Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

July 1, 1953 in Clwyd

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Sioned Williams is a renowned Welsh harpist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born in 1969 in Cardiff, Wales, Williams grew up in a musical family and began playing the harp at the age of six. She was inspired by her mother, who was a pianist, and her father, who was a singer. Williams received her early musical education at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, England, where she studied with renowned harpist Marisa Robles. She later went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where she was awarded the Queen Mother Scholarship and the Leverhulme Trust Scholarship. Williams' talent as a harpist was quickly recognized, and she began performing professionally at a young age. In 1986, she won the prestigious BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, which helped to launch her career. She went on to perform with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. One of the highlights of Williams' career was her performance at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She played the Welsh national anthem, "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau," on a golden harp, which was a tribute to the Welsh harpist Nansi Richards, who had played at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Williams has also been a champion of contemporary music for the harp, and has commissioned and premiered works by some of the world's leading composers, including John Tavener, Peter Maxwell Davies, and James MacMillan. She has recorded several albums of contemporary harp music, including "Harping On" and "Harping Bach." In addition to her performing career, Williams is also a respected teacher and has taught at several leading music schools, including the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has also given masterclasses and workshops around the world, and has been a mentor to many young harpists. Williams has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Welsh Music Guild Award, the Glyndwr Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts, and the Queen's Medal for Music. She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017 for her services to music. In conclusion, Sioned Williams is a highly accomplished harpist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Her talent, dedication, and passion for the harp have earned her numerous accolades and a reputation as one of the world's leading harpists. Her performances and recordings have inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.

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