Kelvin Thomas: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Adding short description: "Welsh Conductor" (Shortdesc helper)
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
4,925,908 edits
Add: date. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Spinixster | Category:Music directors | #UCB_Category 122/176
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Welsh Conductor}}
{{Short description|Welsh conductor, composer, baritone, and author (1919–2019)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
⚫
{{infobox musician

⚫
{{infobox person
| name = Kelvin Thomas
| name = Kelvin Thomas
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|MBE}}
| honorific_suffix = [[Member of the Order of the British Empire|MBE]]
⚫
| birth_name = Kelvin Skidmore Matthewson Thomas
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date|1919|09|14|}}
⚫
| birth_place = [[Cardiff]], [[Wales]], [[United Kingdom]]
⚫
| death_date = {{death date|2019|06|14}}
⚫
| death_place = [[Bath]], [[Somerset]], [[United Kingdom]]
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| image_size =
| occupation = [[Conducting|Conductor]], [[Composer]]
⚫
| birth_name = Kelvin Skidmore Matthewson Thomas
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date|1919|09|14|df=y}}
⚫
| birth_place = [[Cardiff]], Wales
⚫
| death_date = {{death date and age|2019|06|14|1919|09|14|df=y}}
⚫
| death_place = [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], Somerset, UK
| spouse = {{marriage |Megan Jones |1942 |2012 |end=her death}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre = Classical
| genre = Classical
| instrument = [[Piano]], [[Violin]], [[Baritone]]
| occupation = {{hlist |Conductor | Composer }}
| instrument = {{hlist |Piano |Violin |[[Baritone]] }}
}}
| years_active = 1951–2019
| label =
| associated_acts = Hilary Bryant
| website = }} }}


'''Kelvin Skidmore Matthewson Thomas''' {{post-nominals|MBE}} (14 September 1919–14 June 2019) was a [[Wales|Welsh]] [[Conducting|Conductor]], [[composer]], [[baritone]], and [[author]]. He was the Founder and [[Conducting|Conductor]] of The Silver Ring Choir of [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], and one of the Founders and first [[Music director|Musical Director]] of the [[Bradford-on-Avon]] Choral Society.
'''Kelvin Skidmore Matthewson Thomas''' {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|MBE}} (14 September 1919{{snd}}14 June 2019) was a Welsh conductor, composer, [[baritone]], and author. He was the founder and conductor of The Silver Ring Choir of [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], and one of the founders and first music director of the [[Bradford-on-Avon]] Choral Society.


== Background ==
== Background ==
[[File:River Avon at Bathampton Mill - panoramio.jpg|thumbnail|River Avon, Bathampton, Somerset]]
Born in [[Grangetown, Cardiff|Grangetown]], [[Cardiff]], [[Wales]], Kelvin was one of the five children of the coal merchant Charles Thomas and his wife Lena Thomas. He received musical training from an early age from his musical parents.
Born in [[Grangetown, Cardiff|Grangetown]], Cardiff, [[Wales]], Kelvin was one of the five children of the coal merchant Charles Thomas and his wife Lena Thomas. He received musical training from an early age from his musical parents.


As a [[boy soprano]] from the age of five, in 1931 (aged twelve) he had a test recording for the [[Concord Records|Concord]] record label (the recording was never released). In 1927, the Thomas family removed from [[Cardiff]] to [[Bathampton]] near [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Somerset]], and were later involved in the building of Bathampton Methodist Church.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bathampton Parish Council Newsletter, August 2019|url=https://bathamptonparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Newsletter1-August-2019.pdf|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Bathampton Parish Council Website|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=22 February 2013|title=Music career presented as concert night|work=Wiltshire Times|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/10246440.music-career-presented-as-concert-night|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> During his early years of performances, Thomas once performed in the same concert as the [[United States|American]] [[actor]] and [[Bass (voice type)|bass baritone]] [[Paul Robeson]] at the [[Bristol Beacon|Colston Hall]], [[Bristol]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Mills|date=27 June 2019|title=Choir ‘legend’ Kelvin singing until his last breath aged 99|work=Bath Chronicle|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/bath-chronicle/20190627/281870119977568|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>
As a [[boy soprano]] from the age of five, in 1931 (aged twelve) he had a test recording for the [[Concord Records|Concord]] record label (the recording was never released). In 1927, the Thomas family removed from [[Cardiff]] to [[Bathampton]] near [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], Somerset, and were later involved in the building of Bathampton Methodist Church.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bathampton Parish Council Newsletter, August 2019|url=https://bathamptonparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Newsletter1-August-2019.pdf|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Bathampton Parish Council Website|language=en}}</ref><ref name="WT"/> During his early years of performances, Thomas once performed in the same concert as the American actor and [[Bass (voice type)|bass baritone]] [[Paul Robeson]] at the [[Bristol Beacon|Colston Hall]], Bristol.<ref name="Mills2"/>


