William Mathias

William James Mathias CBE (1934-1992) was a distinguished Welsh composer renowned for his choral compositions. A musical prodigy, Mathias began piano lessons at three and started composing at five. He advanced to study at Aberystwyth University and the Royal Academy of Music, earning accolades such as a fellowship and the Bax Society Prize. Mathias served as professor of music at the University of Wales and is noted for his large-scale compositions, including operas, symphonies, concertos, and music for the Anglican choral tradition, like the anthem for the royal wedding in 1981. He founded the North Wales International Music Festival.