Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1972

Genre

:

Choral

 

Meirion Wynn Jones was a Welsh composer of classical music, born on October 22, 1948, in the small village of Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd, Wales. He was the youngest of three children born to a farming family. His father was a self-taught musician who played the harp and the accordion, and his mother was a singer in the local choir. Meirion showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Meirion's musical education began at the age of eight when he started taking piano lessons with a local teacher. He quickly showed a talent for the instrument and began composing his own music. At the age of 12, he won a scholarship to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. He studied piano, composition, and conducting, and graduated with honors in 1970. After graduation, Meirion worked as a freelance musician, playing piano and conducting for various orchestras and choirs. He also continued to compose music, and his works began to gain recognition. In 1975, he won the Welsh Arts Council's Young Composer of the Year award for his piece "Cantata for St. David's Day." Meirion's music was heavily influenced by his Welsh heritage, and he often incorporated traditional Welsh melodies and themes into his compositions. He was also influenced by the works of other composers, including Bach, Beethoven, and Debussy. One of Meirion's most famous works is his "Concerto for Harp and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the Welsh Arts Council in 1980. The piece was written for Welsh harpist Elinor Bennett and premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The concerto is a beautiful and lyrical work that showcases the harp's versatility and range. Another notable work by Meirion is his "Symphony No. 1," which was commissioned by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 1990. The symphony is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Meirion's love for his homeland. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of Welsh culture and history. Meirion's music was widely performed and recorded, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1998, he was awarded the Glyndŵr Award for his contribution to Welsh music, and in 2002, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to music. Sadly, Meirion passed away on December 31, 2009, at the age of 61. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. Meirion Wynn Jones was a talented and passionate composer who dedicated his life to creating beautiful and meaningful music that celebrated his Welsh heritage.

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