Catrin Finch and Cimmarón (Cymru / Colombia) 2009 - 2010

Celebrating the beauty and versatility of the harp music of Colombia and Cymru, this extraordinarily vibrant project returns to Mwldan following an ecstatic response to two sell-out shows in 2009, an appearance at the Smithsonian Institute, Washington in July 2009 and Cimarron’s triumphant set at the 2009 WOMAD festival. From the cattle-rearing plains of rural Colombia on the Orinoco delta, Cimarron make wild, untamed joropo music that preserves the spirit of freedom found in one of the world’s most untouched regions. Rooted in a deep peasant tradition defined by the mestizo mixed heritage of African, Spanish and indigenous cultures and led by harpist and composer Carlos Rojas, harp, bandola, cuatro, maracas, bass and cajon hammer out rippling melodies and mesmerizing rhythms with jaw-dropping speed and passion. Highlights include a dazzling array of solos, whirlwind dance and some haunting love songs! HRH The Prince of Wales' Royal Harpist from 2000 to 2004, Catrin Finch needs little introduction.
This virtuosic harpist’s stunningly innovative approach has captured the imagination of fans worldwide and she has enjoyed considerable classical crossover success. Since Catrin first met Cimarron in Caernarfon in 2007 to exchange traditional Welsh and Colombian tunes, their captivating musical chemistry has brought audiences across the country to their feet.
 

The remarkable Catrin Finch was born in Llanon, Ceredigion, and is regarded as one of the world's leading players of the harp. Catrin is a phenomenal musician who is doing more than anyone else so far to put the harp on the global musical map. Born in 1980, Catrin’s rise to prominence started almost as soon as she plucked her first strings, and since being inspired at the age of five she has been delighting audiences worldwide. She was the Prince of Wales' Royal Harpist from 2000 to 2004, has recorded both solo and with leading artists such as Bryn Terfel, Sir James Galway, Julian Lloyd-Webber and Katherine Jenkins and has enjoyed huge classical crossover success, collaborating with fellow Welsh composer Karl Jenkins as well as working in a big band set-up under the name of CF47.

Cimarron are a seven-piece band drawn from the mestizo people, descendants of Spanish settlers, African slaves and Indigenous Indians, that inhabit the savannahs of the great Orinoco River in Colombia, and led by harpist and composer Carlos Rojas. This is cattle rearing country where life revolves around country ranches and music accompanies the daily working tasks such as milking and cattle drives. Most striking is the festive dance music called joropo, a fiercely virtuoso display of rippling melodies played on harp, bandola and cuatro accompanied by bass and maracas. This rapid and joyous music is sung with high pitched voices reminiscent of Andalusian gypsy roots. Cimarron seek to explore and experiment with their rich heritage whilst retaining the essence of the tradition.

Supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council Of Wales through the Arts Outside Cardiff Fund. 

March 2010

14Theatr Harlech
13Riverfront, Casnewydd / Newport
12Canolfan y Celfyddydau Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea / Abertawe
11Lyric, Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen
10Wyeside, Llanfair Ym Muallt / Builth Wells
09Torch Theatre, Aberdaugleddau / Milford Haven
08Mwldan, Aberteifi / Cardigan

March 2009

19Dartington Hall, Devon
15Ammanford Miners Institute
13Galeri, Caernarfon
10The Welfare, Ystradgynlais
08Canolfan y Celfyddydau Taliesin Arts Centre, Abertawe / Swansea
07Park and Dare, Treorchi
06Theatr Brycheiniog
05Theatr Felinfach
04Mwldan, Aberteifi / Cardigan
03St David's Hall, Caerdydd / Cardiff
01Theatr Hafren, DreNewydd / Newtown

February 2009

28Theatr Stiwt, Rhoslannerchrugog
27Torch Theatre, Aberdaugleddau / Milford Haven

Testimonials

William Furtwangler, Charleston Post and Courier

 'Finch is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon who has such a mastery of her instrument, combined with deep musical insight, that others pale in comparison....'