Opera singer Bryn Terfel becomes Honorary Fellow as Society celebrates birthday
Sir Bryn Terfel, one of the world’s foremost opera singers, has been elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales.
He was admitted at an event at the Senedd building in Cardiff, part of the festivities to mark the Society’s 15th anniversary. To the delight of the 150 guests, Sir Bryn sang two songs, I Can Give You the Starlight (Ivor Novello) and Suo Gân (traditional), accompanied by his wife, the internationally acclaimed harpist Hannah Stone.
Sir Bryn, who was born in Pant Glas, Gwynedd, has sung in opera houses around the world, recorded with many of the leading companies and orchestras, and is the recipient of multiple awards, including a Grammy for the Metropolitan Opera’s 2013 recording of Richard Wagner’s ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’.
Honorary Fellowships are awarded to people who have established a world-class reputation and status in their field. He joins Nobel Prize winner Professor Bill Phillips, former President of Ireland, Professor Mary McAleese, and, also from the world of Welsh music, composer Karl Jenkins among the 20 other current Honorary Fellows.
Olivia Harrison, Chief Executive of the Learned Society of Wales said: “It is a privilege to welcome Sir Bryn to the Society.
“His world-class status as a singer speaks for itself. It cannot be under-estimated what he does for Wales’ standing world-wide.
“It also says much about our own growing reputation that he was happy to accept the offer of an Honorary Fellowship. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, our place in Wales’ academic, civic and cultural life is set to grow even further, supported by our Fellows and Honorary Fellows.”