The Welsh harpist John Thomas studied the harp under his father and then in London, where he himself taught at the Royal Academy of Music. He won an international reputation as a performer, was awarded the bardic title Pencerdd Gwalia (‘Chief Musician of Wales’) at the Aberdare eisteddfod in 1861, and 10 years later was appointed harpist to the Queen, an office he held under her successor.

Harp Music
Thomas wrote a quantity of harp music, including arrangements for the instrument. Many of his pieces draw on Welsh tradition. Works for two harps include Scenes of Childhood and Cambria.