Clifford Bunford - Founder and President

Clifford Bunford was born in the village of Aberfan in the Merthyr Valley, and was widely acclaimed as a boy soprano in the 30's. He studied music at Cardiff University after pursuing a highly successful career as a professional tenor soloist for many years, singing with the famous artists of the time and regularly performing on Radio and Television etc.

Clifford taught at a High School in Cardiff (Cathays) for many years while continuing his career as a singer, taking small parts with the WN.O. and as a member of the B.B.C. singers in Cardiff, a small group which formed the nucleus of the Cardiff Bach Choir which he formed in 1962. This small choir, enlarged to 28-30, concentrated on Bach cantatas and works by other Baroque composers, and gave innumerable concerts in South Wales.

In 1970, Clifford joined the music staff at University College Cardiff under the professorship of Dr. Alun Hoddinot, as head of Vocal, Choral and Practical Studies, during which time he conducted programmes of large choral works, symphonies, concertos, chamber operas etc., some of which are itemised below.

He has been invited many times to America to the Universities of Austin (Texas) and Kansas to lecture on Choral music, and in 1999 he was engaged to conduct the Austin Choral Society. Since his retirement from University in 1989, he has continued to teach vocal studies at the University as well as teaching privately.

In 2003 Clifford Bunford was the first recipient of the Joseph Parry Award for services to music in Wales. This prestigious award is made each year by the Guild of Welsh Music. Clifford received the award in recognition of his services in the fields of singing, conducting and teaching.