| Biography | Alun John : Having completed a science degree at the University of Wales, Cardiff, Alun John won a piano scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music in London where he studied piano and conducting. A short period of teaching followed, before joining the BBC. As a music producer, Alun produced programmes with the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, chamber music ensembles, solo recitals and series of programmes with young artists, for Wales and London. A highlight of his BBC career was receiving a Sony Award for one of the best recorded music programmes.
In addition to his BBC career Alun was conductor of the Morriston Tabernacle Choir for nearly 30 years, founder conductor of Côr Meibion De Cymru and worked with choirs in Melbourne Australia. He has also been guest conductor with major symphony orchestras. In 1997, he was appointed conductor of Bridgend National Eisteddfod Choir, which was later reformed as Côr Bro Ogwr. He has wide experience as an adjudicator in the UK and abroad, including music festivals in Suva, the Fijian islands and Malta. He initiated the Texaco Young Musician of Wales competition and is now Chairman of the Adjudicating Panel.
In 2003, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama for the distinguished contribution made to his profession. He is also a trustee of the Ryan Davies memorial Fund, which supports postgraduate students in music, drama and theatre.
Since leaving the BBC, Alun has concentrated on teaching, conducting, adjudicating and accompanying. (May 2005 |