To a crowd of about 150 musical aficionados, harpist Jess Hughes offered a delightful and lengthy concert earlier today, part of Christ Church’s Midweek Music programme.
The performed pieces were: «Automne», by Marcel Grandjany; «A French Air with Variations», by Sophia Giustina Corri; «Impromptu-Caprice, Op. 9», by Gabriel Pierné; «Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn», by Traditional arr. John Thomas; «La Madone», by Caroline Lizotte; «Sonatine pour harpe, Op. 30: II. Calme et expressif», by Marcel Tournier; «Toccata», by Guillaume Connesson; «Mystérieux Vallon», by Félix Godefroid; «The Cry of the Flamingos», by Şirin Pancaroğlu. Except the Pierné and the Connesson, these are all pieces written by primarily performing harpists, and that is, perhaps, the one common denominator amongst them.
I particularly enjoyed the Sophia Corri Dussek and the traditional Welsh piece, «Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn». Both elegantly showcased Hughes’ speed and clarity in separating the leading voice that emerges from the complex arpeggios, which were performed with such neat precision they never felt rushed.
Ms Hughes generously played for almost a full hour, making this one of the longest concerts we’ve had recently, though amidst the entertaining and informative explanations, and, of course, the amazing performance, I’d be surprised if most of the audience had noticed.
Original-date: 7 of october, 2026