The obituary notice of John Huw DAVIES

4 year too late, alas, but I recently came across a programme of my first public concert as a conductor - in 1961 at St Mary's West Kensington. It was Messiah - with John as the Baritone soloist, and I still remember the excitement of 'Why Do the Nations'. Later he sang the rôle of Boris Godunov for me at Cranleigh school; later still Noah in the Britten Cantata in Milton Keynes. Very significant memories for me. RIP.

To John Huw's family and many friends: I only today learned with great sadness of John Huw's death in February. My memories of John inspiring and cajoling us choir members to unimagined levels of attainment in unfeasibly short time-frames go back to Coleg Normal in 1984 and continue through three decades of the NWSSM in both Bangor and Caernarfon. The NWSSM tour to Brussels in 1985 was an especial highlight --still fondly remembered by many-- and (literally) a tour de force of John's. For singers, John was not merely an influence but an inspiration whose passion for music in general and singing in particular enhanced the lives of thousands, --of all ages and at many different levels....both within his beloved Gwynedd and way outside it. I will always consider it a privilege to have been a friend of John Huw Davies. Gorffwys mewn heddwch, Maestro. John Tickle; 23/5/20

I have only just become aware of John's death and send you all deepest sympathy. John was my childhood. Gwynedd Music was perhaps his life but most definitely mine and I always considered him to be the patriarch of our music education. He not only enabled our music within the county but far further, putting us first, putting pupils in places they would not have reached, giving us a chance. Thank you John, you were a huge influence on our lives. RIP X

Dear Pip and family,

Andrew and I were so sorry to hear about John.
May we please send you our deepest sympathy at this time.
With very fond musical memories.

Best Wishes,

Andrew and Linda Ayres