Richard Rees

Welsh bass singer (1926 - 2003) Born in Corris Uchaf, Meirionnydd, and brought up at Pennal from the age of 12, Richard Rees competed at Eisteddfodau from an early age, winning his 50th first prize as a soloist by the time he was ten. Renowned for his powerful and enriched bass voice, he received his early education at Upper Corris primary school and Tywyn County School. His voice developed over the years, once he was "discovered" singing on the school train as a teenager by Ifan Maldwyn Jones, who soon became his tutor. The Meirionnydd music organiser, John Hughes, eventually offered him a grant to study at a London college. But the offer was reluctantly declined as Richard's parents, who farmed in Pennal, could not afford the extra costs involved. Richard Rees decided to work on the family farm, concentrating his singing talents at various Eisteddfodau and concerts. His first real challenge was at Carno, where he competed at a Test Concert in the under 25 solo and challenge solo competitions, winning both of them. Continuing his successes, he won the bass solo competition at the National Eisteddfod in Aberystwyth in 1952, followed by the Blue Riband the same week. The Pennal farmer became the first person ever to win the National Eisteddfod's Blue Riband twice, when he won at Pwllheli in 1955, and from then on he was very much in demand as a concert soloist. He sang with the Welsh National Opera for eight years, when Sir Charles Groves was conductor.