Osian Gwynn Ellis
(1928-2021), Harpist and composerSitter in 1 portrait
Welsh harpist, Ellis began his association with Britten and the Aldeburgh Festival in 1959. During the 1960s Britten wrote harp parts for him in several major works, notably A Midsummer Night's Dream (1960), War Requiem (1962), The Church Parables (1964-8), and in 1969 composed the Harp Suite in C at his request. After 1973 Ellis became a regular accompanist on tour with Pears, and Britten wrote them several pieces for tenor and harp, including Canticle V, The Death of Saint Narcissus(1974) and Eight Folk Song Arrangements (1976).
Osian Gwynn Ellis; Peter Pears
by Nigel Luckhurst
bromide print, 17 June 1976
NPG x15265
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