Tributes have been pouring in to Owen Maelor Roberts, a mainstay of the local musical scene, who died a few days ago.
There has been a full obituary report from the world-famous
Fron Male Voice Choir of which he was deputy musical director, and messages of
sympathy on Facebook from his many friends in the Llangollen, where he was
resident organist at St Collen’s Church.
The lavish tribute from the choir known as Voices of the Valley
says: “The Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir is deeply saddened to announce the
passing of Owen Maelor Roberts, our much-loved Deputy Musical Director,
accompanist, and lifelong servant to music.
“Owen, who lived in Trevor near Llangollen, devoted his life
to music, education and community. A gifted organist, choirmaster and
conductor, he inspired generations of singers and enriched the musical life of
North Wales and beyond.
“Educated at Ruabon Boys’ Grammar School and Normal College,
Bangor, Owen gained his ARCM diploma in School Music in 1970 before teaching in
schools at Gobowen and Coedpoeth. His love of music and people led him to a
lifetime of service in both education and performance.
“In 1983, Owen founded the mixed-voice choir Choral
Variations, which he conducted for over four decades. He also directed Côr
Glyndŵr from 2014, leading acclaimed performances of major choral works
including Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, Fauré’s Requiem, Gounod’s St Cecilia
Mass and Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle.
“As Deputy Musical Director of Fron Male Voice Choir, Owen was a cornerstone of our ensemble, supporting
the choir through international tours, concerts and the celebrated Voices of
the Valley recording era. His quiet leadership, musicianship and mentorship
were invaluable to countless choristers over many years.
“Alongside his choral work, Owen served as Organist and
Choirmaster at St Collen’s Church, Llangollen, 'where his contribution to
worship and local music events, including the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and International Gymanfa Ganu, earned
him widespread affection and respect. He was also heavily involved in the local
operative music scene, offering his skills and expertise to organisations such
as Llangollen Operatic Society and North Wales Opera Studio
“Owen embodied the very best of the Welsh choral tradition; humility, excellence, and community spirit. We will miss him deeply, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Some of the moving Facebook tributes to Owen say:
* “I can't believe he's gone. Such a sad loss to the music scene and a lovely person too!”
* “Owen was a fantastic teacher of music and accompanist to many groups and singers in our community. I have fond memories of singing in his choir Choral Variations that rehearsed in Trevor. He was immensely helpful in teaching the NWOS ensemble opera singers chorus pieces in Carmen, Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana along with many other workshops he supported with his experience and musicianship. What a loss to our community. Will miss you Owen RIP x”
* “How very sad. He was a genuinely
nice man and will be much missed.”
* “Such a lovely man, this is very
sad news. Rest in peace lovely Owen.”
* “So sorry to
hear this news.”
* “So sorry to hear this news. Owen
was our neighbour for many years. Lovely gentleman. Rest in Peace Owen. X”
* “Oh this is sad. Owen was a real
gentleman and very generous with his musical talent.”
* “Owen was such
a genuinely lovely man. Will be very much missed."
* “Sad news
from Llangollen. Sure he was well thought of. Condolences to his family and
friends. May Owen rest in Peace.”
* “I only met him a couple of
times.. but he had my utmost respect. Cysgan dawel.”
* “Fantastic
pianist and lovely man.”
* “This is
another sad moment....Owen was so supportive to all of us who wanted to improve
our singing which his amazing talent for accompanying made possible. There was
always a kindly word of advice and fun to bring a smile out, too.”
* “A very talented man and a great
supporter of music. We will miss him dearly.”
* “So sorry to
hear this news. He was such a lovely man, kind and warm-hearted. And very
talented, too. He played for Dave and myself at our Ladies Night. He will be
very much missed. RIP .”
* “Owen was such a gentleman. Music was his passion. He was always so kind nothing was too much trouble you will be missed xx”
* "Such a lovely man.”
* "Owen’s contribution to the music world was obviously enormous and well-known, but what is less well-known is that he had been a regular member of Llangollen Ramblers for more than thirty years. Owen loved the countryside and was a strong walker. In the last few years he particularly enjoyed our expeditions to the Wales Coast Path, and was looking forward to completing this epic hike with us next year.
"Owen was both a gentleman and a gentle man. We appreciated his quiet dry humour, his kindness and his generosity. We will miss you, Owen."
Llangollen Ramblers
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