Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Geraint Jones was a Welsh conductor, organist, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during his lifetime. Born on February 2, 1917, in Barry, South Wales, Jones showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the organ and became a chorister at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. Jones continued his musical education at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied under the renowned composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. He also studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult and Sir Malcolm Sargent, two of the most prominent conductors of the time. After completing his studies, Jones began his career as a church organist and choir director. He served as the organist and choirmaster at St. Gabriel's Church in Pimlico, London, from 1940 to 1946. During this time, he also conducted the London Welsh Choral Union and the London Welsh Male Voice Choir. In 1946, Jones was appointed the director of music at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, where he remained until 1959. During his tenure, he established the Royal Naval College Chapel Choir, which became one of the most renowned choirs in the country. He also conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. One of the highlights of Jones's career was his performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in 1954. The performance was widely acclaimed and established Jones as one of the leading conductors of his time. He went on to conduct many other major works, including Bach's St. Matthew Passion and Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. In addition to his work as a conductor, Jones was also a prolific composer. He wrote a number of choral works, including anthems, cantatas, and hymns. His most famous composition is probably his setting of the Welsh hymn tune "Cwm Rhondda," which is often sung at rugby matches and other sporting events. Jones received many honors and awards during his lifetime. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1960 and a Knight Bachelor in 1977. He was also awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. Jones continued to conduct and compose music well into his later years. He died on March 17, 1999, at the age of 82. His legacy lives on through his many recordings and the continued performance of his music by choirs and orchestras around the world.

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