As part of our fundraiser for the Felix Project, which is supplying food to groups throughout the COVID-19 crisis to groups including the homeless and NHS staff, bass baritone Bryn Terfel and harpist Hannah Stone performed the traditional Welsh lullaby Suo Gan for us on Monday May 18th.
Sir Bryn Terfel Jones, born to a farming family in Wales, is a renowned Welsh bass-baritone opera and concert singer. His first language is Welsh, and he displayed a talent for music from an early age, learning traditional Welsh songs under the guidance of a family friend.
In 1984, Terfel moved to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Rudolf Piernay. He graduated in 1989, winning both the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Award and the Gold Medal. That same year, he gained international attention by winning the Lieder Prize at the Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
Terfel made his operatic debut in 1990 as Guglielmo in Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” with the Welsh National Opera. He initially gained acclaim for his interpretations of Mozart roles such as Figaro, Leporello, and Don Giovanni. Over time, he expanded his repertoire to include heavier roles, particularly those by Puccini and Wagner. Notably, he has portrayed Wagner’s Wotan in “Der Ring des Nibelungen” and the title role in “The Flying Dutchman.”
Beyond opera, Terfel has showcased versatility by performing in musical theater, including roles like Sweeney Todd in Stephen Sondheim’s musical. He has also released albums featuring traditional Welsh songs and musical theater numbers. His contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and receiving a knighthood in 2017 for his services to music.
Terfel is a passionate advocate for Welsh language and culture. He founded the Faenol Festival (2000-2009), an annual music festival that featured internationally renowned opera singers alongside popular Welsh artists. Additionally, he launched the Bryn Terfel Foundation in 2008 to support the arts in Wales, working alongside organizations like the Welsh National Opera and Cardiff Singer of the World to assist emerging singers.
If you have enjoyed their performance, feel free to express your appreciation by donating to our fundraiser here: https://m.facebook.com/donate/841775816304627/?fundraiser_source=feed