Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Kenneth Bowen was a Welsh tenor who was born on August 10, 1923, in the town of Llanelli, South Wales. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a choirmaster and his mother was a singer, and they both encouraged their children to pursue music. Bowen began singing in his father's choir at a young age and quickly developed a love for classical music. He studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He made his professional debut in 1947 at the Royal Opera House in London, singing the role of the Shepherd in Richard Strauss's opera "Daphne." Bowen quickly established himself as one of the leading tenors of his generation, known for his powerful voice and dramatic stage presence. He performed in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and La Scala in Milan. One of Bowen's most memorable performances was in 1951, when he sang the role of Don José in Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" at the Royal Opera House. His performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, and he went on to perform the role many times throughout his career. In addition to his work in opera, Bowen was also a highly sought-after concert singer. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He was particularly known for his performances of the works of Benjamin Britten, and he worked closely with the composer throughout his career. Bowen was also a prolific recording artist, and he made many recordings of both opera and concert repertoire. Some of his most famous recordings include his performances of Britten's "War Requiem" and "Peter Grimes," as well as his recordings of Handel's "Messiah" and Mozart's "Requiem." Throughout his career, Bowen received many awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1961, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music, and in 1979 he was awarded the Knighthood. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Despite his many achievements, Bowen remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform well into his seventies, and he was known for his generosity and kindness to his colleagues and fans. Kenneth Bowen passed away on October 1, 2018, at the age of 95. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest tenors of his generation, and his contributions to classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

More....