patron of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. It will be awarded annually to the harpist who achieves the highest mark in their summer recital.

In 2000, the then Prince of Wales reinstated the role of Official Harpist to foster and encourage young musical talent in Wales and across the UK, and to elevate the profile of the harp as an instrument. The College has a long-standing relationship with this role, with previous Official Harpists including graduates Alis Huws, 2019-2025, and Hannah Stone who held the role from 2011. Fellow and graduate Catrin Finch was the first harpist to hold the re-established tradition.

Following His Majesty King Charles III’s accession to the throne in 2022, the role has since been referred to as The King’s Harpist, and is currently held by graduate Mared Pugh- Evans.

This distinguished award celebrates excellence in harp performance and continues the legacy of recognising outstanding young musicians.