Music Staff

A native of Barry, Rhiannon was educated at the Bishop of Llandaff High School in Cardiff. Her early years were influenced by a love of singing and winning the 1989 National BET Choirgirl of the Year, held in London. This led to solo appearances at the Royal Albert Hall and St David’s Hall on many occasions, a scholarship to the RWCMD, opera tour performances and membership of the National Youth Choirs of Wales and Great Britain.

 

Receiving piano tuition with Marion Williams (former accompanist at Treorchy), Rhiannon was awarded an ABRSM scholarship for instruction at the Royal Academy of Music, London. She also read music at Cardiff University as a David Lloyd vocal scholar, before achieving Associate & Licentiate diplomas from all the major schools of music, each with distinction, culminating with a Fellowship in piano accompaniment from the London College of Music.

 

Rhiannon’s accompanying career began with Treorchy MC in 1998. Over a four year period she enjoyed performing in all of their concerts, including tours to Australia, USA and Canada. Between 2003 – 2014 she then became accompanist to the MVCs of Bridgend, Llanelli and Pontarddulais, gaining new experiences on the competition stage, winning a number of National Eisteddfodau and Festivals with the former and achieving prizes, including at Llangollen, with the latter. Her accompanying discography includes CD recordings with these choirs.

 

Rhiannon has guest accompanied for other MVCs in concert, working with Morriston Orpheus, Pendyrus, Cwmbach, London Welsh RFC and Bournemouth, also winning the North Wales Choral and Oundle Festivals with Peterborough. She has also accompanied several massed Male and Ladies Choir events under the direction of Richard Stephens and Alwyn Humphreys, each taking place at St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

 

As an accompanist for guest soloists, artistes have included Alfie Boe, Wynne Evans, Rebecca Evans, Fflur Wynn, Richard Allen, Jessica Robinson and Elin Manahan Thomas, to name just a few. Rhiannon was also an official accompanist during the Stuart Burrows International Voice Award final and she continues to accompany for the final of the prestigious MOCSA competition (2024 and also in 2025).

 

As an adjudicator, Rhiannon has officiated at many competitions, with her most memorable being the 2019 International MVC Competition at Poole, Dorset.

 

Other notable engagements include: the Brahms Requiem piano duo at St John’s Smith Square, London with Nicola Rose; the Machynlleth Festival with violinist Cerys Jones; the piano duet of the Saint Saëns Organ Symphony with Siân Davies and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra during the Welsh Proms.

 

Rhiannon has been Musical Director of Cowbridge MVC since 2017 and The South Wales Male Choir (Côr Meibion De Cymru) since 2021. She has led both choirs on successful tours to Spain, Cyprus and Austria. Previously the MD of Ynysybwl Ladies Choir, Wessex and Bridgend Male Choirs, she achieved several 1st places, including the 2014 Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

 

Rhiannon previously served as the resident organist at Coychurch Crematorium (2014-2018 and 2021-2024) and also as organist during graduation ceremonies for the University of South Wales (2004-2014). She is currently a freelance Musician and this includes playing at
weddings, funerals, providing piano accompaniment to musicians of the Royal Welsh Regimental Band (during their CEQ examinations) as well as guest accompanying for varied vocal / choral performances. Rhiannon is also an advocate of holistic therapies / remedies and this has become a continued passion, alongside her music.

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Rhiannon is a Patron of Wessex Male Choir and an Honorary Lady Member of Treorchy Male Choir (2008). She is delighted to return to the choir which has inspired her entire MVC journey. Diolch Treorchy!