A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Nia is an award winning harpist based in Wales. Originally from Pontarddulais but now based in Cardiff, Nia started lessons at the age of eight at her Welsh language primary school.
Classically trained, Nia is available for weddings, events, functions, concerts and tuition, and is in high demand as both soloist and ensemble player. She most recently performed at the Senedd for His Majesty King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort on their first official visit to Wales, following her performance for the late Queen Elizabeth II last year.
A keen soloist and competitor, Nia recently won the bronze medal at the 5th Hong Kong International Harp Competition. During her time at both RAM and RWCMD, her success was reflected in her winning numerous awards and prizes, including the Frank Britton award, twice recipient of the Olive Jenkins Memorial Bursary, the Daniel Emlyn Davies Award and the Royal Welch Fusilliers Harp Prize.
Nia has performed with many orchestras around the UK and enjoys freelancing with both the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. With these orchestras she has performed at many prestigious venues such as Bristol’s Beacon, Hall for Cornwall and The Lighthouse Poole, working with world-renowned conductors including Robert Trevino and Mark Wigglesworth.
During her studies she performed with maestros such as Ed Gardner, Sir Mark Elder, Carlo Rizzi, Andrew Litton, Paul Daniel and Marin Alsop, in venues including London’s Southbank Centre and St John’s Smith Square. She also performed numerous times at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall as co-principal with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (2017-19). Additionally, Nia played principal harp with RAM Symphony Orchestra, RAM Musical Theatre Orchestra, RAM Opera, RWCMD Symphony Orchestra, RWCMD Opera, and RWCMD Chamber Orchestra.
Passionate about the vital role of the harp in Welsh culture, Nia has a keen interest in exploring the capabilities of the national instrument. She is always delighted to premier new works by Welsh composers, most notably Partita by Haldon Evans, which she performed at the World Harp Congress 2022, and at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron. Her national achievements include winning both the under 25 and under 16 harp solo competitions at the Gwyl Cerdd Dant, and first prize in the instrumental duet competition at the National Eisteddfod in 2018 with harpist Anwen Thomas.
Nia performs frequently with flautist Grace Higgins, giving recitals across England and Wales. Since 2017 Nia has also been a member of Hiraeth Trio, a flute, viola and harp trio. You can find out more about Hiraeth Trio here.
Nia would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Olive Jenkins Memorial Bursary, the Ryan Davies Memorial Fund, the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, and the Thomas and Elizabeth Williams Scholarship.
Please contact Nia via the contact page if you wish to read her biography in Welsh. Cysylltwch â Nia drwy’r dudalen gyswllt os hoffech ddarllen y dudalen yma yn y Gymraeg.
Nia Evans 