International Opera Star Honoured by Bangor University

Bryn Terfel at his Honorary Degree CeremonyBryn Terfel at his Honorary Degree CeremonyInternationally renowned opera star Bryn Terfel CBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bangor University for his contribution to music.

Gwynedd’s famous son, Bryn Terfel, took time out of his busy schedule to visit Bangor University to receive the prestigious honour. The Grammy, Classical Brit and Gramophone Award winner will attend the special ceremony at the University today (Tuesday 28 February 2012).

Bryn Terfel says, “I am honoured to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Music from Bangor University. I’ve enjoyed a varied and eventful career in music and to be recognised for that is very humbling. It’s also a privilege to join such a prestigious list of internationally recognised individuals who have received Honorary Doctorates from the University in the past – all of whom have contributed a great deal to their respective fields. I’m in very good company.”

Dr David Roberts, Bangor University Secretary and Registrar, adds, “Bryn Terfel is arguably the greatest operatic singer Wales has ever produced, and his roots are firmly in North West Wales. Bangor University is proud to honour an individual who has made such a remarkable contribution in the field of music - and in so doing he has become an oustanding ambassador for the region and for Wales.”

Bryn Terfel’s career has reached meteoric heights in recent years having starred in productions including Falstaff and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and performing at prestigious opera houses around the globe. But his career has its roots in competitions at the Urdd and National Eisteddfod as a schoolboy before moving on to study at the London Guildhall School of Music.

This is only the second occasion on which the University has awarded Honorary degrees. The first Honorary degrees were awarded to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Sir David Attenborough, Rhodri Morgan and Sir John Meurig Thomas to mark the University’s 125th Anniversary in 2009.

Watch part of the ceremony and an interview with Bryn Terfel here:- http://www.bangor.ac.uk/bangortv/bryn_terfel.php.en

Browse the event's image gallery here.

Publication date: 28 February 2012