Steffan Rhys

Not many twelve year old boys could say that they have:
· sung with the world famous baritone, Bryn Terfel
· participated in a professional opera at St David’s Hall, Cardiff
· launched a brand new CD
But, to 12 year old Steffan Rhys, from Llandyrnog near Denbigh, this list is a reality!

With his cheeky grin, Steffan Rhys is, by now, well and truly known on the eisteddfodau circuit, due to his dedication and resounding success. And this week sees the culmination of all his hard work, as the Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph pupil, reaches one of the highlights of his singing career, by launching his first solo CD, cana o dy galon, on the recording label Sain.

To Steffan, recording a CD is not a new experience, as he has already contributed to Bryn Terfel and The Urdd National Eisteddfod CD in 2005. More recently he worked with the world renowned conductor, Owain Arwel Hughes and the National Youth Orchestra of Wales on the ‘Christmas Spirit’ CD released last Christmas.

A year on, and the young lad has recorded 12 tracks, nine in Welsh and three in English for his first solo CD, cana o dy galon, produced by Annette Bryn Parri.

“I travelled down to Tabernacl Chapel, Machynlleth for two long sessions to record the CD, for Wales’ leading recording company, Sain,” explains Steffan Rhys.

“It was a fantastic experience, but it was hard work. It was the middle of the school holidays and I was preparing for the National Eisteddfod. On top of that, I only had a few weeks to learn the last six songs for the new CD,” says the Steffan with a smile on his face!

With singing, reciting, acting, piano lessons, and electric guitar lessons, you wouldn’t think there was much time for anything else in his life. But like every young lad entering his teenage years, he is keen to share his sporting passion, table tennis. (more...)

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“Sometimes, it’s great to forget about the performing, take hold of a bat and play a tough game of table tennis. I thoroughly enjoy performing mind, but the worse thing about it, is the long distance travelling – it’s so boring!”

With a variety of songs on the CD, there is something for everyone – modern pieces written by Robat Arwyn, a carol or two and the firm favourites, hymns! Although the CD has a Christmas element to it, Steffan’s velvet voice is sure to entertain well into the new year.

Steffan is eternally grateful for the support and training he receives from his tutor, Leah Owen, “Mrs Jones (professional name) started my singing tuition when she became my form teacher at Ysgol Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh when I was six years old,” explains Steffan. By now, Gwen and Rhys Jones, Rhuddlan also tutor Steffan, through the medium of English.

In Leah Owen’s words: “At six years of age, it was obvious that Steffan had a talent for performing, with his unique voice and melody. A perfectionist, and completely at ease on stage... here is an opportunity for the whole of Wales and beyond, to appreciate his wonderful talent!”