FORMER royal harpist, Claire Jones, comes to Ceredigion next month to launch her brand new harp school and perform with her husband, musician Chris Marshall.

The chart-topping artists and world renowned performers present their new show, Hands of Fire, at Theatr Mwldan on 16 April.

Claire, from Crymych, will have been in the county for a couple of weeks by then, having launched and run the Claire Jones International Harp School from 4-8 April in the surroundings of Cardigan Castle.

The course is open to harpists of all ages and standards, and will conclude with a public concert at the castle, on Friday, 8 April at 1pm.

Speaking about the forthcoming performances, Claire, who has just returned from a tour of the US, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning home, and am really excited to present Hands of Fire alongside my husband Chris. It’s my most diverse and exciting show to date.”

Claire held the title of Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales from 2007 to 2011.

Now 31, she returns to the concert platform with her unique harp and percussion duo, C2, featuring West End percussionist, emerging composer, and her other half, Chris Marshall.

Looking back on her time as Royal Harpist, Claire said: “It was a fantastic time in my life. I played over 180 times for royalty including one-to-one for Her Majesty The Queen.

“I played on over 1,000 TV and radio networks worldwide, so it massively helped launch my international and recording career, and raised my profile all around the world.”

Claire was also busy preparing the launch of her new international harp school in Cardigan Castle and the show, Hands of Fire.

“I hope to inspire and encourage harpists of all ages through my new harp school, in the beautiful surroundings of Cardigan Castle."

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page