Welsh Composer Alun Hoddinott Dies

Posted by Sarah Canice Funke Mar 22, 2008

The 78-year-old Welsh composer Alun Hoddinott died on Wednesday, March 12, bringing to a close a relationship with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales that had spanned seven decades. To honor this partnership, the National Orchestra of Wales is planning to name its new home Hoddinott Hall (in the Wales Millennium Centre).

Hoddinott was a Welshman through and through. Born in Bargoed, Caerphilly, he graduated from Cardiff University and lectured in music at the Welsh College of Music and Drama before becoming a lecturer at his alma mater. His hometown in later life was Gower, Swansea, where he died in the city’s Morriston Hospital.

His appeal reached through the entire United Kingdom: he was called upon to compose music for the wedding of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles. He had also composed music for the Prince’s 16th birthday.

But he was especially loved in Wales. In 1997, Hoddinott received the Glyndwr Award for an Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in Wales during the Machynlleth Festival and in 1999 was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arts Council of Wales.

Hoddinott has also worked to foster music appreciation among his countrymen, co-founding and directing the Cardiff Festival. His friend and fellow co-founder of the festival was John Ogdon.

For more information, please read the BBC article.