ARISE SIR TERFEL
Bryn is knighted
OPERA star Sir Bryn Terfel told of his pride after being knighted by the Queen for a glittering career that has seen him acclaimed across the globe.
The bass-baritone said it was “incredible” and “amazing” to be honoured during the ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The 51-year-old, from Pantglas, near Caernarfon, said: “In the past 15 years I’ve been given a CBE, the Queen’s medal for music – I was the second recipient of that – and now the knighthood, which is incredible. It shows how dedicated you have been within your profession.
“It’s only on days like this you feel like a tiny, tiny spot within the lake of (what) people do for their country, it’s amazing.”
Sir Bryn, famed for his title role in Verdi’s Falstaff, added: “It’s a very emotional morning, hopefully I can use it to be even more influential within Wales with music and I look forward to the next 10 years.”
Looking back at the highlights of his career, Sir Bryn, who was singing at eisteddfodau from the age of four and made his stage debut with the Welsh National Opera in 1990, said: “I did a couple of series of Sweeney Todd with Emma Thompson the actress; we did concerts in New York and here in London at the English National Opera.
“It’s undoubtedly a highlight because it’s a piece I love to perform – but to perform it with Emma, it’s astounding how much of an artist she is and dedicated and hardworking.”
Sir Bryn, who will be appearing at the Royal Opera House’s production of Wagner’s comic opera Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, which opens on Saturday, added: “Singing with Shirley Bassey at the opening of the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff was also a highlight – 80,000 people singing the Welsh national anthem in harmony is a sight to behold, both visually an orally.”