Having continued his musical studies (also playing the [[violin]] and [[piano]]) throughout his early years, and his interest in [[singing]] continued as a [[baritone]] (rather than [[Boy soprano|soprano]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Curiad|url=https://www.curiad.co.uk/cy/composers/kelvin-thomas/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Curiad Website|language=en}}</ref> After a period employed in his father’s business as a coal merchant, he worked for the Engineering firm, [[Stothert & Pitt|Stothert and Pitt]].
Having continued his musical studies (also playing the violin and piano) throughout his early years, and his interest in singing continued as a [[baritone]] (rather than [[Boy soprano|soprano]]).<ref name="Curiad">{{cite web|title=Curiad|url=https://www.curiad.co.uk/cy/composers/kelvin-thomas/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Curiad Website|language=en}}</ref> After a period employed in his father's business as a coal merchant, he worked for the Engineering firm, [[Stothert & Pitt|Stothert and Pitt]].


== Musical Activities ==
== Musical Activities ==
[[File:Bath Royal Crescent Sweep.jpg|thumbnail|The Circus, Bath, Somerset]]


==== The Silver Ring Choir of Bath ====
=== The Silver Ring Choir of Bath ===
In 1951, he founded the mixed voice [[chamber choir]], ''The Silver Ring Choir of [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]]'', and was their [[Conducting|Conductor]] and [[Music director|Musical Director]] for almost forty years (1951–90).<ref>{{cite web|title=Silver Ring Choir of Bath|url=http://www.silverringchoir.org.uk/about/|accessdate=30 December 2020|website=Silver Ring Choir Website|language=en}}</ref> During this time, the Choir featured regularly on [[BBC]] [[Radio]] and [[Television]] (1958–94),<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Genome|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=BBC Genome Website|language=en}}</ref> achieving great success and winning numerous competitions, including first in its class in the [[National Eisteddfod of Wales]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Curiad|url=https://www.curiad.co.uk/cy/composers/kelvin-thomas/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Curiad Website|language=en}}</ref> The Choir also toured various countries including [[Germany]] (1961), [[Hungary]] (1971), and the [[United States]] (1976).<ref name="Mills2">{{cite news|author=Richard Mills|date=27 June 2019|title=Choir ‘legend’ Kelvin singing until his last breath aged 99|work=Bath Chronicle|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/bath-chronicle/20190627/281870119977568|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Silver Ring Choir of Bath|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/5178183-The-Silver-Ring-Choir-Of-Bath|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Discogs Website|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=18 October 2011|title=Choir celebrates 60th anniversary|language=en|website=BBC News Website|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-15343891|accessdate=1 January 2021}}</ref>
In 1951, he founded the mixed voice [[chamber choir]], ''The Silver Ring Choir of [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]]'', and was their Conductor and [[Music director|Musical Director]] for almost forty years (1951–90).<ref>{{cite web|title=Silver Ring Choir of Bath|url=http://www.silverringchoir.org.uk/about/|accessdate=30 December 2020|website=Silver Ring Choir Website|language=en}}</ref> During this time, the Choir featured regularly on [[BBC]] Radio and Television (1958–94),<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Genome|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=BBC Genome Website|language=en}}</ref> achieving great success and winning numerous competitions, including first in its class in the [[National Eisteddfod of Wales]].<ref name="Curiad"/> The Choir also toured various countries including Germany (1961), [[Hungary]] (1971), and the United States (1976).<ref name="Mills2">{{cite news|author=Richard Mills|date=27 June 2019|title=Choir 'legend' Kelvin singing until his last breath aged 99|work=Bath Chronicle|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/bath-chronicle/20190627/281870119977568|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Silver Ring Choir of Bath|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/5178183-The-Silver-Ring-Choir-Of-Bath|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Discogs Website|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=18 October 2011|title=Choir celebrates 60th anniversary|language=en|website=BBC News Website|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-15343891|accessdate=1 January 2021}}</ref>


