A Ukrainian harpist is set to leave her country’s civil unrest behind to compete in the 2014 Wales International Harp Festival that is being held in Caernarfon.
Veronica Lemishenko will be competing against some of the world’s finest harpists in the festival’s main Chief Musician’s competition.
“Of course, the situation we have in Ukraine now cannot leave anyone indifferent – we all are worried about it,” said the 24-year-old harpist.
Veronica and her mother, Alla, have received visas to travel over for the seven-day festival that opens on April 20.
“I’m currently in Russia studying, but my mother is still in Ukraine, but thankfully we have both received permission to travel over to Wales.
“I started to prepare for this contest a long time before the unrest, but I’m looking forward to coming to Wales! My family supported my decision to participate and represent my country – Ukraine.”
“They know how important music is to me – I believe that music unites and connects. In my opinion musicians are apolitical but in some situations nobody can stay uninvolved – but I think people all over the world should unite for peace.”
The talented harpist’s passion for the instrument began as a three-year-old when her parents took her to see Swan Lake: “There, in the orchestra of Kharkiv Opera’s House, I first saw and heard the harp and I fell in love immediately!“ added Veronica.
Having firmly established itself as one of the most respected festivals on the world’s harp music calendar, the third Wales International Harp Festival (2006 & 2010) will welcome competitors and performers from 26 countries.
Concerts will be held every night of the seven-day festival and include performances by renowned harpists such as Catrin Finch, Hannah Stone, Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales, Mared Emlyn and internationally renowned harpists Elizaveta Kosina from Russia, Mieko Inoue from Japan, China’s Zi Lan Liao, Sixto Corbalan from Paraguay and Leonard Jacome from Venezuela.
Masterclasses will be given by the world famous harpists Marisa Robles, Chantal Mathieu (France) and Edward Witsenburg (Netherlands), Imogen Barford (England) and Carol McClure (USA).
For details of the seven-day festival visit www.walesharpfestival.co.uk or call 01286 685230.
