Mathias, William James (1934-1992), was one of the most important Welsh composers of the 1900’s. Mathias was also a conductor and pianist. Mathias composed in all the major musical forms, including concertos for piano, harp, and clarinet, as well as organ and symphonic music. His opera The Servants (1980) has a text by the British novelist Iris Murdoch. Mathias was particularly noted for his church and choral music. In 1981, he was chosen to compose a special anthem for the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Mathias was born on Nov. 1, 1934, in Whitland, Dyfed. He studied at London’s Royal Academy of Music during the mid-1950’s. He was professor of music at University College, Bangor, from 1970 to 1988. He became artistic director of the North Wales Music Festival in 1972, serving as its director until his death on July 29, 1992.
