William John Evans (29 November 1866 – 12 December 1947) was a

Welsh Welsh may refer to: Related to Wales * Welsh, referring or related to Wales * Welsh language, a Brittonic Celtic language spoken in Wales * Welsh people People * Welsh (surname) * Sometimes used as a synonym for the ancient Britons (Celtic peop ...

musician and composer, best known for his hymn-tunes. Evans was born in

Aberdare Aberdare ( ; cy, Aberdâr) is a town in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, at the confluence of the Rivers Dare (Dâr) and Cynon. Aberdare has a population of 39,550 (mid-2017 estimate). Aberdare is south-west of Merthyr Tyd ...

, and began his career as an apprentice to his father, a tailor who was also a musician. He became organise of Siloa Chapel, in his home town, and his musical works were mainly composed within the context of the eisteddfod, both locally and nationally. He conducted orchestras and choirs at music festivals throughout Wales. The best known of his hymn-tunes is "Rhys", which was written in memory of his father. In 1895 he married Mary Elizabeth Milligan. Their son, with whom he lived after his wife's death, was the academic

Ifor Leslie Evans Ifor Leslie Evans (17 January 1897 – 31 May 1952) was a Welsh academic and Principal of the University College of Wales Aberystwyth from 1934 until 1952. Background The son of Welsh musician William John Evans, Ivor Leslie Evans received his ...

. When, in 1906, Evans returned to Aberdare after successfully conducting the Cynon Male Voice Choir at the

National Eisteddfod of Wales The National Eisteddfod of Wales (Welsh language, Welsh: ') is the largest of several eisteddfodau that are held annually, mostly in Wales. Its eight days of competitions and performances are considered the largest music and poetry festival in Eur ...

Caernarfon Caernarfon (; ) is a royal town, community and port in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 9,852 (with Caeathro). It lies along the A487 road, on the eastern shore of the Menai Strait, opposite the Isle of Anglesey. The city of Bangor is ...

, he was given a hero's welcome at the local station and a reception by the local council. He later became conductor of the Aberaman Institute Choir. Evans died in

Aberystwyth Aberystwyth () is a university and seaside town as well as a community in Ceredigion, Wales. Located in the historic county of Cardiganshire, means "the mouth of the Ystwyth". Aberystwyth University has been a major educational location in ...

, aged 81.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Evans, William John 1866 births 1947 deaths Welsh composers Welsh male composers