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Letters of healing and self-discovery: Catrin Finch and “Notes to Self”
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February 27, 2026
Catrin Finch © Trigger Happy Creative
Catrin Finch needs few introductions in the harp world. As a soloist and highly original performer, she has collaborated with and composed for artists across genres and is celebrated worldwide. In her native Wales, she is rightly recognised as a cultural treasure and is noted for her role as an ambassador for harp playing and Welsh culture at large. 27 February 2026 marks the release of a remarkable new collection of music from Catrin Finch, Notes to Self. Her first album of solo compositions in a decade, this work adopts a markedly personal tone, inviting us into an intimate, emotional, yet uplifting world.
Each track on the album has been composed for Katy, her 13-year-old self (Katy is her family nickname), and each with an accompanying letter, in which Catrin writes to her younger self and weaves together experiences and meditations and explores themes of vulnerability, transformation, and “the unpredictability of a life played out in the public eye. “
We managed to catch up with Catrin this week and discuss this deeply personal artistic offering. One of the themes that emerged in our conversation was that of balance, which can be so difficult to achieve as an artist because the endless preparation and distance travelled call for a level of personal sacrifice: “Balancing my career with motherhood and relationships has always, and continues to be, a challenge.” Catrin says, “There is no way around putting in the hard work, and practising and preparation always have to be done. Writing this album and accompanying letters has been a chance to look back on decisions and events in both my personal and professional life, and has given me time and space to reflect on many things, including illness, heartbreak, love, sexuality, and the importance of time.”
Catrin Finch ©Trigger Happy Creative
These are, of course, immensely rich themes, and as a harpist and performer, one is always somewhat vulnerable on stage; but this is such a deeply personal dialogue with the younger self. Was it freeing to share these ideas and thoughts in the album? “It’s been very healing and definitely liberating to write the music and letters for this album. As harpists and instrumentalists in general, we rarely get the opportunity to write words with our music, and it felt important for this project to give a narrative and to use the power of words alongside the power of music.”
As a harp maker, it would be disingenuous not to say how proud we are that Catrin has used her custom Camac harp on this remarkable, deeply personal recording to convey the music of her inner being. “My Camac gives everything and more that I wanted out of the sound world for this project. I enjoyed every moment of the recording process on it, and now look forward to delivering the live shows. There is no greater feeling for me than creating the wonderful kaleidoscope of sounds for the stage that this harp makes.”
Listening to Notes To Self is a deeply emotive experience; we are all familiar with Catrin’s dazzling artistry as a born communicator and virtuoso. But when she invites us into her world, to glimpse her past and present, we are privileged as listeners. Not least because of the deep personal experience that Catrin brings to every note, not only as a revered professional but also as a gay woman, a cancer survivor, a sister, daughter, and mother.
After sharing in this profound musical offering, and “meeting Katy”, we could not but ask, if you could give one piece of advice to a young musician beginning their journey now, armed with all you have learned, what might it be?
“Never give up hope and remember why it is that we all play the harp – because it is so wonderful! Work hard and take every opportunity, as you never know what will come of things. I feel privileged that I have been able to make a career out of doing something so magical and that has the power to bring so much joy to people.”
Notes To Self is a Mwldan Production and is available on CD and Vinyl here: https://www.catrinfinch.com/shop-1
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