Ellis, Osian (Gwynn)

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Ellis, Osian (Gwynn)

Ellis, Osian (Gwynn), Welsh harpist and teacher; b. Fynnongroew, Feb. 8, 1928. He received training at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He played in the Melos Ensemble and was solo harpist with the London Sym. Orch.; acquired a fine reputation as a concert artist via engagements as a soloist with the foremost orchs. and as a recitalist around the globe. From 1959 to 1989 he was also prof, of harp at the Royal Academy of Music. In 1971 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In addition to the standard harp literature, Ellis commissioned works for his instrument from Britten, Hoddinott, Mathias, Menotti, Schuman, and others. He publ. The Story of the Harp in Wales (1991).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire