Tŷ Gwerin
JOHN PARRY (1710 – 1782) the Blind Harpist of Ruabon, rose to become “..the most distinguished harper of his generation in Great Britain.” (Groves). As household harpist to his wealthy patron, Sir Watkin Williams-Wynne, John Parry became part of the high artistic scene of mid-18th century London, which included Handel. Despite his blindness, Parry published the first collection of arrangements of Welsh music and composed original new music – particularly the “Four Lessons for Harp or Harpsichord” in 1761. He was followed by many other harpists belonging to the “John Parry School” of harp-playing.Dolenni