Brian Hughes – Composer, Music Director, Accompanist, Vocal Consultant

"Anyone charged with describing in words the many admirable attributes to be found in Brian
Hughes, the musician, has a considerable task on his hands. For a start he must necessarily
wrestle with the remarkable versatility of the man: as composer, as pianist, as vocal expert and
chorus master. And then, when those elements are satisfied, he must seek to encompass comment
upon those less immediately definable qualities which Brian Hughes enjoys in plentitude:
invigorating energy, perceptive analysis and assessment, and perhaps above all and most
precious of all, an unerring sense of style. The result is a sense of wholeness and satisfying
fulfilment of an order rare in any one musician."
___________________________________________

"As Head of Opera and Vocal Studies, I received a lot of personal acclaim - but I could not have
achieved the success without the amazing Brian Hughes whose great talent played such an
enormous part in establishing the RNCM as Europe's leading training establishment for opera
singers. Brian is the greatest chorus master I have ever encountered. He is a wonderful
musician and commands the respect and admiration of all those fortunate enough to work
with him."
___________________________________________

Byd o Heddwch (World in Union) Côr Godre’r Aran. SAIN SCD2394
[JQ]: Classical CD Reviews

"There are no notes about the music itself and that's especially unfortunate when it comes to
John Brian Hughes’ Surge Illuminare. I imagine this setting of Latin words from Isaiah is a fairly
recent piece. It's a dramatic, exciting item and makes a strong impression, especially when it's as well
performed as is the case here. Hughes makes great play with propulsive rhythms in both the
choral parts and the piano accompaniment. I would imagine it's the most musically challenging
piece on the disc and the standard of the performance shows the musicianship of the choir."

John Quinn http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2004/July04/World union.htm

"Brian Hughes has a whole-hearted passion for composition, which coupled with a boundless
enthusiasm and a unique understanding of vocal and choral technique produces works of exciting
originality that encompasses all emotions."

Link to Rhys Meirion website
___________________________________________

William Mathias – Composer

"......of dedication to the achievement of high standards of performance – standards reflected
not merely in brilliance of effect but also in the far more testing matter of musical phrasing
and characterization."
___________________________________________

Neil Barkla – Daily Post

"A recital by the Cynwrig Singers under their conductor J.Brian Hughes, was a notable part of the
evening and produced singing of quite outstanding brilliance."
___________________________________________

Dr.Terry James – Conductor

"Brian Hughes has played an important role in the musical life of Wales in many ways. Testament
to his versatility is the fact that he has excelled as a conductor, vocal consultant, accompanist,
and perhaps most of all as a composer. The hallmark of his work is the originality of his writing,
exploring different colours, forms and textures. Wherever there is vocal music making in Wales,
a choral work or song by Brian Hughes will be performed!"
___________________________________________

Composer : Accompanist : Arranger : Vocal Consultant :
Choral Workshops : Agent for Vocal & Instrumental Recitals



	___________________________________________ Sir John Manduell– Former Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester "Anyone charged with describing in words the many admirable attributes to be found in Brian Hughes, the musician, has a considerable task on his hands. For a start he must necessarily wrestle with the remarkable versatility of the man: as composer, as pianist, as vocal expert and chorus master. And then, when those elements are satisfied, he must seek to encompass comment upon those less immediately definable qualities which Brian Hughes enjoys in plentitude: invigorating energy, perceptive analysis and assessment, and perhaps above all and most precious of all, an unerring sense of style. The result is a sense of wholeness and satisfying fulfilment of an order rare in any one musician." ___________________________________________ Joseph Ward O.B.E.– Formerly Head of Vocal Studies and Opera Dept., R.N.C.M. Manchester "As Head of Opera and Vocal Studies, I received a lot of personal acclaim - but I could not have achieved the success without the amazing Brian Hughes whose great talent played such an enormous part in establishing the RNCM as Europe's leading training establishment for opera singers. Brian is the greatest chorus master I have ever encountered. He is a wonderful musician and commands the respect and admiration of all those fortunate enough to work with him." ___________________________________________ Byd o Heddwch (World in Union) Côr Godre’r Aran. SAIN SCD2394 [JQ]: Classical CD Reviews "There are no notes about the music itself and that's especially unfortunate when it comes to John Brian Hughes’ Surge Illuminare. I imagine this setting of Latin words from Isaiah is a fairly recent piece. It's a dramatic, exciting item and makes a strong impression, especially when it's as well performed as is the case here. Hughes makes great play with propulsive rhythms in both the choral parts and the piano accompaniment. I would imagine it's the most musically challenging piece on the disc and the standard of the performance shows the musicianship of the choir." John Quinn http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2004/July04/World union.htm ___________________________________________ Rhys Meirion – Tenor "Brian Hughes has a whole-hearted passion for composition, which coupled with a boundless enthusiasm and a unique understanding of vocal and choral technique produces works of exciting originality that encompasses all emotions." Link to Rhys Meirion website ___________________________________________ William Mathias – Composer "......of dedication to the achievement of high standards of performance – standards reflected not merely in brilliance of effect but also in the far more testing matter of musical phrasing and characterization." ___________________________________________ Neil Barkla – Daily Post "A recital by the Cynwrig Singers under their conductor J.Brian Hughes, was a notable part of the evening and produced singing of quite outstanding brilliance." ___________________________________________ Dr.Terry James – Conductor "Brian Hughes has played an important role in the musical life of Wales in many ways. Testament to his versatility is the fact that he has excelled as a conductor, vocal consultant, accompanist, and perhaps most of all as a composer. The hallmark of his work is the originality of his writing, exploring different colours, forms and textures. Wherever there is vocal music making in Wales, a choral work or song by Brian Hughes will be performed!" ___________________________________________ Composer : Accompanist : Arranger : Vocal Consultant : Choral Workshops : Agent for Vocal & Instrumental Recitals t body