The internationally renowned Welsh opera singer Stuart Burrows has died aged 92 following a short illness. Born in Cilfynydd in Rhondda Cynon Taf, he performed for the first time with the Welsh National Opera in 1963 and went on to sing at world famous La Scala in Milan. His career took in the Met Opera in New York for 12 seasons and he also appeared at the Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Royal Opera House in London. At the height of his career - in the 1970s and 80s - Burrows starred in his own BBC Two series, Stuart Burrows Sings. Burrows was born on the same street asfellow opera star Geraint Evans. In his youth, Burrows could have been a professional rugby player, but turned down a contract with the Leeds Rugby League club to concentrate on singing. His big break came in 1965 when the composer Stravinsky asked him to sing his opera Oedipus Rex in Athens. Burrows received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wales in 1981, a Fellowship of Trinity College, Carmarthen in 1989, and he also received an Honorary Fellowship from Aberystwyth University. In 2007 he received an OBE for his services to music. In a tribute, the former UK government culture minister, Kim Howells, said: "Stuart Burrows had an amazing voice, he was an internationally renowned singer and very remarkable individual who came from this south Wales valleys village which has produced so many extraordinary people from rugby players to politicians. "We've lost a great here and I send my condolences to his family." Burrows' family said he died on Sunday morning following a short illness. In a post on Facebook, his son Mark said: "Words cannot express how much I will miss this true Welshman who (as he liked to say) loved to sing a bit!" Welsh operatic and concert soprano Beverley Humphreys said Burrows had an "astounding career". "He was one of the greatest Mozart tenors in the world. From La Scala to the Met and Covent Garden. The beauty of his voice, his sensitivity, lyricism and refined musicianship was unsurpassed." The BBC Radio Wales broadcaster said Burrows had the rare ability to sing not only in opera, but in many different genres. "His voice and warm personality touched hearts all over the world."
Renowned opera singer Stuart Burrows dies at 92
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"Welsh Opera Singer Stuart Burrows Passes Away at 92"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Stuart Burrows, the esteemed Welsh opera singer, passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness. His illustrious career began with his debut performance at the Welsh National Opera in 1963, which marked the start of a remarkable journey that would see him perform at some of the most prestigious opera houses around the world, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he sang for twelve seasons. Burrows was also a familiar face at Carnegie Hall and the Royal Opera House in London, showcasing his exceptional talent across various platforms. His significant contributions to the arts extended beyond the stage, as he starred in his own BBC Two series, 'Stuart Burrows Sings,' during the peak of his career in the 1970s and 80s. Born in Cilfynydd, Burrows shared his early life with another opera legend, Geraint Evans, and had initially considered a career in rugby before fully dedicating himself to music. His breakthrough moment came in 1965 when Igor Stravinsky invited him to perform in 'Oedipus Rex' in Athens, solidifying his place in the world of opera.
Throughout his lifetime, Burrows received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wales in 1981 and an OBE in 2007. His family confirmed his passing on Sunday morning, expressing their profound loss and love for a man who cherished singing. Tributes poured in from various figures in the music community, including former UK culture minister Kim Howells, who praised Burrows for his remarkable voice and the impact he made as a representative of the Welsh valleys. Beverley Humphreys, a soprano, highlighted Burrows' status as one of the greatest Mozart tenors, emphasizing the beauty and sensitivity of his voice. His ability to transcend genres and connect with audiences globally made him a beloved figure, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who appreciated his artistry.
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