Valerie Aldrich-Smith

Valerie held the post of Principal Harp with BBC National Orchestra of Wales for over 40 years. Previous posts include Principal Harp with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Las Palmas and Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet. In addition, she has performed regularly with the World Orchestra for Peace and Welsh National Opera.

Valerie has now retired from orchestral playing. During her time with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, she worked extensively in outreach and education.

Valerie has been a tutor at RWCMD for over 25 years, teaching individual harp lessons and specialising in orchestral studies. 

Many of her former harp students have gone on to successful careers as teachers, freelance musicians and in other entrepreneurial harp-related professions. 

During her years with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Valerie performed extensively on television and radio, at festivals and on commercial recordings.