==== Bradford-on-Avon Choral Society ====
=== Bradford-on-Avon Choral Society ===
[[File:Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts. (45115119272).jpg|thumbnail|Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire]]
In 1986, when the [[pianist]] Gaynor Briscoe was founding the ''[[Bradford-on-Avon]] Choral Society'', she invited him to become the Society’s first [[Music director|Musical Director]], a post which he filled for eight years (1986–94).<ref>{{cite news|author=Amy Pantall|date=5 July 2019|title=Choir sings for over 30 years|work=ThisisWiltshire.co.uk|url=https://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/17751025.choir-sings-30-years|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> From initial performances of [[Part song|part songs]], [[Anthem|anthems]], and [[Madrigal|madrigals]], the choir progressed to performing works such as [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn's]] [[The Creation (Haydn)|Creation]], [[Felix Mendelssohn|Mendelssohn’s]] [[Elijah (oratorio)|Elijah]], and [[Johannes Brahms|Brahms's]] [[A German Requiem (Brahms)|German Requiem]], and later participated in annual [[Trowbridge]] and [[West Wiltshire]] Music Festivals, amongst others.<ref name="Pantall1">{{cite news|author=Amy Pantall|date=28 June 2019|title=Obituary: Kelvin Thomas MBE|work=Wiltshire Times|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/17735939.obituary|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> Thomas also arranged and composed numerous pieces of music for these – and other – [[Choir|choirs]] ([[SATB]]), including many [[Music of Wales|traditional]] [[Wales|Welsh]] and other melodies. One of his compositions was ''Samuel’s Hymn'', which he later recorded with ''The Silver Ring Choir of Bath''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Curiad|url=https://www.curiad.co.uk/cy/composers/kelvin-thomas/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Curiad Website|language=en}}</ref>
In 1986, when the pianist Gaynor Briscoe was founding the ''[[Bradford-on-Avon]] Choral Society'', she invited him to become the Society's first [[Music director|Musical Director]], a post which he filled for eight years (1986–94).<ref>{{cite news|author=Amy Pantall|date=5 July 2019|title=Choir sings for over 30 years|work=ThisisWiltshire.co.uk|url=https://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/17751025.choir-sings-30-years|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> From initial performances of [[part song]]s, [[anthem]]s, and [[madrigal]]s, the choir progressed to performing works such as [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn's]] [[The Creation (Haydn)|Creation]], [[Felix Mendelssohn|Mendelssohn's]] [[Elijah (oratorio)|Elijah]], and [[Johannes Brahms|Brahms's]] [[A German Requiem (Brahms)|German Requiem]], and later participated in annual [[Trowbridge]] and [[West Wiltshire]] Music Festivals, amongst others.<ref name="Pantall1">{{cite news|author=Amy Pantall|date=28 June 2019|title=Obituary: Kelvin Thomas MBE|work=Wiltshire Times|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/17735939.obituary|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> Thomas also arranged and composed numerous pieces of music for these – and other – [[choir]]s ([[SATB]]), including many [[Music of Wales|traditional]] Welsh and other melodies. One of his compositions was ''Samuel's Hymn'', which he later recorded with ''The Silver Ring Choir of Bath''.<ref name="Curiad"/>


