Bethan Semmens

Originally from Cardiff, Bethan studied for her Bachelor of Music degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under the tutelage of Caryl Thomas, where she was the recipient of the Daniel Emlyn Davies Award. Having completed her bachelor degree in Cardiff in 2011, Bethan continued studying for a Masters in Performance degree with Ieuan Jones and Stephen Fitzpatrick at London's Royal College of Music and Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg; generously supported by The Carne Trust and the Arts Council of Wales Award. Graduating from RCM with Distinction in 2013, Bethan has since led an active portfolio career in the UK as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral harpist.

To date, some of the highlights of Bethan's career include commissioning a piece for harp and choir which premiered at the 14th World Harp Congress in Cardiff; initiating a partnership with Penarth's Pier Pavilion to deliver a concert series of chamber music; performing as a soloist and as part of a duo at St David's Cathedral Festival, Fishguard International Music Festival and Gregynog Music Festival; and her contribution to the leading outreach scheme Live Music Now for the past 10 years. Bethan's main passion remains in orchestral playing as she continues performing regularly with WNO, BBC NOW, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Northern Ballet, British Sinfonietta, English Symphony Orchestra and The Novello Orchestra.