SING ALOUD! (Your News)
By Helen Dunning
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama appoints Only Men Aloud’s Tim Rhys-Evans MBE, as its new Director of Music
Tim Rhys-Evans MBE will join the college in his new role in April. He 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’s also the creator of Only Men Aloud.
An MA graduate, former vocal studies tutor and Fellow of the College, Tim is a renowned musician who regularly works internationally as a choral conductor, vocal specialist, arranger, composer, adjudicator and presenter on TV and radio.
In addition to the choirs he formed under the ‘Aloud’ banner and his mixed choir, Serendipity, Tim 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.
Tim’s 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.
In 2013 he was awarded an MBE for services to music and for charitable services.
“I am absolutely delighted that Tim is taking on this role,” said Helena Gaunt, Principal of Royal Welsh College. “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 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.”
Menna Richards, Chair of The Aloud Charity and Vice-President of RWCMD added, “The Aloud Charity will be sad to see him go, but his legacy will live on through Only Boys Aloud and Only Kids Aloud.
“Tim’s vision and ambition for Aloud have made a huge difference to the lives of so many young people and we are determined that the charity will continue to change lives. I’m delighted that Tim will be continuing his association with Aloud by becoming the Charity’s Patron and look forward to building on the strong relationship that already exists between Aloud and the College.
“All of us in Aloud wish Tim all the very best as he sets out on his new role.”