==== Other Activities ====
=== Other activities ===
In addition to being a [[poet]] and [[composer]], Thomas was also involved in several local and civic societies and organisations, including the [[Bathampton]] Historical Society,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Survey of Bath and District The Magazine of the Survey of Old Bath and Its Associates|url=http://historyofbath.org/images/documents/db9a48e4-e96f-41b5-a9ad-1aeda83cc75c.pdf|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=History of Bath Research Group Website|language=en}}</ref> and was the author of works on [[local history]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Mills|date=20 June 2019|title=Bath musical 'legend' who was 'singing right until his last breath' dies aged 99|work=SomersetLive|url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/in-your-area/bath-musical-legend-who-singing-2994491|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> Thomas’s lifelong involvement with [[Bathampton|Bathampton Methodist Church]] and musical career culminated, in 2013, in a [[fundraising]] [[concert]] held in his honour entitled ''My Life in Music'' during which his music, poetry, and compositions were performed.<ref name="WT">{{cite news|date=22 February 2013|title=Music career presented as concert night|work=Wiltshire Times|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/10246440.music-career-presented-as-concert-night|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> In 2017, aged 98, he again performed with ''The Silver Ring Choir of Bath'' in a Christmas Concert.<ref>{{cite web|date=13 December 2018|title=98 year old founder of Silver Ring Choir sings three solos at Bridgemead|url=https://www.bridgecare.org.uk/98-year-old-founder-of-silver-ring-choir-sings-three-solos-at-bridgemead|access-date=1 January 2021|work=Bridgemead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Bath Magazine|url=https://issuu.com/mcpublishing/docs/bath_magazine_november_2017|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=The Bath Magazine Website|language=en}}</ref>
In addition to being a poet and composer, Thomas was also involved in several local and civic societies and organisations, including the [[Bathampton]] Historical Society,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Survey of Bath and District The Magazine of the Survey of Old Bath and Its Associates|url=http://historyofbath.org/images/documents/db9a48e4-e96f-41b5-a9ad-1aeda83cc75c.pdf|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=History of Bath Research Group Website|language=en}}</ref> and was the author of works on [[local history]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Mills|date=20 June 2019|title=Bath musical 'legend' who was 'singing right until his last breath' dies aged 99|work=SomersetLive|url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/in-your-area/bath-musical-legend-who-singing-2994491|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> Thomas's lifelong involvement with [[Bathampton]] Methodist Church and musical career culminated, in 2013, in a [[fundraising]] concert held in his honour entitled ''My Life in Music'' during which his music, poetry, and compositions were performed.<ref name="WT">{{cite news|date=22 February 2013|title=Music career presented as concert night|work=Wiltshire Times|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/10246440.music-career-presented-as-concert-night|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref> In 2017, aged 98, he again performed with ''The Silver Ring Choir of Bath'' in a Christmas Concert.<ref>{{cite web|date=13 December 2018|title=98 year old founder of Silver Ring Choir sings three solos at Bridgemead|url=https://www.bridgecare.org.uk/98-year-old-founder-of-silver-ring-choir-sings-three-solos-at-bridgemead|access-date=1 January 2021|work=Bridgemead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Bath Magazine|url=https://issuu.com/mcpublishing/docs/bath_magazine_november_2017|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=The Bath Magazine Website|date=24 October 2017 |language=en}}</ref>


== Awards ==
== Awards ==
[[File:Bathampton - panoramio.jpg|thumbnail|Bathampton, Somerset]]
Thomas’s notable local, national, and international activities and contribution to Music was recognised in his appointment as a [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]] (MBE) in the [[1981 New Year Honours|1981 New Year Honours List]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Amy Pantall|date=28 June 2019|title=Obituary: Kelvin Thomas MBE|work=Wiltshire Gazette and Herald|url=https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/17738353.obituary/|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>
Thomas's notable local, national, and international activities and contribution to Music was recognised in his appointment as a [[Member of the Order of the British Empire]] (MBE) in the [[1981 New Year Honours]] List.<ref>{{cite news|author=Amy Pantall|date=28 June 2019|title=Obituary: Kelvin Thomas MBE|work=Wiltshire Gazette and Herald|url=https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/17738353.obituary/|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
In 1942, Thomas married Megan Jones (1921–2012), and they had five children (two boys and three girls). Singing on the weekend before he died, Thomas died, aged 99, at the [[Royal United Hospital]], [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], on 14 June 2019.<ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Mills|date=27 June 2019|title=Choir ‘legend’ Kelvin singing until his last breath aged 99|work=Bath Chronicle|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/bath-chronicle/20190627/281870119977568|access-date=1 January 2021}}</ref>
In 1942, Thomas married Megan Jones (1921–2012), and they had five children (two boys and three girls). Singing on the weekend before he died, Thomas died, aged 99, at the [[Royal United Hospital]], [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], on 14 June 2019.<ref name="Mills2"/>


