Rhys Meilyr Jones

Grant support from the James Pantyfedwen Foundation gave me the opportunity to complete a Masters’ course with Distinction at the Royal Academy in London. While I was studying, I had the opportunity to work with language instructors on a variety of languages, such as Italian, French, German and Russian. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to perform the different languages in opera scenes and Masterclasses with famous names such as Nicky Spence, Wolfgang Holzmair and Richard Stokes.

The Trust's support gave me the confidence to audition with Longborough Festival Opera, and as a result, in the summer of 2023, I received an offer to be part of a professional chorus in L'elisir d'amore by Donizetti.

Since the Masters' course, I have returned to Wales to study a further course, joining the David Seligman Opera course at the College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. This season, I will play the character 'Gherardo' in an opera by Puccini called Gianni Schicchi, under the direction of Carlo Rizzi.

It is a pleasure to be part of the James Pantyfedwen Foundation family. Without their generous help and support, it would have been close to impossible to complete the study in London. Thank you very much for helping me develop the voice and for giving me the platform to do what I love.