Royal harpist Alis Huws, from Powys, has been signed to a high profile label for classical musicians.

Decca Classics has announced that it has signed royal harpist Alis Huws, from the Banw Valley, near Welshpool, to its label.

Among a string of high-profile performances across the country, she was personally selected by King Charles III to perform at his coronation at Westminster Abbey in 2023.

While this summer will see the end of her five-year tenure as royal harpist, she was named as one of the 30 under 30-year-old Classic FM rising stars in 2024 and is currently working on a debut EP to be released later this year.

Speaking on the contrast between her home in Powys and her role as the royal harpist, she said: “I had a day last year when I was at home in mid-Wales helping with the sheep and lambs from about six in the morning until lunchtime, then I hopped on a train to London and spent the whole evening playing in St. James's Palace.

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“My life is full of contrasts but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Watching and performing at the coronation was the pinnacle of my five years as the Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales. Watching history happen in front of my eyes felt surreal. It was such a privilege and honour."

Alongside her work performing for the royal family, Alis is passionate about bringing music into communities, giving regular interactive concerts in care homes as well as working with children with additional needs.  

These performances include playing for shielding families during lockdown with community-based charities Live Music Now!, and Music in Hospitals and Care and flying back to London the morning after a concert in new York to perform in a high school for students with special needs where she is a musician in residence.

Alis added: “As an artist, I feel that you have a responsibility to reach people who can't reach you rather than expect them to come and find you in a concert hall.

"Often, my most rewarding and uplifting experiences come from bringing music into the community and finding the people who can really benefit from hearing live music.”