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
==== Books ====
=== Books ===
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Bathampton I Knew|year=1989|place=Bath|publisher=|language=en|isbn=978-0-95173-617-3}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Bathampton I Knew|year=1989|place=Bath|publisher=|language=en|isbn=978-0-95173-617-3}}
* {{Citation|last1=Bates|first1=E. Ralph|title=At Satan's Throne: The Story of Methodism in Bath over 250 Years|year=1990|place=Bristol|publisher=White Tree Books|language=en|isbn=0948265493|last2=Crofts|first2=Bruce|last3=Thomas|first3=K.S.M.}}
* {{Citation|last1=Bates|first1=E. Ralph|title=At Satan's Throne: The Story of Methodism in Bath over 250 Years|year=1990|place=Bristol|publisher=White Tree Books|language=en|isbn=0948265493|last2=Crofts|first2=Bruce|last3=Thomas|first3=K.S.M.}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=My Spirit Sang All Day|year=1991|place=Bath|publisher=|language=en|isbn=978-0-95173-610-4}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=My Spirit Sang All Day|year=1991|place=Bath|publisher=|language=en|isbn=978-0-95173-610-4}}


==== Musical Arrangements ====
=== Musical arrangements ===

* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Iwerron lân (Londonderry Air)|year=1998|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Iwerron lân (Londonderry Air)|year=1998|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Tywysog Hedd (Prince of Peace)|year=1998|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Tywysog Hedd (Prince of Peace)|year=1998|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
Line 59: Line 70:
* {{Citation|last1=Thomas|first1=K.S.M.|last2=Kennedy|first2=Angus|title=Isle of Arran: For Unaccompanied Mixed Voice Choir|year=2004|place=Tewkesbury|publisher=Roberton Publications|language=en}}
* {{Citation|last1=Thomas|first1=K.S.M.|last2=Kennedy|first2=Angus|title=Isle of Arran: For Unaccompanied Mixed Voice Choir|year=2004|place=Tewkesbury|publisher=Roberton Publications|language=en}}


==== Compositions ====
=== Compositions ===

* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title='Roedd gan yr Arglwydd dasg (The Lord he had a job)|year=1996|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title='Roedd gan yr Arglwydd dasg (The Lord he had a job)|year=1996|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Wrth y dyfroedd ym Mabilon (By the Waters of Babylon)|year=2000|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}
* {{Citation|last=Thomas|first=K.S.M.|title=Wrth y dyfroedd ym Mabilon (By the Waters of Babylon)|year=2000|place=Caernarfon|publisher=Curiad|language=cy}}


== Discography ==
== Discography ==

* {{Citation|title=Songs of the British Isles: Kelvin Thomas and the Silver Ring Choir|year=1976|publisher=LP. Label: One-Up|language=en}}
* {{Citation|title=Songs of the British Isles: Kelvin Thomas and the Silver Ring Choir|year=1976|publisher=LP. Label: One-Up|language=en}}
* {{Citation|title=One Bathampton Evening: Kelvin Thomas MBE (Baritone) and Hilary Bryant (Piano)|year=2014|publisher=CD. Label: Cottage Pie|language=en}}
* {{Citation|title=One Bathampton Evening: Kelvin Thomas MBE (Baritone) and Hilary Bryant (Piano)|year=2014|publisher=CD. Label: Cottage Pie|language=en}}
Line 73: Line 82:


== External links ==
== External links ==

* {{cite web|title=Curiad|url=https://www.curiad.co.uk/cy/composers/kelvin-thomas/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Curiad Website|language=cy}}
* {{cite web|title=Curiad|url=https://www.curiad.co.uk/cy/composers/kelvin-thomas/|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Curiad Website|language=cy}}
* {{cite web|title=Kelvin Thomas MBE|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/1469946-Kelvin-Thomas-2|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Discogs Website|language=en}}
* {{cite web|title=Kelvin Thomas MBE|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/1469946-Kelvin-Thomas-2|accessdate=1 January 2021|website=Discogs Website|language=en}}
Line 85: Line 93:
| years = 1951–90
| years = 1951–90
| before = Creation
| before = Creation
| after = Philip Draisey
| after = Philip Draisey }}
}}
{{succession box
{{succession box
| title = Conductor, Bradford on Avon Choral Society
| title = Conductor, Bradford on Avon Choral Society
| years = 1986–94
| years = 1986–94
| before = Creation
| before = Creation
| after = Simon Ible
| after = Simon Ible }}
}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{Music topics|state=collapsed}}
{{Classical music|state=collapsed}}
{{Portal bar |United Kingdom |Biography |Music |Classical music}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Kelvin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Kelvin}}

