WILLIAMS, JOHN (1856 - 1917), teacher of singing and choral conductor

Born at 20, Castle Square, Caernarvon, 26 October 1856, the son of Humphrey and Ann Williams. His father was the precentor in the local Wesleyan chapel where he also conducted the choir. When he was 8 years of age his father arranged for him to be taught the piano by Robert Roberts, the cathedral organist at Bangor, and later the organ and the principles of harmony by Dr. Roland Rogers. In 1880 he was appointed organist and choirmaster at Chri Church, Caernarvon. He early distinguished himself as a choirmaster. His successes in the national eisteddfod were as follows: 1876, 1888, 1891, 1892, 1898, 1909, 1912. He conducted the national eisteddfod choirs at Caernarvon 1886, 1894, and 1906, and at Colwyn Bay 1910. He gave performances of the ' Messiah,' ' Elijah ' and other works of the masters in their entirety; and he produced the works of Gilbert and Sullivan for the Caernarvon operatic society. The Royal Eryri male voice choir, under his conductorship, gave a concert at Windsor castle in 1899, and he was rewarded with a handsome baton. The choir also sang in Caernarvon castle at the investiture of the prince of Wales in 1911. His health broke down in 1914 and a public testimonial was presented to him in recognition of his services; and his wife received a pension from the Civil List. He died 25 November 1917, and was buried in Llanbeblig churchyard.

Author

• Robert David Griffith, (1877 - 1958)

Sources

• Y Cerddor, January 1900, July 1915, January 1918

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20821185

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-RUU/1.0/