Dilys Elwyn Edwards

Dilys Elwyn-Edwards was born in Dolgellau, Merionethshire. She attended the Dr Williams School in her home town, and after graduating at University College of Cardiff, she went on to the Royal College of Music in London where she studied with Herbert Howells. She has established a reputation as one of Wales' leading composers, especially in the field of vocal music.
Most of her works have been written to commission and have been performed extensively and broadcast on radio and television in Britain and abroad. One of her commissions recently received its premiere at the North Western University, Chicago, and her songs are becoming increasingly popular in the USA. The song cycle Caneuon y Tri Aderyn (Songs of the Three Birds) was commissioned by the BBC in 1961.
Over the years the cycle has been performed and recorded by foremost singers from the country, including the young coloratura soprano Charlotte Church, and Mae Hiraeth yn y Môr has become a firm favourite with audiences both here and abroad. It is now generally acknowledged as one of the finest art songs written by a Welsh composer.

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