A HARPIST born in the heart of the Llyn Peninsula is continuing to make a name for herself in the music world, with the release of her debut CD.

Elfair Grug, from Mynytho, recently returned to the UK after living in Bangkok, Thailand, for two years working as a harp teacher and harpist in residence at the Tamnak Prathom Harp Centre.

Having returned, she will launch her album - titled Perlau Pefriol / Scintillation - on Monday, 25 September, at Tonnau, Pwllheli, at 7pm.

The former Ysgol Botwnnog and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Pwllheli pupil has embarked on a professional career as a harpist; she is a Live Music Now! and Music in Hospitals artist, performing regularly around the UK. She also tours extensively with the CLOUDS Harp Quartet.

But where did it all begin?

“I started learning the harp at the age of eight with Alwena Roberts in Pwllheli and then attended harp lessons at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias in Caernarfon with Elinor Bennett,” Elfair explained.

“During my time living in Mynytho I was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and I attended these courses during the school holidays.

“We performed at the UK’s biggest symphony halls including the Royal Albert Hall, and this experience inspired me to attend music college and study to be a professional harpist.”

The 28-year-old completed her Master’s degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester after gaining her BMus degree at the conservatoire with first class honours in 2011 as an ABRSM Scholar

Elfair, who has enjoyed many successes at the Welsh Eisteddfodau and festivals, is very grateful for the support of the ABRSM, RNCM, Musician’s Benevolent Fund, the Arts Council of Wales, the James Pantyfedwen Foundation and the Elizabeth Evans Trust who all supported her studies.

“After my studies and working for a year as a freelance harpist I moved to Bangkok,” Elfair explains.

“I loved the new experiences abroad and living there in the heat!

“I returned last September to continue with my career as a professional harpist.”

She went on: “My debut solo CD with Sain Records, titled Perlau Pefriol / Scintillation features my favourite pieces from the harp repertoire and pieces that have been important to me in my journey with the harp so far.

“It includes pieces by Welsh composers John Thomas and Grace Williams and by harpists Mared Emlyn and Osian Ellis.

“I think it’s important to promote new composition for the harp.

“Emlyn was awarded the Music Composition Medal at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Swansea 2011 for the work Perlau yn y Glaw, a series of five dances for the harp, that features on the CD.

“It was also a privilege to record Osian Ellis’ Diversions / Clymau Cytgerdd written for two harps with my sister, Rhiain Awel Dyer.”

As well as her solo performances, Elfair has a duo with her sister, called Dwyres.

“I also play with CLOUDS Harp Quartet who have released three CDs and often tour around the UK,” she said.

As well as playing with them and promoting her CD, Elfair is also concentrating on her work as a Live Music Now artist.

Live Music Now is a UK-wide initiative through which musicians deliver thousands of interactive music programmes in care homes and hospitals, and a range of community and healthcare settings.

Musicians also work in special schools where music can make a huge difference to the lives of children and their families.

“I’m starting a new project and residencies in care homes in Shropshire this September as well as a year-long residency as a musician at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool where I will visit every week,” said Elfair. “It is a passion to share music with those who are unable to attend public concerts, etc. This is such rewarding work.”

Closer to home Elfair is gearing up for the launch of her CD which is available to purchase from Sain Records and in local shops, as well as digitally on iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify.

Perlau Pefriol / Scintillation will be launched on Monday, 25 September at Tonnau, Pwllheli, 7pm.