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Llewela Davies (February 1871 – 22 August 1952)[1] was a Welsh pianist and composer who toured with Dame Nellie Melba.[2]

Early life and education

Llewela Tegwedd Davies was born at Talgarth, near Brecon, in South Wales.[3] Her father was Rhys Davies, a justice of the peace.[4][5] At age 10 she won a medal and a cash prize at the National Eisteddfod, and earned a scholarship to attend the North London Collegiate School for Girls.[6]

She attended the Royal Academy of Music on a John Thomas Welsh scholarship awarded in 1887, and as a student there won many awards for composition and musicianship,[7] including the "Worshipful Company of Musicians Medal for the Most Distinguished Student in the Academy."[8][9] As a pianist Llewela Davies was often an accompanist for student vocal recitals during her college years.[10] She later earned a music degree from London University.[11]

Her instructor at the Royal Academy, Walter Macfarren, was the brother of composer George Alexander Macfarren and brother-in-law of composer Emma Maria Macfarren; his other students included notable musicians Agnes Zimmermann, Dora Bright, and Stewart Macpherson.[12]

Career

Llewela Davies' most prominent performances were with Nellie Melba; Davies and her husband toured with the singer, though North America, Australia, and New Zealand.[13][14] She performed twice at the Three Choirs Festival, and as a pianist at the National Eisteddfod. She also performed at the Annual Reid Concert in Edinburgh in 1899.[15] She was welcomed in Welsh villages as a guest performer at special events.[4]

Davies taught at London University after earning her degree there.[11] Compositions by Llewela Davies include Three Sketches (for orchestra), a string quartet, and a sonata for violin and piano.[14]

Personal life

Miss Davies married fellow Welsh musician Frederic Griffith (or Griffiths) in 1898,[16][17] and lived in London thereafter. She was widowed when Frederic Griffith died in 1917. She died in London in 1952.[15]

References

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