The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) has announced the appointment of Tim Rhys-Evans MBE its new Director of Music, taking up the role at the College in April 2020.
Rhys-Evans is best known as the founder and Artistic Director of The Aloud Charity, which runs Only Boys Aloud and Only Kids Aloud. He will continue his association by becoming the charity’s Patron.
He created the award-winning vocal group Only Men Aloud in 2000, concerned about the male voice choir tradition dying out. He led them to victory, and international recognition, winning the BBC competition Last Choir Standing in 2008 and a Classical Brit Award for Album of the Year in 2010, recording with the likes of Sir Bryn Terfel, and singing at the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.
An MA graduate, former vocal studies tutor and RWCMD Fellow, Tim Rhys-Evans is a renowned musician who regularly works internationally as a choral conductor, vocal specialist, arranger, composer, adjudicator and media presenter.
In addition to the choirs he formed under the Aloud banner and his mixed choir Serendipity, Rhys-Evans has also conducted numerous choirs including the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, and is very proud to be the current conductor of the National Youth Choir of Wales. His background in opera saw him work as the Music Director of both Welsh National Youth Opera and Youth Opera Northern Ireland, and he has also served as the Associate Chorus Master for Welsh National Opera. He is also a Vice President of the homeless charity Shelter Cymru and a trustee of The Darkley Trust, working with the arts and homeless charities within Wales.
In 2013 he was awarded an MBE for services to music and for charitable services.
Helena Gaunt, RWCMD Principal, said:
‘I am absolutely delighted that Tim is taking on this role.
‘He brings a combination of bold vision, outstanding artistic achievement and an international outlook. He also has a profound understanding of Wales’ musical traditions and a deep commitment to nurturing potential in each and every individual.
‘This experience will play particularly strongly into the College’s new, ambitious strategy to develop our work and impact across Wales and to provide transformative experiences for diverse communities. Tim will bring fresh perspectives and inspiring energy to complement our existing expertise and we greatly look forward to working with him.’
Tim Rhys-Evans said:
‘I have a long association with the College, and I’m absolutely delighted to be assuming the role of Director of Music. Witnessing the College’s transformation in recent years has been a joy and I’m excited to be playing a part in the next phase of the College’s development.
‘Music and the performing arts are so central to us as a nation and I will be committed to ensuring that excellence is at the core of everything we do, enabling us to shine even more brightly on the world stage.’
Photo: Tim Rhys-Evans at the Arts and Business Awards © Darren Waters
