THE latest community news from Llansantffraed

History Society

Spare seats were hard to find in the Reading Room at the February meeting of the Llansantffraed History Society. Society member Marianne Pateman gave a talk on ‘A History of the Harp’ illustrated with slides and sound recordings.

The talk traced the technical development of the harp from the simple bow of ancient origin, through Erard’s double action pedal innovation of 1810 to the modern concert harp, demonstrating the extension of the range and quality of sound and the complexity involved in mastering the instrument. Evidence from wall art and literature of harping traditions was shown from around the world.

The evening could not have passed without mentioning Seckou Keita, a renowned exponent of the Kora, a Mandinka harp. Seckou and Catrin Finch (Marianne’s daughter) are collaborating on a new album Soar and will be touring in concert during spring.

On 5 March the guest speaker, Toby Driver, will talk on ‘Celts and Romans on the Ceredigion coast’.

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