[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]

[[Category:British male conductors (music)]]
[[Category:British male conductors (music)]]

[[Category:Musicians from Cardiff]]
[[Category:Musicians from Cardiff]]

[[Category:21st-century British conductors (music)]]
[[Category:21st-century British conductors (music)]]
[[Category: 20th-century composers]]
[[Category:20th-century composers]]
⚫
[[Category:British composers]]

[[Category: British composers]]
[[Category:20th-century British musicians]]
⚫
[[Category: 20th-century British musicians]]

[[Category:1919 births]]
[[Category:1919 births]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:Welsh conductors (music)]]
[[Category:Welsh conductors (music)]]
[[Category:British male conductors (music)]]
[[Category:Music directors]]
[[Category:Music directors]]
[[Category:Musicians from Cardiff]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Members of the Order of the British Empire]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century British conductors (music)]]
[[Category:20th-century composers]]
[[Category:21st-century composers]]
[[Category:21st-century composers]]
⚫
[[Category:British composers]]
[[Category:20th-century British musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century British musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century British musicians]]
⚫
[[Category:20th-century British male musicians]]

⚫
[[Category:21st-century British male musicians]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Kelvin}}
[[Category:1919 births]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]

Latest revision as of 15:55, 4 June 2023

Kelvin Thomas
MBE
Born
Kelvin Skidmore Matthewson Thomas

(1919-09-14)14 September 1919
Cardiff, Wales
Died14 June 2019(2019-06-14) (aged 99)
Bath, Somerset, UK
Spouse
Megan Jones
​
​
(m. 1942; died 2012)​
Musical career
GenresClassical
Occupation(s)
  • Conductor
  • Composer
Instrument(s)
Years active1951–2019

Kelvin Skidmore Matthewson Thomas MBE (14 September 1919 – 14 June 2019) was a Welsh conductor, composer, baritone, and author. He was the founder and conductor of The Silver Ring Choir of Bath, and one of the founders and first music director of the Bradford-on-Avon Choral Society.

Background[edit]

River Avon, Bathampton, Somerset

Born in Grangetown, Cardiff, Wales, Kelvin was one of the five children of the coal merchant Charles Thomas and his wife Lena Thomas. He received musical training from an early age from his musical parents.

As a boy soprano from the age of five, in 1931 (aged twelve) he had a test recording for the Concord record label (the recording was never released). In 1927, the Thomas family removed from Cardiff to Bathampton near Bath, Somerset, and were later involved in the building of Bathampton Methodist Church.[1][2] During his early years of performances, Thomas once performed in the same concert as the American actor and bass baritone Paul Robeson at the Colston Hall, Bristol.[3]

Having continued his musical studies (also playing the violin and piano) throughout his early years, and his interest in singing continued as a baritone (rather than soprano).[4] After a period employed in his father's business as a coal merchant, he worked for the Engineering firm, Stothert and Pitt.

Musical Activities[edit]

The Circus, Bath, Somerset

The Silver Ring Choir of Bath[edit]

In 1951, he founded the mixed voice chamber choir, The Silver Ring Choir of Bath, and was their Conductor and Musical Director for almost forty years (1951–90).[5] During this time, the Choir featured regularly on BBC Radio and Television (1958–94),[6] achieving great success and winning numerous competitions, including first in its class in the National Eisteddfod of Wales.[4] The Choir also toured various countries including Germany (1961), Hungary (1971), and the United States (1976).[3][7][8]

Bradford-on-Avon Choral Society[edit]

Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

In 1986, when the pianist Gaynor Briscoe was founding the Bradford-on-Avon Choral Society, she invited him to become the Society's first Musical Director, a post which he filled for eight years (1986–94).[9] From initial performances of part songs, anthems, and madrigals, the choir progressed to performing works such as Haydn's Creation, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Brahms's German Requiem, and later participated in annual Trowbridge and West Wiltshire Music Festivals, amongst others.[10] Thomas also arranged and composed numerous pieces of music for these – and other – choirs (SATB), including many traditional Welsh and other melodies. One of his compositions was Samuel's Hymn, which he later recorded with The Silver Ring Choir of Bath.[4]

Other activities[edit]

