Cerys Jones

A formidable schedule of rehearsal, performance and travel together with intelligence and talent. That's what it takes to
get to the top and Cerys is well on her way.

Cerys was born in Cardiff in 1981 and hails from Rhiwbina. Her talent was recognised early, she received a full scholarship to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying with Barry Haskey for three years. She also lead the Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Youth Orchestra and soloist with Sinfonia Cymru.

Cerys recognises the musical tradition fostered in Wales, she said "Certainly there is something about growing up and going to school in Wales, where music and song are such an important part of the education right from the start."

Her awards include major prizes such as the the Sidney Perry Award from the Philharmonia Orchestra/Martin Musical Scholarship Fund, the Kenneth Loveland Gift, the D. Ffrancon Thomas Award, from the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the Russell Sheppard Memorial Scholarship and the Geoffrey Crawshay Memorial Scholarship, actually, this list goes on and on. It's quite amazing how much she has achieved already!

One accolade in particular has personal meaning, the loan of a treasured violin from her tutor, Lewis Kaplan. Musicians will know the high regard Kaplan must have for Cerys!

Above right: Prof. Stephen Walsh, one of the trustees of the 'Kenneth Loveland Gift' presents Cerys with the award on stage at Cardiff's St. David's Hall, 2006.

Her career as a soloist began with the BBC National Chamber Orchestra of Wales in late 2003. In 1999 she moved to London to attend the Royal College of Music. A two year stint in New York with Profs. Lewis Kaplan at the Juilliard School (FAME) ended with her return to London where she attended RCM again. She graduated with the highest distinction.

Cerys says "I am fiercely patriotic and immensely proud of my Welsh heritage. When I am abroad, especially in America, many people assume that I'm from 'England'
and I don't waste any time in putting them straight!I I am from Wales and yes, I speak Welsh (tippin bach)".

Her repertoire is not at all retrospective, that is, she's keen to bring new work to the stage. Working with American composer David Cutler and Italian composer Francesco Cilluffo she is actively expanding the genre. Cerys has attracted the attention of some of today's most distinguished artists, including violinist Philippe Graffin, violist Asdis Valdimarsdottir, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and brother Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber as well as pianists Alexander Lonquich and Cristina Barbuti.

She has established a duo with Welsh pianist Llyr Williams, giving their debut recital together at the Brangwyn Hall in October 2006. You can find more information on Cerys and events at her website: www.cerysjones.org

Update: Thanks to a Bursary from the BBC (worth up to £20,000) Cerys is to commission four eminent composers from Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland to write new works for her. Also, the Royal Academy of Music are so impressed with her BBC commission that they have chosen to support her in documenting the entire process in the form of a PhD to 2010. Cerys is the only doctorate they are supporting in
2007 and 2008!

Connection: Born and raised in Rhiwbina, Cardiff
Posted by: AzariaS

link by: AzariaS
Official Cerys Jones Website
See cerys' achievements, full concert schedule, reviews, photos and audio clips at her official website.

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