Alys Winchcombe says she ‘can’t wait’ for her first performance at Berkeley Castle this Sunday.

The renowned harpist is a familiar face at Sudeley Castle, where she performs music written in the Tudor period. Her talents on the harp have led to her performing at some of the most well-known castles in England and now she’s looking ahead to her debut performance at Berkeley Castle on Sunday 29th April. “I’m really excited about performing at Berkeley Castle,” said Alys. “I’ve been lucky enough to have performed at Sudeley castle a number of times, but this will be the first time I’ve played at Berkeley. To play an instrument that would have been around at the same time the castle was built is a real thrill. I’ve a massive interest in the history of this country, to get the chance to play at such a historic venue like Berkeley Castle is an enormous privilege”, she added.

Alys’ first foray into the world of music came as a young child, although it was the piano, rather than the harp, that was her first passion. Continued Alys: “I really wanted to play the piano when I was very young. I pestered my mother and father to arrange lessons for me, eventually they said yes. I’d have my weekly lesson at the house opposite. There was an old lady who lived there who had a piano that she said I could use. My mother expected me to get fed up of the lessons, but I loved it. Eventually the old lady said it was best if I had the piano, I’ll be forever grateful for her incredible generosity. I’ve been playing the harp for 15 years now. It’s a wonderful instrument to play, one that requires a lot of patience when learning. I’ve been lucky to have played at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at Mary Arden’s Farm, Hall’s Croft and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. I’ve also loved playing at Bolton Castle for the new festival, Medieval Music in the Dales; I never dreamt I’d get to play in the chamber where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner!”

When it comes to playing at Berkeley Castle Alys says she’ll be performing songs from the Tudor period. “Fortunately, there’s lots of surviving music from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, that’s what I’ll be playing. Plenty of galliards and madrigals were being produced at that time, especially in Europe. Playing a harp is easier than it looks, I don’t think it’s difficult at all. You’ve got the strings and you can see all the notes, it’s just a case of plucking them in the right order. I often get visitors to have a go, they’re often surprised how easy it is. It’s an incredible instrument to master. There’s several harps I play, including a Celtic harp made in Cherry wood, a Renaissance Gothic harp and a Medieval Harp, both in Sycamore wood, and a Concert harp in walnut wood,” said Alys.

Jackie Pennington, Operations Manager at Berkeley Castle, says the chance to hear Alys’ music is not to be missed. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Alys to Berkeley Castle, she’ll be here for several dates throughout the 2018 season. Whilst Alys plays her replica renaissance harp in the Castle’s majestic rooms, you’ll hear similar sounds to those that would have been enjoyed by the likes of Henry VIII & Elizabeth 1st,” said Jackie.

Alys will be performing at Berkeley Castle on April 29th, May 6th, June 10th, July 8th and September 16th.