In addition to being a poet and composer, Thomas was also involved in several local and civic societies and organisations, including the Bathampton Historical Society,[11] and was the author of works on local history.[12] Thomas's lifelong involvement with Bathampton Methodist Church and musical career culminated, in 2013, in a fundraising concert held in his honour entitled My Life in Music during which his music, poetry, and compositions were performed.[2] In 2017, aged 98, he again performed with The Silver Ring Choir of Bath in a Christmas Concert.[13][14]

Awards[edit]

Bathampton, Somerset

Thomas's notable local, national, and international activities and contribution to Music was recognised in his appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1981 New Year Honours List.[15]

Personal life[edit]

In 1942, Thomas married Megan Jones (1921–2012), and they had five children (two boys and three girls). Singing on the weekend before he died, Thomas died, aged 99, at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, on 14 June 2019.[3]

Bibliography[edit]

Books[edit]

  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1989), Bathampton I Knew, Bath, ISBN 978-0-95173-617-3{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Bates, E. Ralph; Crofts, Bruce; Thomas, K.S.M. (1990), At Satan's Throne: The Story of Methodism in Bath over 250 Years, Bristol: White Tree Books, ISBN 0948265493
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1991), My Spirit Sang All Day, Bath, ISBN 978-0-95173-610-4{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

Musical arrangements[edit]

  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1998), Iwerron lân (Londonderry Air) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1998), Tywysog Hedd (Prince of Peace) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1998), Yr eneth gadd ei gwrthod (The Rejected Maiden) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1999), Suo gân (Lullaby) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1999), Y deryn pur: alaw traddodiadol (The Gentle Dove) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (2000), Tros y garreg (Over the Stone) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (2001), Lliw gwyn rhosyn yr haf (White Wild Midsummer Rose) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (2001), Ar hyd y nos (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M.; Kennedy, Angus (2004), Isle of Arran: For Unaccompanied Mixed Voice Choir, Tewkesbury: Roberton Publications

Compositions[edit]

  • Thomas, K.S.M. (1996), 'Roedd gan yr Arglwydd dasg (The Lord he had a job) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad
  • Thomas, K.S.M. (2000), Wrth y dyfroedd ym Mabilon (By the Waters of Babylon) (in Welsh), Caernarfon: Curiad

Discography[edit]

  • Songs of the British Isles: Kelvin Thomas and the Silver Ring Choir, LP. Label: One-Up, 1976
  • One Bathampton Evening: Kelvin Thomas MBE (Baritone) and Hilary Bryant (Piano), CD. Label: Cottage Pie, 2014

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Bathampton Parish Council Newsletter, August 2019" (PDF). Bathampton Parish Council Website. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Music career presented as concert night". Wiltshire Times. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Richard Mills (27 June 2019). "Choir 'legend' Kelvin singing until his last breath aged 99". Bath Chronicle. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Curiad". Curiad Website. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  5. ^ "Silver Ring Choir of Bath". Silver Ring Choir Website. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  6. ^ "BBC Genome". BBC Genome Website. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Silver Ring Choir of Bath". Discogs Website. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  8. ^ "Choir celebrates 60th anniversary". BBC News Website. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  9. ^ Amy Pantall (5 July 2019). "Choir sings for over 30 years". ThisisWiltshire.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  10. ^ Amy Pantall (28 June 2019). "Obituary: Kelvin Thomas MBE". Wiltshire Times. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  11. ^ "The Survey of Bath and District The Magazine of the Survey of Old Bath and Its Associates" (PDF). History of Bath Research Group Website. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  12. ^ Richard Mills (20 June 2019). "Bath musical 'legend' who was 'singing right until his last breath' dies aged 99". SomersetLive. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  13. ^ "98 year old founder of Silver Ring Choir sings three solos at Bridgemead". Bridgemead. 13 December 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  14. ^ "The Bath Magazine". The Bath Magazine Website. 24 October 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  15. ^ Amy Pantall (28 June 2019). "Obituary: Kelvin Thomas MBE". Wiltshire Gazette and Herald. Retrieved 1 January 2021.

External links[edit]

Cultural offices
Preceded by
Creation
 Conductor, The Silver Ring Choir of Bath
1951–90 		Succeeded by
Philip Draisey
Preceded by
Creation
 Conductor, Bradford on Avon Choral Society
1986–94 		Succeeded by
Simon Ible
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kelvin_Thomas&oldid=1158522006"