Kenneth Bowen (tenor)


Kenneth Bowen was a Welsh tenor who was Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

Personal life

Bowen was born in Llanelli in 1932. He studied at Llanelli Boys' Grammar School, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and St John's College, Cambridge. Bowen was married and later separated in 1995. The couple had two sons, the arts administrator Meurig Bowen and the organist and conductor Geraint Bowen.

Career

Bowen sang his first Messiah in 1954. In 1969, he sang at the Investiture of the Prince of Wales, and in 1982, he sang at the opening of St David's Hall in Cardiff. In 1983, Bowen co-founded the London Welsh Chorale, where he served as conductor until 2008. During his career, he sang at multiple National Eisteddfods as well as with the Welsh National Opera company, The Royal Opera and the English National Opera.

Death

Bowen died aged 86 on 1 September 2018 in Cheltenham, England.