Our Founder and President - Clifford Bunford
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. After studying music at Cardiff University he pursued a highly successful career as a professional tenor soloist singing with the famous artists of the time and regularly performing on Radio as a member of the BBC Singers in Cardiff and occasionally for WNO. He taught for many years at Cathays High School.
It was a small group of the BBC Singers which in 1962 formed the nucleus of the Cardiff Bach Choir under his leadership. 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..
He visited America on numerous occasions where he lectured at the Universities of Austin (Texas) and Kansas choral music, and in 1999 he was engaged to conduct the Austin Choral Society. Following his retirement from University in 1989, he 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 Welsh Music Guild (Cymdeithas Cerddoriaeth Cymru). Clifford received the award in recognition of his services in the fields of singing, conducting and teaching.
Clifford retired as conductor of the CBC in 2003 and was made life president of the Choir. Now well into his 90's he continues to take an interest in the affairs of the Choir a remains a critical member of audiences at concerts.
It was a small group of the BBC Singers which in 1962 formed the nucleus of the Cardiff Bach Choir under his leadership. 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..
He visited America on numerous occasions where he lectured at the Universities of Austin (Texas) and Kansas choral music, and in 1999 he was engaged to conduct the Austin Choral Society. Following his retirement from University in 1989, he 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 Welsh Music Guild (Cymdeithas Cerddoriaeth Cymru). Clifford received the award in recognition of his services in the fields of singing, conducting and teaching.
Clifford retired as conductor of the CBC in 2003 and was made life president of the Choir. Now well into his 90's he continues to take an interest in the affairs of the Choir a remains a critical member of audiences at concerts.