author
Ben Davies
1858–1943
A leading Welsh tenor of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he built an international reputation in opera, concerts, and oratorio. His career carried him from South Wales to major stages in Britain, the United States, and Australia.
1 Audiobook
How to Become a Successful Singer
by Dame Clara Butt, Enrico Caruso, Ben Davies, Dame Nellie Melba
About the author
Born in Pontardawe, Wales, on 6 January 1858, he was the son of John and Hannah Davies and grew up near Swansea. After winning first prize for solo singing at the Swansea Eisteddfod in 1877, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where his training helped launch a professional career.
He made his name first in opera, appearing with the Carl Rosa Opera Company, and later became especially admired on the concert and oratorio stage. Over the years he performed widely in Britain and also appeared in America and Australia, earning a strong reputation for his clear, expressive tenor voice.
He continued singing well into later life and remained closely associated with the great British choral and festival tradition. He died in 1943, remembered as one of the most distinguished Welsh singers of his era.