Rowlands, Ceinwen, 1905-1983

Person

Rowlands, Ceinwen, 1905-1983

Ceinwen Rowlands (1905-1983), singer, was born in Holyhead, Anglesey. She was a fine soprano; she trained in London, England, and recorded both classical music and jazz. She started her career in local eisteddfodau in 1921; in 1923, after winning at the National Eisteddfod, she toured Wales giving concerts. In 1927 she became a member of the Gorsedd of Bards, and also became a professional singer. In 1930, she moved to London, and her career continued until 1961. She gave more than 200 concerts in this time, mainly in England and Wales, and also broadcast on BBC radio. Her repertoire ranged from Welsh folk songs and jazz to classical music, including oratorios (her preference) and opera. She worked with the leading conductors of the time, and was praised by Sir Malcolm Sargent and Wil Ifan. She recorded over the period 1935-1953; the bulk of her recordings were made for Decca Records, 1949-1952, and the Welsh Recorded Music Society. She was married to Arthur Aaron Walter, Official Receiver at the London Bankruptcy Court. He died in 1967, and she moved to Rhyl, Denbighshire.