3 days ago
Welsh opera star Stuart Burrows dies aged 92
Welsh tenor Stuart Burrows has died at the age of 92 after a short illness, his son has confirmed. Born in Cilfynydd, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, his voice was world-renowned. He first sang with the Welsh National Opera in the early 1960s.
He performed in some of the most famous venues in the world including La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Carnegie Hall, and the Royal Opera House in London. In 1965, his career took off after the composer Igor Stravinsky asked him to perform Oedipus Rex in Athens.
He was particularly well known for singing music by Mozart and in the 1970s and 80s, but then reached even more people with his own BBC Two series, Stuart Burrows Sings. Before becoming a professional singer, he was also a talented rugby player and turned down an offer to play for Leeds so he could focus on his music. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
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Over the years he has received a number of honours including an OBE in 2007 for his services to music and honorary awards from Welsh universities.
Broadcaster Beverley Humphreys said he had an "astounding career" and a voice that "touched hearts all over the world".
His son, Mark, shared the news of his passing on Facebook, writing: 'It is with very great sadness that I write about the passing of my lovely Dad this morning after a short illness Words cannot express how much I will miss this true Welshman who (as he liked to say) loved to sing a bit!
"Sleep now my lovely man and Dad. Love Mark B, Cathy and Patricia."
The Fron Male Voice Choir shared: 'We at the Fron Male Voice Choir had the great honour of sharing the stage with Stuart Burrows at Venue Cymru, Llandudno – a memory we will always treasure.
"His warmth, humility, and extraordinary musicianship left a lasting impression on all who were present."
Classic FM shared a statement from Aled Jones. "Aled, who was mentored by Burrows as a boy, described the great Welsh opera singer as the greatest lyric tenor of his generation, adding, how lucky that we still have recordings of his to enjoy."
Labour MP for Rhondda and Ogmore Chris Bryant also shared in a post on X: "Really sad to hear that the magnificent tenor, the Rhondda's own Stuart Burrows has died aged 94. Requiescat in pace."
