Debut Album “Chapter One” from Welsh Tenor Gruffydd Wyn

Twenty-two-year old Welsh tenor Gruffydd Wyn got his big break by auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent.  It was heartwarming to watch the young performer overcome his own nerves to bring down the house with a rendition of “Nessun Dorma.” Gruffydd sailed into the semi-finals and then caught the ear of fellow reality contest Rhydian Roberts who is now guiding his career into the next phase.

His debut album is appropriately entitled ‘Chapter One‘ signifying the beginning of what we all hope is a long career ahead of him.

NB: Wales seems to be such a musical place, when did you know that your passion for music was something more than a hobby?

Gruffydd Wyn: I’ve always been interested in music, growing up as a kid in Wales it was hard not to be interested. I was a member of various choirs growing up and my love for performing grew from there. I studied acting at university but I quickly realised after completing this course that I wanted to pursue a career in singing.

NB: Can you remember the first classical piece you heard and worked on in a voice lesson?
Gruffydd Wyn: There are many pieces of music that inspire me and that I have worked on, from classical to rock from pop to country, but if I was to choose one, it would be Nessun Dorma, there’s something about this song that I absolutely love!

NB: Was there a particular performer you saw on Britain’s Got Talent that inspired you to try out yourself?
Gruffydd Wyn: Growing up as a kid watching BGT, I’ve seen many memorable moments. I particularly remember the audition of Susan Boyle, it was iconic! Look where she is now! The shock on the whole nation as she opened her mouth to sing was fantastic, nobody expected it! This was a standout moment for me!

NB: What was the most unexpected part of your BGT journey?
Gruffydd Wyn: The whole thing was unexpected. When I first auditioned I never in a million years thought that I’d get the Golden Buzzer and reach the final! But for me, the most unexpected thing was how fantastic the support for me was! I couldn’t believe it, and to this day I will always be grateful for that!

NB: Speaking of which, after the show, you received a message from Rhydian. What was that like and how has he helped you continue to develop your career?
Gruffydd Wyn: Rhydian has been an instrumental part of my development as a singer since Britain’s Got Talent. I was thrilled when he contacted me after the show. He offered me some great advice and since then he became my manager and it’s great to have him part of my team, but even greater to be able to call him a good friend!

NB: As a young performer, how do you feel like crossover can make itself more appealing to people in your own age group?
Gruffydd Wyn: I’ve always had an interest in crossover music, I think this is because of my broad music taste in general. When I sing I believe a vital part of it is that I tell a story and bring the audience on an emotional journey with me. I think that if you connect with the audience then it doesn’t matter what age you are, you’ll fall in love with this style of music.

NB: As you look to the future, what are some of the things you would like to accomplish in your career?
Gruffydd Wyn: I’ve always wanted to sing the Welsh national anthem at the Principality Stadium during the rugby, so to do that would be unreal, a Welsh boy’s dream come true!
Looking forward, I’d also like to be able to release more of my original music, and share it with the world!

“Chapter One” features mainly popular covers that have been given a crossover treatment and it feels very genuine to Gruffydd. He has the power to sell the big moments when the music calls for it but there is something especially appealing about Gruffydd’s ability to communicate on the more intimate moments. Although he is still a young artist there is a real authenticity to his vocals and interpretations that makes this album a real treat.

Gruffydd told us: “This album is quite personal in terms of song choice, there are some songs that I remember hearing my mother listening to around the house and in the car when I was a kid and I thought it would be nice to sing them as a tribute to her for being such a great mum. There are others that mean a lot to me for different reasons. But, the message of the album and the reason for the songs were that I wanted to bring love, happiness into people’s homes with my music and I believe that I’ve accomplished that.”


“Chapter One” is available now on Itunes and Spotify
Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.

4 Comments
  1. Love Gruffydd wyn.
    His outdoor concert in Amlwch port was the best experience ever for me ,so moving .I have his CD and I am personally introducing him to everybody I know !
    Such a talent !

  2. I live in the USA, saw him after the contest was over. Stumbled onto his audition video on the web. I have been a fan ever since. Hoping some day when he is very famous, he will tour the US. You included the finals song above. It is my all time favorite and I could not tell you exactly why. I just find it magical. Thank you for your lovely review.

  3. OMG .. just discovered this talented Gruffyyd on my Facebook thread .. took me to YouTube .. then to Google.. then to Spotify.. he seems to already be a legend ( since 2018 ) .. You’ve won me over ( I am not usually an Opera follower) I am now !!! at 70 years of age … FANTASTIC

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