Alis Huws
Former Official Royal Harpist (2019-2024), Alis Huws is a freelance soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. She regularly gives recitals across the UK and internationally, having toured to Japan, Europe, the US, Hong Kong and the Middle East. She is an exclusive Decca Classics recording artist, having collaborated with Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jess Gillam.
Recent highlights include appearing as a soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra at Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall, and releasing her debut EP, Long Nights and Starry Skies, which is out now on all streaming platforms.
Alis was privileged to perform at His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey. She performed Sir Karl Jenkins’ arrangement of Tros y Garreg (Crossing the Stone) for solo harp and strings, as well as being a part of the prestigious Coronation Orchestra, formed specially for the occasion. Other high-profile engagements include the Welsh National Service of Prayer and Reflection for HM Queen Elizabeth II, The Royal Opening of the Senedd 2016 and 2021, The Welsh National Thanksgiving Service for VJ Day and the opening of the Welsh Government’s offices in Berlin. She has performed at a number of prestigious venues including Sony Hall (NYC), 10 Downing Street, Windsor Castle, St James’ Palace and St David’s Hall. In 2019 she appeared as a soloist with Britten Sinfonia, which was later broadcast on Classic FM. Additionally her work has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and all major UK television channels.
Alis is passionate about outreach and bringing music into communities, giving regular interactive concerts for people living with dementia as well as working with children with additional needs. She recently embarked on a tour of 30 primary schools across rural Powys to celebrate 30 years of Live Music Now’s work in Wales, and currently holds a weekly residency at a SEND school. It has become her mission to include some wider community work to coincide with any recital performances.
Named on Classic FM’s 30 under 30 Rising Stars list for 2024, Alis started harp lessons with Ieuan Jones, Alis went on to study with Caryl Thomas at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD), where she obtained her Bachelor and Master’s degrees. As part of her studies, Alis also spent time in Amsterdam on the Erasmus scheme, studying with renowned harpist Erika Waardenburg. At RWCMD, she was awarded the Midori Matsui Prize for Music, the Royal Welch Fusiliers Harp Prize, the McGrennery Chamber Music Prize, and the Rev. Paul Bigmore Music in the Community Award. She was made an Honorary Associate there in 2022 (ARWCMD). Her studies were generously supported by the Tillett Trust, The Biddy Baxter and John Hosier Trust, the Arts Council of Wales, the EMI Sound Foundation and a Help Musicians UK Postgraduate Award.