In tribute: Rhys Owens

It is with deep sadness that we report that Rhys Owens, Tutor in Trumpet at the RNCM since 1999, passed away on Friday 25 March.

Rhys began playing the cornet in the local brass band at the age of eight. At 17 he was Principal Cornet of the National Brass Band of Wales and Principal Trumpet of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. In 1984 he entered Chetham’s School of Music moving on to the Royal College of Music in 1986. During his time at the Royal College he was a brass finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year and also finalist in the Shell LSO competition.

He joined the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 1991 as fourth trumpet and was promoted to Section Principal in 1998. Before joining the RLPO, Rhys played with many British orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as working in Europe.

Rhys will be remembered fondly by many staff and alumni of the College, and we send our sincere condolences to his family at this time.

29 March 2022