The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in London has appointed Catrin Finch as its Head of Harp, beginning in the 2022–2023 academic year. Finch, a RAM alumna, succeeds Karen Vaughan, the London Symphony Orchestra’s former co-principal harpist. Vaughan served as head of the harp department since 2010.
Finch was Royal Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales from 2000–2004. She has performed with orchestras around the world. International labels she has recorded for include Universal Records, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI, and Sony Classical. She has recorded both solo and with artists such as bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, flutist Sir James Galway, and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. Her recordings feature various musical genres, from solo classical recitals and concertos to a crossover mix and her own 14-piece band CF47.
RAM Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood says, “Catrin Finch is one of the world’s great harpists, an extraordinarily committed advocate for her instrument and hugely dedicated to the mentoring and guiding of young musicians. She follows in the footsteps of two exceptional heads of harp in Karen Vaughan, and Skaila Kanga before her, building on the strengths of this renowned department.” Freeman-Attwood adds that Finch is committed to “identifying talented young musicians from all backgrounds, and offering students the skills and experiences that will prepare them for a fast-changing professional environment.”
Check out our feature interview with Finch in the March/April 2020 issue of Harp Column. Read our Q&A with Finch discussing her recent book Harp Academy. Also check out our feature interview with the outgoing head of the harp department, Karen Vaughan, in the March/April 2012 issue.
