AN EMINENT harpist was reunited with an old friend when she performed at a music-loving care home.

Virtuosa Elinor Bennett staged a mini concert at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home in Caernarfon as a thank you for the support they have given to Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre) which she was instrumental in setting up.

Elinor said: "I've visited Bryn Seiont Newydd several times because it is only a short distance from my home in Bontnewydd and I am in awe of the work they do here with residents.

“I have meant to bring my harp along to play for the residents many times but our schedules never quite seemed to meet up but I am delighted to have finally had that opportunity and to say ‘diolch’ to Pendine Park.”

Among the residents enjoying Elinor's performance was Betty Morris, an old friend from Llanuwchllyn near Bala.

The two had an emotional reunion before the other residents came into the room.

Elinor added: "Betty and I were in the same choir when we lived in Llanuwchllyn. My father was the conductor of the choir and we took part in concerts and competed in Eisteddfodau.

"She had a fine alto voice and we often sang together. I haven't seen her for some time and it was good to see her once again.”

During the concert, Betty joined in with Elinor in several of the songs.

Elinor said when she started learning to play the harp in the aftermath of the Second World War, there were few harpists.

Her father bought her first harp when she was just seven years of age though she did not begin lessons for another four years as her legs were not long enough to reach the pedals.

She has recorded 12 solo albums and founded Coleg Telyn Cymru (Harp College of Wales).

Pendine’s musician in residence, Nia Davies Williams, was delighted that Elinor, her former harp teacher. had been able to play for the residents.

She added: "It was a wonderful surprise for many of them to have one of the world's leading harpists play just for them.

"The room was full and everyone thoroughly enjoyed hearing Elinor play and many of them joined her in singing some of the songs.”