Role

:

Conductor Performer

Birth

:

March 21, 1942 in Ton Pentre, Wales

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Owain Arwel Hughes is a Welsh conductor and violinist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on 16 March 1942 in Aberystwyth, Wales, Hughes grew up in a musical family. His father, Arwel Hughes, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Enid, was a pianist. Hughes began playing the violin at the age of six and showed a natural talent for music. Hughes studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He also studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult and Sir Colin Davis. In 1967, Hughes won the prestigious Shell/LSO Conductors' Competition, which launched his career as a conductor. Hughes has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted at major music festivals, including the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Sydney Festival. One of Hughes' most significant achievements was his appointment as the Principal Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1987. He held this position for ten years and helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading ensembles in the world. During his tenure, he conducted many memorable performances, including a critically acclaimed recording of Elgar's Enigma Variations. Hughes has also been a champion of contemporary music and has conducted many premieres of new works. He has worked closely with composers such as John Tavener, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Michael Nyman, and has conducted many recordings of their music. In addition to his work as a conductor, Hughes is also a respected violinist. He has performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also recorded several albums as a violinist, including a recording of Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending. Hughes has received many awards and honours for his contributions to music. In 2005, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He has also been awarded the Welsh Music Prize and the Sir Geraint Evans Award for his contributions to Welsh music. Throughout his career, Hughes has been a passionate advocate for music education and has worked to inspire young musicians. He has conducted many youth orchestras and has been involved in music education programmes in schools and communities. In conclusion, Owain Arwel Hughes is a highly respected conductor and violinist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His achievements as a conductor, soloist, and champion of contemporary music have earned him many awards and honours. He continues to inspire young musicians and audiences around the world with his passion for music.

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