Russell George AM has had the opportunity of marking the 200th Anniversary of the birth of one of Mid Wales’ most famous musicians, John Roberts.
Russell had the opportunity of highlighting the life and works of John Roberts, Harpist of Wales, during National Assembly proceedings earlier this week (Wednesday 16th November).
Roberts’ life and works will be marked with two days of performances, talks and events exploring his life. The celebrations are part of the Gregynog Festival, Wales’ oldest music festival, taking place at Gregynog Hall in Tregynon.
Born to a Romani mother and a Welsh father in North Wales, Roberts and his family lived in Newtown's Frolic Street for much of his life and is known to have performed at Gregynog during the mid-19th century.
He and his family also performed at the Bear Hotel in Broad Street in Newtown, and on nine triple harps in front of Queen Victoria while she was visiting North Wales.
In 1848, he won the World Welsh Harp competition at Abergavenny as well as the harp prize at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff in the same year.
Mr George said:
“I was delighted that the Presiding Officer gave me the opportunity to highlight this weekend’s celebrations which will mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of Wales’ most famous musicians, John Roberts, Harpist of Wales.
“Roberts became one of Wales’ best known musical acts of his day, touring Wales as part of the Original Cambrian Minstrels.
“He put Newtown firmly on the musical map and remains a significant figure within Welsh culture.
“I was pleased to be able to mark his 200th birthday in the Senedd and hope that the celebrations at the Gregynog Festival are a great success.”