Edward-Rhys Harry
Edward-Rhys Harry | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 22, 1973 |
| Education | Bangor University (BMus), London College of Music (MMus), Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (MA), University of Aberdeen (PhD) |
| Genres | Classical music, contemporary music |
| Occupations | Conductor, composer, musical director |
| Website | www |
Edward-Rhys Harry (born 22 November 1973) is a Welsh choral conductor and composer. He is the Musical Development and Wellbeing Manager for the Military Wives Choirs and the Musical Director of the London Welsh Male Voice Choir.[1] He also serves as Composer-in-Residence for the "Music for Life" charity.
Education
Harry was educated at Gowerton School. He graduated with a BMus from Bangor University and an MMus in Composition from the London College of Music. He received an MA in Choral Conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, where his studies were supported by the Glynne Jones and Laura Ashley Foundation scholarships.[2] During this period, he also gained professional experience working with the British Sinfonietta.[3]
In 2014, he completed a PhD in composition at the University of Aberdeen under the supervision of Paul Mealor. He was the first recipient of the university's Elphinstone Scholarship in Music.[3]
Career
In 2012, Harry was appointed the Musical Director of the London Welsh Male Voice Choir, succeeding Haydn James.[4] In this role, he has conducted various events, including the biennial festival at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2019, he conducted a festival performance featuring over 800 singers and bass-baritone Bryn Terfel.[5]
He has also been involved in the development of choral competitions, including new categories for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.[6]
In 2024, he was appointed Musical Development and Wellbeing Manager for the Military Wives Choirs, where he is responsible for the musical direction of approximately 70 choirs.[1] During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke to media outlets, including NME, regarding the role of choral singing in community mental health.[7]
Awards and honors
- Glanville Jones Award (2020): Awarded by the Welsh Music Guild for outstanding contributions to music in Wales.[8]
- Tlws y Cerddor (The Musicians’ Medal, 2022): Awarded at the National Eisteddfod of Wales for the chamber opera Yr Islawr (The Basement).[9][10]
- Classic FM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Competition (2022): Winner in the "Britain’s Big Platinum Performance" category.[11]
Professional recognition
Harry is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a member of the Royal Society of Musicians. He is the author of the book The Listening Conductor (2022) and contributes regularly to choral conducting literature.[12] His compositions are published by prominent houses, including Oxford University Press and Boosey & Hawkes.[3]
References
- 1 2 "Our Staff". militarywiveschoirs.org. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
- ↑ "Musical Director - Edward-Rhys Harry". London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Edward-Rhys Harry - Composer Profile". Composers Edition. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- ↑ "London Welsh Male Voice Choir: Edward-Rhys Harry is new conductor". BBC News. 9 July 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- ↑ "800 singers to perform at Royal Albert Hall". BBC News. 2 July 2019.
- ↑ "New competitions at Llangollen Eisteddfod". Shropshire Star. 21 May 2015.
- ↑ ""Singing is our lifeline"". NME. 11 June 2021.
- ↑ "Welsh Music Guild Awards". Welsh Music Guild. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- ↑ "Tlws y Cerddor i Edward-Rhys Harry". Eisteddfod Genedlaethol (in Welsh). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
- ↑ "Edward-Rhys Harry yn ennill Tlws y Cerddor". BBC Cymru Fyw (in Welsh). 2 August 2022.
- ↑ "The winners of Britain's Big Platinum Performance". Global.com.
- ↑ Harry, Edward-Rhys (2022). The Listening Conductor. Independently Published. ISBN 979-8353549246.